ucl interview qs Flashcards
ucl cancer institute research - CAR T cells
attended the “Transforming Cancer Care: UCL Research Innovations and Discoveries” talk for World Cancer Day 2025. I was interested most by Dr Paul Maciocia’s research, into CAR-T cells, and using them as a therapy for treatment of leukaemia and lymphoma + B cell malignancies. His research focuses on using CAR-T cells, already established treatment for B cells, to T cells, which is harder, as T cells, share similar surface markers to healthy body cells, and therefore healthy body cells could be attacked as a side effect and makes it harder to selectively target the cancerous cells. I was drawn to this research, as oncology and research into new and more effective treatments for cancer, specifically preventative cancer care, is an aspect of research i am really interested in.
nhs core values = ucl focuses on
- everyone counts
- respect + dignity
- compassion
- working together for patients
- commitment to quality of care
- imrpoving lives
+ making sure to have digital and technological literacy
“Tell us about a recent medical or healthcare-related discovery or advancement that intrigued you. What was it, and why did it spark your interest?”
One recent discovery that intrigued me is the use of CAR T Cells as a treatment for leukaemia, lymphoma and type b malignancies. It has the potential to treat cancers, and instead of killing the tumour cells, which can kill other body cells and have very extreme side effects of chemotherapy and radiation, by using CAR T cells, it produces an immune response, and instead uses the immune system to recognise the tumour cells as foreign, and therefore treat the cancer that way instead. I find it fascinating because it can not only provide treatments for long term illnesses, such as leukaemia and lymphoma, but also revolutionize patient outcomes and success of cancer treatment with less harsh side effects by using personalised medicine. The ethical considerations around the accessibility and availability of the CAR T cell treatment also make it a rich topic for debate, and it’s a perfect example of how advancements in science directly impact healthcare.
Why do you want to study medicine, and how have your past academic experiences prepared you for this course?
For me, i feel that medicine is a perfect combination of my passion for science and my desire to make a difference in other people’s lives. I’ve always been fascinated by how the human body works and how medical professionals use science to diagnose and treat diseases, but also how medical advancements can be used to change not just an individual’s life, but a whole community as well. I witnessed this myself through my experience when shadowing the general surgery ward at my local hospital, such as the effect of the advancements of surgical scopes, on patient outcomes in laparoscopic surgery. The effect of a compassionate and emotionally intelligent doctor on patient care is also a part of medicine that is very attractive to me, and i saw the value of those qualities during my grandfather’s battle with small lung cancer, and as he had stage 4 cancer, a lot of the doctor’s role in his treatment was making him feel comfortable, which they were very effective at. The intellectual challenge of solving and diagnosing health issues is also an aspect of medicine I am drawn to and is why I am passionate to pursue a career in medicine as well.
I was very lucky to be able to develop my passion for science and broaden my knowledge i have learnt from taking Biology and Chemistry A Level by being selected to take part in the STEM SMART programme, which is a 2 year programme preparing students for STEM based university degrees, and throughout my experience in the programme, i found that the application of the knowledge i learn, in real life scenarios, and the problem solving aspect is a major part in my interest into medicine as a career.
“Can you describe a piece of healthcare research or a topic in medicine that you would like to explore further? What about it excites you?”
I would love to explore the field of immunotherapy for cancer treatment. The way the immune system can be harnessed to target and destroy cancer cells is revolutionary. I’m excited by the potential of this approach to provide personalized treatments with fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy. The rapid progress in this field is exciting, and I would like to contribute to further advancements in this area.”
What motivated you to pursue a career in healthcare, and what do you believe will be the most rewarding aspect of this profession?”
“My motivation comes from a deep desire to help others and contribute to improving people’s quality of life. The most rewarding aspect of a healthcare career, to me, is the ability to make a tangible difference in a patient’s life, whether it’s through direct treatment or offering emotional support during challenging times. The intellectual challenge and problem solving aspect of a career in medicine is a part of medicine i am very interested in, and a motivation behind my ambition to pursue a career in medicine, as the ability to use my scientific knowledge, and practically see the effect it has on individual’s lives, is a part of medicine that is incredibly rewarding to me. Additionally, the opportunity for continuous learning due to the dynamic nature of medicine, and advancements in medical knowledge excites me, and are my main motivations for pursuing a career in medicine.
Do you think you have a good understanding of the realities of working in healthcare? What do you think will be the most challenging part of this career?”
Yes, I understand that working in healthcare requires dedication, resilience, and the ability to work under pressure. From my time shadowing the general surgery team at my local hospital, and through the experience and advice from other junior doctors and surgeons in the hospital, I was shown the realistic aspects of being a doctor, and being able to manage the demanding and emotionally challenging aspect of being a doctor, especially due to the sheer amount of responsibility doctors have. This was emphasised through my reading of a book by Adam Kay called “This is going to hurt”, which taught an important lesson of the devastating effects of not being able to cope with the highly demanding nature of medicine. My biggest learning point of the advice i was given, was the importance of having an effective outlet and support system to help combat the high stress environment of medicine. The most challenging part of this career will likely be managing the emotional toll that comes with patient care, especially in cases where outcomes are not ideal. Balancing the emotional demands with maintaining professionalism will be crucial, but I believe the support systems and teamwork within healthcare settings, and having support from friends and family, can help navigate these challenges.”
“Tell us about a time when you reflected on your motivation for choosing a healthcare career. What did you learn from that experience?”
During my volunteering at a hospital, I spent time with elderly patients who had long-term conditions, on the general surgery ward at my local hospital. One patient, in particular, opened up about their struggles with chronic pain and how important it was for them to have someone listen and provide reassurance and support. That experience reinforced my motivation to pursue medicine, as I realized that healthcare isn’t just about treating the body, but also about offering emotional and psychological support to those in need, and the significant importance of holistic care in medicine.”
“You’re faced with a situation where a patient refuses to take the prescribed treatment because they believe in an alternative method. How would you approach this situation?”
I would first listen to the patient’s concerns without judgment to understand why they prefer the alternative method. I would then explain the medical treatment’s evidence-based benefits, and what may be the risks of not taking it, while respecting their viewpoint. My approach would be to provide clear, accurate information in a compassionate manner and explore possible compromises, such as integrating some alternative approaches with medical treatment. Ensuring the patient feels heard and informed, whilst also prioritising patient outcomes and care would be my priority
Imagine you’re in a group discussing a case study, and two colleagues suggest opposing solutions. How would you help mediate the discussion and find a resolution?”
I would encourage both colleagues to present their solutions and the reasoning behind them. I’d listen carefully to each perspective, ensuring everyone feels heard. By asking questions, I would try to understand the underlying factors that make each solution appealing. I would then try to synthesize both ideas, incorporating the strengths of each, and suggest a compromise or further investigation to reach a consensus, to make sure the most effective decision is reached, whilst respecting both colleague’s solutions.
You’re asked to prioritize patients in a busy clinic. How would you make decisions about who to see first when time is limited?”
I would prioritize patients based on the severity of their condition, and triage them based off of that, giving immediate attention to those with life-threatening or urgent needs. I would also consider factors like the complexity of the case, potential for deterioration, and the resources available. I would strive to be transparent with patients, which is a quality of a doctor emphasised by the GMC’s good medical practice document, by domain 4’s detail into the importance of transparency in the trust of a doctor-patient relationship. I would also explain the reasoning behind my decision, to prevent any bias in patient selection or prioritisation and ensure that everyone receives the care they need in a timely manner.
In your opinion, what are the core values a healthcare professional should uphold? Can you give an example of a situation where you demonstrated these values?”
I believe healthcare professionals should uphold values like empathy, integrity, and respect for patient autonomy. An example of demonstrating these values was during my volunteer work at a care home, where I helped elderly residents with their daily activities. I always made sure to treat them with dignity, respect their personal choices, and listen attentively to their concerns. It reinforced the importance of treating patients as individuals with unique needs and perspectives.”
If you were working as part of a healthcare team, and one of your colleagues acted unprofessionally, how would you handle the situation?”
“I would address the issue with the colleague privately, expressing my concerns in a respectful and non-confrontational manner. I would try to understand their perspective, and if necessary, provide constructive feedback on how their behavior might affect the team or patient care. If the behavior continues, I would escalate the issue to a senior professional, as maintaining a professional environment is critical to providing the best patient care.”
How do you think you would balance the pressures of patient care with maintaining professional boundaries and ethical behavior?”
Balancing patient care with professionalism requires clear boundaries and self-awareness. I would ensure to manage my emotional responses by seeking support from colleagues when needed. By maintaining open communication with patients and their families, I can provide compassionate care while keeping the necessary professional distance. Continuous reflection on my practice and learning from mentors would help me navigate difficult situations while maintaining ethical standards.
Tell us about a time when you worked in a team to solve a problem. What was your role, and how did you contribute to the team’s success?”
During a group project in school, we were tasked with researching a complex topic. I took the initiative to divide the work based on each team member’s strengths and coordinated our progress. I made sure we communicated regularly and helped facilitate discussions when the team faced difficulties. By fostering collaboration, we produced a comprehensive presentation that was well-received by our professor.”
Describe a situation where you were in a leadership role. How did you manage the team, and what did you learn from the experience?”
As a team leader for a community fundraising event, I delegated tasks based on individual strengths and ensured everyone had clear responsibilities. I communicated regularly to check in on progress and offered help when needed. The event was a success, and I learned the importance of being adaptable, clear in communication, and supportive of my team members to maintain morale.”
In a healthcare setting, team dynamics can sometimes be challenging. How would you handle a situation where there is conflict or disagreement within your team?”
I would first listen to each team member’s perspective to understand the root of the conflict. I would encourage open communication and ensure that everyone feels heard. If necessary, I’d facilitate a discussion to help the team come to a consensus while focusing on the common goal of providing the best patient care. Respect for diverse viewpoints and finding common ground is crucial in resolving conflict.”
You have to explain a complex medical condition to a patient who has little understanding of medical terms. How would you ensure they understand?”
I would use simple, everyday language and analogies to explain the condition. I would break down complex concepts into smaller parts, ensuring I check for understanding along the way. I would encourage the patient to ask questions and provide written information or resources they can refer to later. It’s important to ensure they feel empowered to make informed decisions about their care.”
Can you describe a situation where you had to communicate sensitive information? How did you approach it?”
During my volunteering at a hospital, I observed a healthcare professional deliver news about a terminal diagnosis to a family. They did so with great care, ensuring the family had time to process and ask questions. This experience showed me how crucial it is to deliver sensitive information with compassion, clarity, and support. If faced with a similar situation, I would prioritize empathy and ensure the family is supported.”
If you were working in a busy healthcare environment and had to quickly communicate important information to a colleague, how would you ensure the message was clear and accurate?”
“I would ensure the message is concise, focusing on key facts that need immediate attention. I would confirm understanding by asking the colleague to repeat the information or clarify any doubts. In a busy setting, clear and direct communication is essential, and I’d use tools like written notes or digital systems to document the key points for reference.”
ucl teaching style + why ucl
Since around 2016, UCL has adopted an integrated teaching style, incorporating Problem-Based Learning (PBL) and flipped learning, as highlighted by Dr. Marina Gonzalez in her article about the benefits for Year 1 applied medical students. PBL encourages creativity, independence, and innovation, focusing on developing problem-solving skills and communication rather than just memorizing facts. In flipped learning, students watch lectures independently before attending tutorials to discuss private study and apply what they’ve learned, with teachers facilitating to ensure learning outcomes are met.
UCL’s reputation for academic excellence, global influence, and world-class research is a major draw. Their forward-thinking approach includes being the first medical school to admit women. The use of full-body dissection in teaching anatomy provides a real, 3D understanding of human structures, offering a more accurate perspective than textbooks or computer models. This also fosters a sense of respect and detachment, as students treat the cadaver as their first patient.
UCL’s location in vibrant, diverse London adds to its appeal, with numerous teaching hospitals that are tertiary centres and would provide diverse and complex cases to aid learning, such as UCLH, and societies offering students a chance to engage with people from all walks of life, making us more well-rounded individuals, and providing us with the privilege to learn from other students with all types of experiences.
diff between empathy and sympathy
Empathy involves putting yourself in someone else’s shoes and experiencing or understanding their emotions from their perspective. It means deeply connecting with another person’s feelings, whether positive or negative, and responding with care and compassion. Empathetic individuals understand what someone else is going through and may be moved to help or offer support based on that understanding.
Example: A doctor who empathizes with a patient would understand the fear and anxiety the patient feels about their diagnosis and would respond in a way that acknowledges those feelings and offers comfort or understanding.
Sympathy, on the other hand, is feeling pity or sorrow for someone else’s misfortune, but not necessarily sharing their emotional experience. It is more about recognizing another person’s hardship, but from a more detached perspective. Sympathy involves caring, but often from an external or “observer” standpoint.
Example: A doctor who sympathizes with a patient might feel sorry for them but may not be as personally affected or deeply engaged with the patient’s emotional state as an empathetic doctor would.
If you had £10 million to spend on either finding a cure for dementia, finding a cure for prostate cancer, or understanding further the link between exercise and obesity, which of these 3 options would you invest your money in? What further information do you need before coming to a final decision?
This is a difficult decision, as each of these areas has significant implications for public health. The ideal choice would depend on several factors, such as current gaps in research, the potential impact of new discoveries, and the long-term benefits. Here’s a breakdown of considerations for each option:
Cure for Dementia: Dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, affects millions worldwide, and its prevalence is rising as populations age. The financial and social costs of dementia are immense. Finding a cure or effective treatment could dramatically improve quality of life for many individuals and reduce the strain on healthcare systems. However, dementia is a complex disease with a variety of causes, making it a challenging area for breakthrough treatments.
Cure for Prostate Cancer: Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men, and while there have been advancements in treatment, a definitive cure for all stages of prostate cancer is still lacking. Investment in this area could benefit a large population, especially as early detection and personalized treatments continue to evolve. However, the survival rates for prostate cancer have been improving with current treatments, and the focus may need to be on improving treatment for advanced cases.
Link Between Exercise and Obesity: Obesity is a major risk factor for many chronic conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Understanding the precise relationship between exercise and obesity could lead to better prevention strategies and improve public health outcomes globally. The knowledge gained could be applied not just to obesity, but also to overall well-being, potentially leading to healthier populations and reducing long-term healthcare costs.
To make an informed decision about where to invest £10 million, several factors need to be considered:
- Current State of Research: What progress has been made and what challenges remain in each area? Are there recent breakthroughs that make funding more urgent?
- Potential Impact: Which area could benefit the most people in the long run? For example, understanding the link between exercise and obesity could tackle multiple chronic diseases.
- Cost of Development: How far can £10 million go? Complex diseases like dementia may need larger, long-term investments, while research into obesity might yield quicker results.
- Public Health Urgency: Which condition is currently placing the most strain on public health or has the greatest need for new solutions?
In the absence of more specific data, investing in the link between exercise and obesity could have the broadest, long-term public health benefits, addressing the root causes of many chronic diseases. However, if a specific condition like dementia or prostate cancer has a more urgent need for breakthroughs, funding priorities may shift.
why is confidentiality important?
Confidentiality is essential for several reasons:
- Trust and Respect: It builds trust between patients and healthcare professionals, encouraging patients to share important health information for better care.
- Patient Autonomy: It allows patients to control who accesses their personal information, supporting their right to make informed decisions.
- Legal and Ethical Requirements: Confidentiality is legally protected, and violating it can have legal consequences. It’s an ethical duty for professionals to maintain privacy.
- Preventing Stigmatization or Harm: Keeping information confidential helps prevent social stigma and emotional distress.
- Professional Integrity: It demonstrates a commitment to ethical behaviour and respect for patient rights.
In summary, confidentiality fosters trust, supports patient rights, meets legal and ethical standards, prevents harm, and upholds professional integrity.
why ucl ? unique ?
UCL’s medical program offers full-body dissection, which is considered one of the most engaging and beneficial components of the preclinical phase of study. It allows students to directly explore the human anatomy in a hands-on, practical way, enhancing understanding beyond theoretical knowledge. This practical experience is invaluable for students pursuing a career in medicine, as it provides a real-world foundation for later clinical practice.
In addition, UCL includes a compulsory integrated year, which gives students the opportunity to focus on a specific subject of their choice. This year allows for deeper exploration of a particular area of interest, enabling students to tailor their education and delve into topics or specialities that are personally meaningful or professionally relevant. This aspect of the program is beneficial for students who want to develop expertise in a specific field or pursue research projects.
The teaching style in the preclinical years at UCL is heavily theory-based, which, for me, is particularly advantageous. A strong theoretical foundation makes it easier to apply knowledge later in the program, especially as students move into more hands-on, clinical stages. Understanding core concepts early on ensures that students are better equipped to handle complex, real-world scenarios in the later years of their education.
Finally, UCL’s location in the heart of London is an incredible advantage. As one of the largest and most prestigious universities in the world, UCL provides a vast array of opportunities. From access to world-class hospitals and research facilities to a rich network of diverse professionals, the university’s location opens doors to countless academic, professional, and extracurricular activities. This unique environment ensures that students can gain exposure to a wide range of experiences, setting them up for success in their future careers.
Topics interview assesses
Academic and scientific curiosity and interest in healthcare.
• Motivation for and understanding of a career in medicine.
• Problem solving and reasoning ability.
• Professional attitudes and values, including factors such as flexibility, integrity, empathy, honesty, conscientiousness, and compassion.
• Teamwork, leadership, resilience, and individual strengths
• Communication skills including verbal and listening skills.
Common qs
Please tell us about one of the most memorable aspects of your work experience.
• How might medical school help students to become resilient doctors?
• Why do you want to study at UCL?
• What do you think will be the biggest advance in healthcare in the next 10 years?
• Imagine that you are working in a GP reception and a patient comes to complain about the waiting
time. What would you do?
