Many students and parents have emailed me asking what the interview in a 'panel format' signifies in terms of changes in entry to the Bond University's Medical Program, so I’ve tried to break it down into this post utilising official resources provided to candidates who had prepared with me.
Why the change?
Initially trialled in 2025 due to Cyclone Alfred, Bond University transitioned the Medical Program interviews to an online ‘panel interview’ format. This was in stark contrast to the in-person MMI (Multiple Mini Interview) held previously.
In 2026, this was continued given the success of the trial, and a more comprehensive format was developed with questions changing to reflect the new online interview format.
Online Interview Format
The format of the Bond Medical Program interview has been designed to ‘assess candidates suitability’ against criteria agreed by Bond University. This includes important personal qualities for success in the degree and subsequent clinical practice.
The interview was scheduled into 90 minute Microsoft Teams sessions with the actual interview running for roughly 45 minutes. The remainder was to allow for administration paperwork, any potential delays.
The session had 2 interviewers on the panel, and this consisted of:
- medical practitioners/allied health professionals
- community representatives
- Bond University staff
On the Day of Interview
Candidates were expected to log in 5 minutes prior to the session on a computer/laptop, and join the Teams meeting. They were expected to show proof of identity documents such as licence/passport.
It was expected to not have anyone else in the room at the time of interview, no notes or study material on the desk, and no mobile phone present.
Tech Session
Ahead of the actual interview date, a ‘tech session’ was mandated to check preparedness and resolve any tech issues. It was expected that candidates
- wore appropriate interview attire
- had Teams configured correctly on a laptop/computer with a functioning webcam + microphone
- were in a quiet room, alone
- had an empty clean desk.
FAQ
Q: What about the group interview stations?
A: Thankfully, they have been removed.
Q: What about acting/simulated patient stations?
A: Thankfully, they also have been removed.
Q: Are the questions similar to previous years?
A: Yes, the themes and personal qualities assessed are still the same.
Preparing for the Bond Medicine Interview
I run a comprehensive 1-to-1 course covering essentials of the Bond Medicine Interview in a Mock Interview format, where we go over questions as well as discuss feedback, allowing candidates to answer confidently on the actual interview day. This allows students to get an opportunity to practice in time-constraints similar to what is expected on the day of the interview.
I also provide high-yield relevant information of the facilities, recreational services, educational opportunities such as placements, electives, networking nights available at Bond University so students can incorporate this information in their answers. This is highly valuable info from when I recently graduated.
Preparing well in advance with the correct training and feedback can help candidates avoid crucial mistakes and target key points in what interviewers are assessing.
Please contact me for further information about my sessions.
