Why Interviewers Use Role-Play Scenarios

Role-play scenarios are becoming a common feature in medical school interviews. They allow interviewers to assess qualities that are essential for doctors, such as communication skills, empathy, professionalism, and ethical reasoning. These exercises may involve breaking bad news, apologising for a mistake, or navigating a challenging conversation.

It’s important to note that, while some scenarios may be medically based—such as delivering news about a medical error or a patient’s diagnosis—most will not require any medical knowledge. Candidates are not expected to have clinical expertise at this stage. For example, you might be asked to apologise to a neighbour for accidentally running over their cat, or explain why the goldfish died while they were away. These everyday situations are designed to test your communication, empathy, and ability to handle difficult conversations, rather than your clinical knowledge.

Common Mistakes

A frequent mistake candidates make is rushing straight into delivering the news or apology without setting the scene. Doing so can make the interaction feel abrupt, reduce trust, and prevent the actor from responding naturally. The key is to structure your approach carefully and deliberately.

How to Tackle Role-Play Scenarios

1. Set the Scene and Build Rapport

Start by establishing a connection with the actor. Ask neutral, friendly questions to help them feel comfortable and give you context:

• “How was your trip?”

• “What was your favourite part?”

• “How has your day been?”

Why this matters: Building rapport demonstrates empathy, shows that you value the other person, and makes the difficult conversation that follows easier to manage. It also mirrors real-life doctor-patient interactions where trust and relationship are crucial.

2. Prepare the Environment

Before delivering difficult news, create a safe and private setting:

• Give a “warning shot”: “I need to tell you something difficult, would you like to go somewhere quieter?”

• Offer a seat and ask if they would like anyone else present.

This step demonstrates respect and helps the actor feel supported.

3. Deliver the News

When it’s time to break the news or apologise:

• Be direct but sensitive. Avoid euphemisms like “they’re in a better place,” which can cause confusion.

• Speak clearly and calmly.

For example:

• “I’m very sorry, but your cat was injured and did not survive.”

• “I need to let you know that there was an error with your test results.”

4. Allow a Reaction

After delivering the news, pause and allow the actor to respond. They may:

• Be angry, sad, confused, or shocked

• Sit in silence

Do not interrupt or immediately launch into explanations. Instead, acknowledge their feelings:

• “I can see that you are very upset.”

• “I understand this is very difficult news to hear.”

5. Respond Appropriately and Empathetically

Let the actor lead the conversation from this point. Answer their questions, clarify where needed, and provide support. Remember: apologising is not an admission of responsibility, but an acknowledgment of the difficulty they are facing.

6. Offer Support or Next Steps

Only if appropriate, suggest ways to help manage the situation:

• Offer practical support: “Would you like me to call someone for you?”

• Suggest follow-up: “I can check back later to see how you are doing, or you can reach me if you have any further questions.”

• In family situations: “If you want, I can be there when you tell your children.”

This demonstrates responsibility, empathy, and the ability to provide ongoing support.

Key Principles to Remember

1. Structure matters: Set the scene → Build rapport → Prepare the environment → Deliver the news → Allow a reaction → Respond empathetically → Offer support.

2. Empathy is crucial: Recognise and verbalise the other person’s emotions.

3. Be direct, not euphemistic: Clear, sensitive language avoids misunderstandings.

4. Pause and listen: Let the actor respond naturally before explaining or defending yourself.

5. Offer support without overstepping: Provide practical help and follow-up options when appropriate.

Final Advice

Role-play scenarios test your communication, empathy, and professionalism, not your medical knowledge. Practicing everyday examples—like apologising for a mishap or delivering disappointing news in a personal context—can help you apply the same skills in a medical scenario later. Remember, the goal is to show empathy, build trust, and respond thoughtfully, which are core qualities of a future doctor.