The Medical School Panel Interview in Canada: What to Expect & How to Stand Out

If you’re applying to Canadian medical schools, chances are you’ll face some form of interview—but not all schools use the same format. While the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) is growing in popularity, many respected programs—including Western, uOttawa, Queen’s, and the University of Saskatchewan—still rely on the more traditional panel interview format.

A panel interview typically involves one to three interviewers asking a mix of personal, ethical, and healthcare-related questions. It’s your opportunity to dive deeper into your story, your motivations for pursuing medicine, and the qualities that make you a strong candidate. But with longer, more open-ended conversations, it can also feel a bit more daunting.

The good news? With the right preparation and mindset, you can use this format to your advantage. In this guide, I’ll walk through key strategies to help you prepare, practice, and shine in your Canadian medical school panel interview. From understanding the format to building authentic answers and managing nerves on interview day, this article will give you the tools you need to feel confident and in control.

Let’s get started on your path to acing your panel interview—and one step closer to becoming a doctor in Canada.

Unsure if your dream medical school uses the MMI format? Check out our Canadian Medical School Interviews article for more info on what interview format each medical school uses!

Before diving into your prep, it’s important to understand what sets the panel interview apart. Unlike the fast-paced MMI, the panel format is typically a 20–60-minute conversation with one to three interviewers. These interviewers can include physicians, professors, admissions committee members, or even current medical students.

The structure may vary—some panels follow a strict set of questions, while others are more conversational and dynamic. Either way, the goal remains the same: to assess your motivation for medicine, ethical reasoning, communication skills, professionalism, and overall suitability for the field.

This format allows for a deeper exploration of your personal experiences, so expect follow-up questions and opportunities to expand on your responses. Schools like Western, uOttawa, and the University of Saskatchewan continue to use this approach to get a holistic sense of who you are beyond your GPA and MCAT.

Understanding the format helps you prepare with purpose—and walk in feeling more confident on interview day.

A. Know Your Application Inside Out

Panel interviewers often ask questions drawn directly from your personal statement, extracurriculars, and reference letters. Be ready to elaborate on everything you’ve submitted. Reflect on key experiences—volunteering, research, shadowing—and consider what they taught you about healthcare, resilience, empathy, and personal growth.
Think about how your journey so far has shaped your desire to pursue medicine and be prepared to speak about it with depth and sincerity.

B. Practice Common Panel Interview Questions

Unlike the MMI, panel interviews allow for longer, follow-up conversations. Practice answering common questions like:

• “Why do you want to be a doctor?”
• “Tell us about a time you faced failure.”
• “How do you handle conflict?”

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure behavioral answers and keep your responses clear and compelling.

C. Read and Reflect on Healthcare Issues

Stay informed about Canadian healthcare topics such as MAiD (Medical Assistance in Dying), Indigenous health disparities, rural access to care, and the debate around private healthcare options. Think critically about these issues and be ready to express a well-reasoned opinion, supported by empathy and ethical awareness. Reading medical ethics case studies and following Canadian healthcare news will help enhance your awareness of these topics. Beyond the links included here – both are easily searchable on Google!

Solid preparation makes your answers more impactful—and helps you walk in feeling confident and grounded.

One of the biggest advantages of the panel interview format is the chance to go deeper with your answers and connect more personally with your interviewers. But to stand out, your responses need to be genuine, reflective and well-structured. Here’s how to get there:

A. Avoid Over-Rehearsed Responses

It’s important to prepare—but not script—your answers. Panel interviewers want to see how you think and communicate in real-time. If your responses sound memorized or robotic, it can come across as inauthentic. Instead, focus on themes and talking points that you can adapt naturally to different questions.

B. Use Personal Stories to Highlight Key Qualities

The most memorable answers often come from real-life experiences. Whether you’re talking about teamwork, compassion, or perseverance, back it up with a personal story that shows—rather than tells—your strengths. Think about meaningful moments where you demonstrated qualities that align with the values of a good physician (also known as the CanMEDS framework).

C. Practice Active Listening and Thoughtful Responses

In a panel setting, it’s just as important to listen well as it is to speak clearly. Stay present, make eye contact, and take a brief moment to reflect before responding—especially to complex or unexpected questions. This shows maturity and confidence.
The goal isn’t perfection—it’s to show that you’re authentic, thoughtful, and ready for the responsibilities of a career in medicine.

You’ve done the prep—now it’s time to show up with confidence and professionalism. Here are a few key strategies to help you make a great impression on panel interview day at Canadian medical schools.

A. First Impressions Matter

From the moment you walk into the room (or log onto Zoom), your demeanor sets the tone. Dress in professional, business-formal attire that aligns with the expectations of a future healthcare professional. Greet each interviewer with a smile and good posture.

B. Managing Nerves

It’s totally normal to feel anxious. To stay grounded, practice deep breathing, mindfulness, or power posing before the interview. Try reframing your nerves as excitement: this is your chance to share your story and connect with future mentors.

C. Be Professional but Personable

Balance professionalism with approachability. Show warmth, humility, and gratitude throughout the conversation. If something throws you off, pause, gather your thoughts, and respond with honesty and composure—interviewers respect resilience and self-awareness.

Acing your panel interview for Canadian medical school isn’t about having the “right” answers—it’s about showing who you are, how you think, and why you’re ready for a career in medicine. By understanding the format, preparing thoughtfully, and communicating with authenticity, you’ll be well on your way to making a strong impression.

Remember: panel interviews are conversations, not interrogations. Practice regularly, reflect on your journey, and stay informed on key healthcare issues. Be confident in your experiences and stay true to your values—because that’s what admissions committees are really looking for.

With preparation, self-awareness, and a genuine desire to serve others, you can excel in your panel interview and take one step closer to your dream of becoming a doctor in Canada. You’ve got this!

Have other questions about Canadian medical school admissions? Check out these articles!

• Is Your MCAT Score Competitive for Canadian Med Schools?
• The CASPer Test in Canada: Everything You Need to Know
• Applying to Canadian Medical Schools: Timelines, Deadlines & How to Get Started
• How to Navigate the Canadian Medical School Application Process
• MMI Questions and Strategies for Canadian Med Schools