With IMT interviews fast approaching, we have partnered with Optimise Interviews to publish free resources for anyone who has interviews upcoming! They have provided the below video and article for Mind the Bleep users. This resource contains top tips for the IMT clinical station, delivered by past Dr Balrik Kailey – Cardiology ST6 and Cardiology Lead at Optimise Interviews.
They have also provided a discount code unique to Mind the Bleep which you can access through our discounts page.
The Clinical Station
Preparing effectively for the clinical station is crucial given the points available and how effectively it correlates with overall success for trainees. It’s also one that many applicants overlook as they feel they get enough practice in their clinical roles. Remember being a good clinician and explaining on a zoom call how you would be a good clinician are two very different things. We exclusively focus on the latter- no long teaching videos, only high yield facts and structured answers for your interview.
Some Key Principles for Clinical Station Preparation:
- Breadth over Depth: IMT focuses on a wide range of common conditions rather than subspecialty-level detail. Be familiar with the routine emergencies (e.g., pneumonia, electrolyte disturbances) and some more nuanced, but clinically common situations (e.g., IBD flares, managing complex hypertension).
- Structured Frameworks: Approach each scenario methodically, ensuring that you outline core investigations, immediate management steps, and specific criteria that indicate escalation or referral. Structure will help your examiners follow your train of thought.
Developing a Consistent Structure:
- Identify Core ‘Cannot Miss’ Points:
- Aim to have three essential facts or steps ready for each condition.
- These points should reflect crucial investigations (e.g., AKI screen including bloods, urine dip, imaging), urgent management decisions (e.g., when to seek dialysis), and key safety considerations (e.g., recognizing complete heart block on ECG and calling cardiology promptly).
- Add Five-Star Details for Excellence:
- Once you’ve covered the core essentials, highlight an additional three “five-star” points.
- These might include real-world considerations such as:
- Involving the wider team: Setting clear parameters for nursing staff to escalate care if certain criteria are met (e.g., urine output thresholds in AKI).
- Anticipating Complications: Adjusting medications according to a patient’s new renal function or considering underlying etiologies (e.g., amyloid in younger patients with complete heart block).
- Optimizing Care Environments: Understanding when a patient requires higher-level monitoring, such as moving a bradycardic patient to CCU for potential isoprenaline infusion or temporary pacing.
Final Thoughts:
The IMT clinical station tests both your knowledge and your ability to think like a safe, pragmatic clinician. Using frameworks and then enhancing your answers with practical five-star insights, you can showcase an understanding that is not just reciting textbook management.
Start your preparation early and remember that a well-structured, confident approach sets you apart from other candidates and lays the foundation for success in your IMT journey.
Our “Clinical Station” video libraries are specifically designed for IMTs preparing for interview, you can check them out at optimiseinterviews.com
