Communication performance in the career medical interview: a new model for preparation

© 2016 Dr. Raymond Frederick SwannThe career medical interview is rare in that it is a central discriminator for aspirant doctors and trainees. Not only does the outcome determine the future job prospects for the candidate, but it also decides access to continued education and training. Despite the importance of the interview and these tensions, little training is provided to aspirants and there are often conflicting messages. Furthermore, the interview is not a reliable test measure; it is susceptible to a range of bias and rating difficulties. Additionally, the number of places is outweighed by the number of potential applicants, hence adding further tension to the process. One possible outcome of the lack of training programs specific to the career medical interview is the susceptibility to impression management. Impression management is where a candidate intentionally influences the outcome of an interview by engaging in the active manipulation of their image portrayal. At worst, candidates might engage in faking (where facts are made up or deceitful responses are given). Presently, little is known about the impact or strategies of medical candidates and impression management in the career medical interview. It is known that a key factor in successful career interview performance is the management of anxiety. Too often, anxiety in regards to the interview or communication apprehension can cause distorted behaviour. This may result in excellent candidates being unsuccessful not because they may not be the best candidates, but because they were unable to manage their anxiety sufficiently well. This can result in clinical and training impacts if the wrong candidates are selected. This thesis successfully proposes a new model for communication training for the career medical interview to address these tensions. Drawing on the body of research known as applied theatre, a new training model is developed and tested using psychometric scales designed to measure anxiety. Kirkpatrick’s model of measuring training effect is utilised. This thesis also draws new insight into existing training strategies used by candidates undertaking interviews in Australian medical contexts as well as capturing data in regards to impression management being utilised by currently successful surgical trainees