University of Toronto Application Thread

[1ive2die]

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I must disagree with this a little... hypothetically, if someone barely met the PCAT cutoff and also barely surpassed the GPA cutoff will get an interview. But, this person, regardless of how exceedingly well they do on the interview, will most likely NOT gain admission because of poor PCAT and GPA... they even mentioned in the invitation documents that they can (and probably will) increase PCAT cutoffs after interviews to weed out people.


example: person with PCAT composite of 20 (who passed all cutoffs), and this person also has a 70% GPA (with all prerequisites), and this person also does well on interview... do you think that this person has a good chance of getting admitted?

I don't mean to be pessimistic here, nor am I trying to scare people who have low-ish PCAT and/or GPA... I'm just saying that I doubt UofT would admit people with really low PCAT and GPAs solely because they did well on interview... rather they should be looking for well rounded people with good/strong academic background AND good communication (or "soft") skills.

I don't know, you would be surprised how many people absolutely suck at interviews (or speaking of any kind), I would think those people would be cut before anyone else. I think GPA and PCAT would be a factor if your interview is moderate but if someone really nails the interview out of the park then I see no reason why they wouldn't gain admission.

I know its not the same thing, but with many jobs, once you make it to the interview, you are pretty much just judged on the interview itself and how much they like you.

Even Waterloo Pharmacy doesn't look at your admissions profile again once you make it to the interview stage so I wouldn't undercut how much the interview can play a role in the admissions process.

 

[RocketJumper]

I must disagree with this a little... hypothetically, if someone barely met the PCAT cutoff and also barely surpassed the GPA cutoff will get an interview. But, this person, regardless of how exceedingly well they do on the interview, will most likely NOT gain admission because of poor PCAT and GPA... they even mentioned in the invitation documents that they can (and probably will) increase PCAT cutoffs after interviews to weed out people.


example: person with PCAT composite of 20 (who passed all cutoffs), and this person also has a 70% GPA (with all prerequisites), and this person also does well on interview... do you think that this person has a good chance of getting admitted?

I don't mean to be pessimistic here, nor am I trying to scare people who have low-ish PCAT and/or GPA... I'm just saying that I doubt UofT would admit people with really low PCAT and GPAs solely because they did well on interview... rather they should be looking for well rounded people with good/strong academic background AND good communication (or "soft") skills.

That situation may very well happen if a candidate's PCAT composite is extremely low and/or cGPA is at or near cut off. If that's the case perhaps they didn't study enough for the PCAT, maybe the profession's just not right for them, or maybe they just had really bad luck on exam day, drank too much coffee and got the jitters .

If I were in that situation I would still prefer to be invited to an interview. Reason is if I do well, even if I do not get offered initial admission, at least I can be wait listed right? Historically the wait list moves a fair bit too. Also, some candidates who look 'godlike' on paper may have trouble when it comes to communication or problem-solving. When PCAT/cGPA/and MMIs are all taken together, a candidate with average PCAT/cGPA and excellent MMIs will stand a good chance against one with excellent PCAT/cGPA and poor/moderate MMI.

If you're in a situation where you really doubt you'll get admission even if you perform well on the interview, and feel that travel would be expensive (e.g. you need to take a plane rather than drive downtown if already live in Toronto) you have the option of just not going.

Ultimately an interview invite gives me a choice where a rejection doesn't. The ball's in my hand and I can choose to not go if I feel I have no chance and if it would be too expensive. Or if I live close, I can still choose to go just to gain experience (either way I'll be out 300$ so might as well get the most out of it 🙄).

 

[chemtai]

I think I'm at that time too

Congratulations to those who got the interview! 🙂

btw does anyone know how many people got the interview? people are saying 500, or 600, but the applicant pool was apparently just over 600...

How would you prepare the interview?

 

[chemtai]

What else should we do after getting the interview invitation?

 

[PharMarley]

I know its not the same thing, but with many jobs, once you make it to the interview, you are pretty much just judged on the interview itself and how much they like you.

Do people that have been to MMI before care to share some techniques that may have helped/hindered you?👍

 

[deleted287769]

To University of Toronto students,

Do you know if the 89 Chestnut residency is also a hotel? I'm trying to look for cheap places near campus. Emphasis on the word, cheap. Can you guys suggest alternatives?

Thanks much-ly.

 

[N20TO]

To University of Toronto students,

Do you know if the 89 Chestnut residency is also a hotel? I'm trying to look for cheap places near campus. Emphasis on the word, cheap. Can you guys suggest alternatives?

Thanks much-ly.

Planning residence might be thinking too far ahead. If you are looking for a cheap place, Chestnut is definitely the opposite route. You will likely get a room at graduate house if you get accepted, I think their rents are 600 to 800 bucks a month. If you get accepted, you will get access to U of T student housing websites, which has a lot of posts looking for a roommate, this is the cheaper option.

 

[1ive2die]

Planning residence might be thinking too far ahead. If you are looking for a cheap place, Chestnut is definitely the opposite route. You will likely get a room at graduate house if you get accepted, I think their rents are 600 to 800 bucks a month. If you get accepted, you will get access to U of T student housing websites, which has a lot of posts looking for a roommate, this is the cheaper option.

I don't think the person was planning residence but rather looking for a place to stay during interviews.

 

[N20TO]

then, whoops my bad.

 

[mochaswirl]

ok not a trivial question but....all these notices on pharmsis requiring signatures, (ex. the candidate confirmation/location notice, confidentiality agreement, consent form etc) do they HAVE to be signed once we get there or are we supposed to fill it out beforehand? one of the notices says "your ID will be checked and you will be asked to sign....", which seems a little weird to me, so all we do is print everything, bring it there but not sign it until we're actually there? :S

 

[RedPharmer]

ok not a trivial question but....all these notices on pharmsis requiring signatures, (ex. the candidate confirmation/location notice, confidentiality agreement, consent form etc) do they HAVE to be signed once we get there or are we supposed to fill it out beforehand? one of the notices says "your ID will be checked and you will be asked to sign....", which seems a little weird to me, so all we do is print everything, bring it there but not sign it until we're actually there? :S

well if you read the fine print...

"To be signed in presence of registration officer at check-in"

and one of the sheets had...

"Witness ___________________________ Name (please print) _________________________"

So if you didnt read the fine print..

Yes print everything and bring it and sign it all when your there.

 

[1ive2die]

http://www.thestar.com/news/article/956708--ontario-rolling-out-atm-like-drug-machines

Are any of you guys worried about the demand for pharmacists in the near future, especially in Ontario? The pharmacist that I work with has told me that due to the recent cuts and the number of pharmacists looking for work the salary for new pharmacists has dropped to the level of a RN. I'm sure new technologies like these aren't helping either.

 

[mochaswirl]

http://www.thestar.com/news/article/956708--ontario-rolling-out-atm-like-drug-machines

Are any of you guys worried about the demand for pharmacists in the near future, especially in Ontario? The pharmacist that I work with has told me that due to the recent cuts and the number of pharmacists looking for work the salary for new pharmacists has dropped to the level of a RN. I'm sure new technologies like these aren't helping either.

hah wow, well not unexpected - this is totally where things are headed - drive thru pharmacies, computer drug dispensers etc etc. but like someone said earlier pharmacists do play a huge role in the hospital as well, this is one place that the pharmacist cannot be replaced by a computer. they handle complex cases dealing with patients with multiple diseases and on multiple different medications - this is where a mindless computer cannot and never will replace a real pharmacist.

I currently work at St. Mike's and I know that they are constantly recruiting new pharmacists to work in all the diff't units and I personally don't see the demand lessening. I'm sure this will make it a little harder for us to get jobs but with the new curriculum at uoft - which (i think?) provides some aspect of actual experience in the field, we should be okay.

As well, UBC has increased the number of seats this year, seemingly suggesting that they feel there still is a need for pharmacists, right?

I honestly think this will be only a small hinderance. Salary wise, it sucks but if you like what you're doing then it shouldn't be a big deal right?

 

[1ive2die]

hah wow, well not unexpected - this is totally where things are headed - drive thru pharmacies, computer drug dispensers etc etc. but like someone said earlier pharmacists do play a huge role in the hospital as well, this is one place that the pharmacist cannot be replaced by a computer. they handle complex cases dealing with patients with multiple diseases and on multiple different medications - this is where a mindless computer cannot and never will replace a real pharmacist.

I currently work at St. Mike's and I know that they are constantly recruiting new pharmacists to work in all the diff't units and I personally don't see the demand lessening. I'm sure this will make it a little harder for us to get jobs but with the new curriculum at uoft - which (i think?) provides some aspect of actual experience in the field, we should be okay.

As well, UBC has increased the number of seats this year, seemingly suggesting that they feel there still is a need for pharmacists, right?

I honestly think this will be only a small hinderance. Salary wise, it sucks but if you like what you're doing then it shouldn't be a big deal right?

While I don't disagree with you, the question is not whether if pharmacists are needed but how many. I mean efficiencies through technology are great for business but rarely good for the people working in the actual industry because the job of 3 people could subsequently be done with 1 person with the help of technology.

Also you can't correlate an increase in seats with the demand for pharmacists. Most pharmacy schools would increase their seats tenfold if they were allowed to (more money for them).

 

[druggeek]

Pharmacists have gone from making 100k starting down to what? 60k? wow...

 

[PharMarley]

Pharmacists have gone from making 100k starting down to what? 60k? wow...[/QUOTE

Come on guys!! As it stands you will make above the average annual income. Whats it matter as long as you are in a rewarding career thats apperantly your dream? And NO, pharmacists wont be obsolete. This will just scare future students from the career and then there will be shortage. Then the cycle will continue. Thats just the way things are. My 5 cents!!

Now if anyone has good interview preparation method...please do share if you dont mind!!!

 

[KingOfDoctors]

hi gais why is pharmacy a rewarding career?

 

[helloeveryone]

My logic is that the same way people who are in the fourth year now did NOT know that all these government cuts crap would happen upon their graduation, we as applicants canNOT possibly predict how things will turn out in FOUR years from now.

 

[1ive2die]

Pharmacists have gone from making 100k starting down to what? 60k? wow...

Some have. Not necessarily because the salary has dropped that much but because most new pharmacists can't find a full-time position and are working part-time.

 

[faso123]

what is all this "pharmacy is bad" talk. everyday i keep checking for helpfull info and maybe tips people are sharing for the interviews but all I read is about the horrible future of pharmacist.

i think all that talk is a bit too late now, since most of us have finished the application and are waiting for the interview date (mine is this sunday 😀).

for all the people talking about how bad it will become to be a pharmacist, could you please list all the other options that are apparently soo much better than pharmacy. considering the fact that most of us are science majors (no law school or MBA interest), then your list will not have more than 2 or 3 career choices.

 

[PhArMaCiSt1]

I don't think we should worry about the wages from now because we do have 4 years to go and anything can happen. Besides, for me, i think it is one of the best career paths out there and I truly like it. I'm soo excited for uoft interview and I'm more excited to hopefully get in
Best of luck to all of you who have their interviews in march 🙂

 

[PharMarley]

what is all this "pharmacy is bad" talk. everyday i keep checking for helpfull info and maybe tips people are sharing for the interviews but all I read is about the horrible future of pharmacist.

i think all that talk is a bit too late now, since most of us have finished the application and are waiting for the interview date (mine is this sunday 😀).

for all the people talking about how bad it will become to be a pharmacist, could you please list all the other options that are apparently soo much better than pharmacy. considering the fact that most of us are science majors (no law school or MBA interest), then your list will not have more than 2 or 3 career choices.

Me too this sunday.

 

[faso123]

Me too this sunday.

good luck on sunday and maybe i'll see you there.

For all the people going to the interview but live about a 3-4 hour drive away from Toronto, does anyone think its necessary to spend the night and avoid the drive during the day of the interview.

I’m still thinking whether I should book something for this Saturday. I did it for the pcat, but that was at 8:30am and I did not want to wake up at 4am for it. My interview is at 1pm and my drive is about 4hrs, so im still trying to see if I should, since leaving at 7 or 8 am is not so bad.

 

[pharmacy0]

good luck on sunday and maybe i'll see you there.

For all the people going to the interview but live about a 3-4 hour drive away from Toronto, does anyone think its necessary to spend the night and avoid the drive during the day of the interview.

I’m still thinking whether I should book something for this Saturday. I did it for the pcat, but that was at 8:30am and I did not want to wake up at 4am for it. My interview is at 1pm and my drive is about 4hrs, so im still trying to see if I should, since leaving at 7 or 8 am is not so bad.

Although that would give you plenty of time, I wouldn't risk anything preventing me from getting there on time LOL was it expensive where you booked a stay the first time?

 

[Fightorflight]

http://www.thestar.com/news/article/956708--ontario-rolling-out-atm-like-drug-machines

Are any of you guys worried about the demand for pharmacists in the near future, especially in Ontario? The pharmacist that I work with has told me that due to the recent cuts and the number of pharmacists looking for work the salary for new pharmacists has dropped to the level of a RN. I'm sure new technologies like these aren't helping either.

Seriously what the ****. It's almost like this Premier has a personal vendetta against pharmacists.

Where did you get your information about recent graduate salary?

 

[motziyu]

I have an interview on Saturday and so far to prepare for it i have: reviewed the articles published by Eva et al. and typed up written answers for each 'Station', practiced mock interviews w a friend, and reviewed my credentials/strengths and related it to characteristics seen in good pharmacists. So far, that's all, Im not sure what else to do - Im in the first group to be interviewed so Im extremely nervous. Anyone else in the same boat or have advice? Even if you dont feel comfortable posting int he forum feel free to PM me. Im also open to doing mock interviews with fellow SDNers 👍🙂

 

[motziyu]

oh and Im also brushing up on ethics in pharmacy/health care and current events in pharmacy and the future of pharmacy as a profession.

 

[motziyu]

good luck on sunday and maybe i'll see you there.

For all the people going to the interview but live about a 3-4 hour drive away from Toronto, does anyone think its necessary to spend the night and avoid the drive during the day of the interview.

I’m still thinking whether I should book something for this Saturday. I did it for the pcat, but that was at 8:30am and I did not want to wake up at 4am for it. My interview is at 1pm and my drive is about 4hrs, so im still trying to see if I should, since leaving at 7 or 8 am is not so bad.

hey faso123,

If i were in your shoes i would definitely spend the extra money to stay in toronto for the night - to put things into perspective whats another hundred dollars when we've already spent so much on the application process - I would not want to risk my performance on the interview over that. Hope this helps!

 

[faso123]

I have an interview on Saturday and so far to prepare for it i have: reviewed the articles published by Eva et al. and typed up written answers for each 'Station', practiced mock interviews w a friend, and reviewed my credentials/strengths and related it to characteristics seen in good pharmacists. So far, that's all, Im not sure what else to do - Im in the first group to be interviewed so Im extremely nervous. Anyone else in the same boat or have advice? Even if you dont feel comfortable posting int he forum feel free to PM me. Im also open to doing mock interviews with fellow SDNers 👍🙂

what your doing is very good, and it is pretty much the same I have been doing for my sunday interview.

the only thing i would add is try talking to a pharmacist about some of the ethical situations you can find. I did that and was suprised to find that they still get tested in a similar method to the MMI every 2 or 3 years.
although, the situations they get are much more complicated and different than what we get, it is still close enough and most pharmacist should know alot about it.

the best advice i got from a pharmacist was to never completly agree or disagree with something. we have to explain the positive and negative of the situation and avoid being on one side. he said to only give a small conclusion at the end slightly hinting on which side you might think is better.

 

[motziyu]

Thanks! Ill definitely give my pharmacist a call 🙂

 

[mochaswirl]

Scenario:

You are a pharmacist and you receive a call from a school bus driver who is going for a pre-employment physical test. He asks you about the length of time marijuana remains detectable in the urine.

Ethical principles at work:
1. Your responsibility as a pharmacist to tell the truth/provide drug-related information.

2. Your social responsibility

Question:
What would you do? (i.e. report the driver or not?) and why?

My thoughts were that the pharmacist should answer his question truthfully and perhaps offer him advice on why this would not be the best course of action for his physical examination. The pharmacist could also offer him advice on how else to go about improving his strength for his physical exam.

Alternatively the pharmacist could report his actions and adhere strictly to his/her social responsibility but this would compromise the pharmacist-patient confidentiality and may cause harm to the individual.

Any other thoughts?

btw if anyone is curious, this came from here:
http://www.bmei.org/jbem/volume7/num1/poirier_ethical_issues_in_pharmacy.php

 

[PhArMaCiSt1]

Scenario:

You are a pharmacist and you receive a call from a school bus driver who is going for a pre-employment physical test. He asks you about the length of time marijuana remains detectable in the urine.

Ethical principles at work:
1. Your responsibility as a pharmacist to tell the truth/provide drug-related information.

2. Your social responsibility

Question:
What would you do? (i.e. report the driver or not?) and why?

My thoughts were that the pharmacist should answer his question truthfully and perhaps offer him advice on why this would not be the best course of action for his physical examination. The pharmacist could also offer him advice on how else to go about improving his strength for his physical exam.

Alternatively the pharmacist could report his actions and adhere strictly to his/her social responsibility but this would compromise the pharmacist-patient confidentiality and may cause harm to the individual.

Any other thoughts?

btw if anyone is curious, this came from here:
http://www.bmei.org/jbem/volume7/num1/poirier_ethical_issues_in_pharmacy.php

I agree with your response. It's a tough situation because of the patient confidentiality so all you can really do is be truthful and give the bus driver the correct information while, at the same time, presenting other alternatives to help him see the errors of his ways. I'd like to hear if someone else can come up with other opinions too.

 

[MotherRussia]

I would tell on the driver. Because the guy is responsible for so many lives, not just kids but also adults. There is no point of life without kids(IMO).

sooner or later this guy would end up having alkaloids in his blood. 😱

he is practically like Otto from simpsons.

also its like AIDS you have to tell if you have it, since you put other peoples lives in danger, so confidentially is privelege and can be taken away.

 

[clathrin]

I think I would first tell the driver truthfully about the drugs, then recommend other alternative method to improve his exam. However, there are social responsibilities too. So I would also report the driver.
I believe lives of children are far more important that confidentiality (just my opinion 🙂)

 

[mochaswirl]

i see what you guys are saying, but do you think you can safely draw the conclusion that he also uses drugs while on the job if he is only asking you about it for his exam?

because if he is only using it for the exam then there aren't really any lives at risk. if, however, he does use it on the job then yes i completely agree that you would be obliged to report him.

 

[clathrin]

I have an interview on Saturday and so far to prepare for it i have: reviewed the articles published by Eva et al. and typed up written answers for each 'Station', practiced mock interviews w a friend, and reviewed my credentials/strengths and related it to characteristics seen in good pharmacists. So far, that's all, Im not sure what else to do - Im in the first group to be interviewed so Im extremely nervous. Anyone else in the same boat or have advice? Even if you dont feel comfortable posting int he forum feel free to PM me. Im also open to doing mock interviews with fellow SDNers 👍🙂

Is it possible you can send the link to the full article? I can't seem to find a valid link to them

 

[mochaswirl]

You may need to access it from a university connection that is subscribed to the journal. I would upload it here, however i'm not sure if this goes against any copyright issues.

 

[motziyu]

As a pharmacist it is your duty to hold the well being of your patient to be your primary concern - so like the rest of you guys, i would definitely answer his question to the best of my ability, also I would actively seek out further information for e.g. if the patient understands the side effects of marijuana and how it will affect his job/those surrounding him, any medical conditions he may have/ other drugs he is taking that may interact with the use of marijuana - Like mochaswirl pointed out as a pharmacist we should not be making any decisions at all based on assumptions - its important to get the whole story.

Other issues at hand are the patients right to confidentiality and your right as a pharmacist to take appropriate steps to prevent and act upon the misuse or abuse of substances by patients.
So to make a decision as to whether or not I would report the patient, I would need to obtain more information on the seriousness of the situation, weigh the pros and cons of each decision

But, If I were to decide to use the information obtained during our conversation I would also inform the patient of my decision and to whom or what purpose the patients personal information will be disclosed.

 

[motziyu]

Is it possible you can send the link to the full article? I can't seem to find a valid link to them

you would have to access them through your university, sorry!

 

[motziyu]

Debate: Should Pharmacists be forced to fill legal prescriptions they personally object to on moral ground?

What are your thoughts/opinions?

 

[mochaswirl]

Debate: Should Pharmacists be forced to fill legal prescriptions they personally object to on moral ground?

What are your thoughts/opinions?

I actually read an article about this yesterday.

http://www.examiner.com/humanist-in...ing-drug-by-walgreens-pharmacist?render=print

In Idaho they have implemented the "conscience law", which allows health care professionals to refuse service if it goes against their conscience.

I don't necessarily agree with it. In the case outlined in the article, the pharmacist refused access to a life-saving drug after finding out the p/t had an abortion, which as they point out is mis-use of the law.

I do think pharmacists & other health care professionals are entitled to their opinions and stances on all issues, but if they choose to refuse treatment then they need to ensure that the patient has some other way of going about getting the treatment that they need. For example, for a pharmacist to say that he/she will not fill a prescription because it goes against their own morals, is fine but this would

1) need to be explained to the patient
2) warrant that the pharmacist help the patient find alternative ways to access the drug, perhaps by referring the patient to another pharmacy.

but if the patient is unable to get the drug by some other means then the pharmacist's primary responsibility is to the patient and so they should fill the prescription.

 

[faso123]

I actually read an article about this yesterday.

http://www.examiner.com/humanist-in...ing-drug-by-walgreens-pharmacist?render=print

In Idaho they have implemented the "conscience law", which allows health care professionals to refuse service if it goes against their conscience.

I don't necessarily agree with it. In the case outlined in the article, the pharmacist refused access to a life-saving drug after finding out the p/t had an abortion, which as they point out is mis-use of the law.

I do think pharmacists & other health care professionals are entitled to their opinions and stances on all issues, but if they choose to refuse treatment then they need to ensure that the patient has some other way of going about getting the treatment that they need. For example, for a pharmacist to say that he/she will not fill a prescription because it goes against their own morals, is fine but this would

1) need to be explained to the patient
2) warrant that the pharmacist help the patient find alternative ways to access the drug, perhaps by referring the patient to another pharmacy.

but if the patient is unable to get the drug by some other means then the pharmacist's primary responsibility is to the patient and so they should fill the prescription.

I do not think that a pharmacist or a doctor should be making any decisions for any patient. the job should be to clearly explain the situation and risk of every type of possible treatment. if the patient (or family) decides to take a drug with a 10% success rate instead of a 90% success drug then it is completly their decision and not the pharmacists.

As long as the professional clearly describes the problem and all of the possible solutions. the decision is upto the patient and no one should deny him/her anything unless it involves something illegal. the moral decision, i think, should be 100% upto the patient.

 

[mochaswirl]

I do not think that a pharmacist or a doctor should be making any decisions for any patient. the job should be to clearly explain the situation and risk of every type of possible treatment. if the patient (or family) decides to take a drug with a 10% success rate instead of a 90% success drug then it is completly their decision and not the pharmacists.

As long as the professional clearly describes the problem and all of the possible solutions. the decision is upto the patient and no one should deny him/her anything unless it involves something illegal. the moral decision, i think, should be 100% upto the patient.

True. Although the question (if I understood correctly) was if a pharmacist/health care professional has their own moral/ethical stances, for example if a pharmacist is pro-life, should they be required to put their own moral stances aside for the patient and fill a prescription that may for example, cause a woman to abort her child.

 

[faso123]

True. Although the question (if I understood correctly) was if a pharmacist/health care professional has their own moral/ethical stances, for example if a pharmacist is pro-life, should they be required to put their own moral stances aside for the patient and fill a prescription that may for example, cause a woman to abort her child.

if the woman wants to abort, or is willing to deal with the possibility of it, then the pharmacist has no say at all regardless of what his views are. maybe in different states in the US they have different laws, but im pretty sure here the moral stance of the pharmacist has no say.

 

[RocketJumper]

if the woman wants to abort, or is willing to deal with the possibility of it, then the pharmacist has no say at all regardless of what his views are. maybe in different states in the US they have different laws, but im pretty sure here the moral stance of the pharmacist has no say.

You're both correct. If the patient has a right to the drug then, generally, that drug must be provided.

The pharmacist's duty is to inform the patient about potential ramifications, respond to questions and concerns, and dispense the drug.

Taking these two points into account in the case of a pro-life pharmacist vs a woman wanting drugs for abortion, the woman must be provided the drugs.

The pro-life pharmacist can refuse and defer the woman to another pharmacist who is willing to dispense. mocaswirl mentioned this alternative in her initial response too. If a timely alternative is not possible (e.g. this is happening in some rural setting), then the pharmacist is obliged to set aside his personal views and dispense. This seems to be the stance set by the Canadian courts over the years as there are many precedent setting cases out there on this topic.

Basically, your personal beliefs/conscience can only be considered if 1.you can get the patient the drug through another source and 2. if the delay does not have any negative impact on the patient.

So, if you have a pharmacist in the back who is willing to dispense that's fine, the delay of...1 minute isn't going to have any impact on the patient. If you need to send the patient to another pharmacy, then we enter the gray zone where additional considerations need to be made (e.g. how far is the other pharmacy? Should one consider distance or travel time? Is it fair to the patient who needs to spend time and money to get to the other pharmacy? Is it ok to discriminate between poor patients and ones who can handle the extra trip to the alternate pharmacy? etc.)

If you have strong personal convictions that can result in a moral dilemma like this then the onus is on you to ensure you can provide patients with a timely alternative, otherwise you just have to suck it up! The patient needs the drug for a reason, and if you completely block access to the medication due to a personal conviction, then you're effectively placing you're own conscience (feeling good about yourself) over someone's physical health. Common sense tells us that's morally wrong.

 

[RocketJumper]

Also, good luck to all the candidates going through the MMIs tomorrow and sunday! Hope you all enjoy the process. There are probably going to be a few stations where you develop heat sweats but try not to let that affect you. If it happens take a few deep breaths and refocus yourself.

Remember not to consume too much starch, or other high GI foods right before your interviews! Otherwise you're body switches over to energy storage and blood to the brain gets diverted to the gut and you feel drowsy 😛.

A prof once told me that before long exams (applies to interviews) it's a good idea to eat some protein rich foods such as eggs since they make you feel fuller longer; a grumbling stomach is extremely irritating. Personally I find 2 eggs and a well balanced breakfast keeps me going quiet a long time.

 

[druggeek]

So looking at the competition level of the MMIs, what kind of competition is generally expected ? A solid percentage of applicants to medicine or pharmacy always seem to lack social skills and just cant speak properly (confidently/etc.). And lack the "street smart" part of things that would be required in an interview...

People in this thread are the few that are highly enthusiastic and are much more likely to be more skills socially as well.

So thoughts on the level of competition that is generally expected?

 

[RocketJumper]

So looking at the competition level of the MMIs, what kind of competition is generally expected ? A solid percentage of applicants to medicine or pharmacy always seem to lack social skills and just cant speak properly (confidently/etc.). And lack the "street smart" part of things that would be required in an interview...

People in this thread are the few that are highly enthusiastic and are much more likely to be more skills socially as well.

So thoughts on the level of competition that is generally expected?

It's hard to say since the number of applicants fluctuate every year and this is also the 2nd year UoT is using the MMIs (3rd if you count the pilot year). I think the average MMI score for successful candidates last cycle was 8/10. This meant they performed well in 8 out of 10 stations. I don't remember how well you had to perform on each station though since they vary (maybe well means in the xxth percentile for that station?). Just do your best and forget the rest 😎.

 

[motziyu]

Hey RocketJumper,
I was wondering if there was a particular station that stood out to you as being the most difficult?I have my interview tmr and Im extremely nervous about the debate station.

 

[RocketJumper]

Hey RocketJumper,
I was wondering if there was a particular station that stood out to you as being the most difficult?I have my interview tmr and Im extremely nervous about the debate station.

Hey motziyu,

Sorry, this is my first time too haha. The only advice I can give is to be familiar with pharmacy background and maybe potential subjects of controversy or discussion (e.g. what do you think about the movement to give pharmacists limited ability to proscribe certain medications?). This way you'll have more background knowledge to draw upon if any pharmacy specific situations pop up. But with an MMI, honestly they can concoct any situation they want. Like maybe, on an exam you see someone who is writing with what appears to be notes i.e. you suspect them of cheating. What do you do?

Don't be afraid to think outside the box. If it's a problem solving situation try to come up with more than just the standard response. If I were the examiner who had to sit through endless rotations and someone gave me an out of the box (but logically deduced) answer I'd rank them higher, just my 2 cents.

I don't know how easy it is, but try to figure out what they are trying to test you on. As in the exam cheater example, maybe they're testing your academic honesty/integrity? (<- it's probably never this obvious). Anyways, if you get a sense at what they're trying to test for you can cater your response to address that.

Also, don't be afraid to verbalize your reasoning. Quite often we do all of the logical thinking in the head and just give a response. The examiner can't read your mind so something logical to you may not be obvious to them. Just like how showing your work can net you part marks on an exam, verbalizing your logic and only help you. If your response is flawed because of an incorrect assumption the examiner will at least know how you reached the conclusion and see that you did in fact deduce your response logically. Heck, they may even prompt you by pointing out the mistaken assumption.

Everyone says this and it's common sense. Don't panic and lock up! Sometimes in the heat of the moment you try to process something too fast and just end up tripping over your thoughts and draw a blank. If you catch yourself doing this, just step back take a deep breath and start over. Try to think in a stepwise fashion (cause and effect: The problem is X. This is caused by A, B, and C. A causes X due to ... and we can solve this by... then go on to B, C, etc). Generally this approach works well in problem/solution cases.

Someone mentioned this already (i don't recall who), but you should socialize a bit with your fellow candidates prior to the interview. It allows to you settle down a bit and keep the nerves from creeping up.

Sorry I couldn't be of more help and good luck!