Interview Preparation

Podcast: How to Effectively Demonstrate MDT Working in Consultant Interviews

Reviewed and Modified by Tessa Davis

Multidisciplinary team (MDT) working is a critical skill for senior doctors, and consultant interview panels often test candidates on this competency. It’s not enough to show that you can care for a single patient exceptionally well – interviewers are looking for evidence that you can collaborate strategically across teams, contribute to system-level improvements, and drive change on a broader scale.

In this discussion, Tessa and Becky explore a common interview scenario and explain how to choose the right example to demonstrate MDT working. They emphasize the difference between excellent individual patient care and the type of senior-level MDT leadership that panels want to see.

 

Check Out the Full Episode:

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/episode/0OTDtrcAe8QZxxoviOZ8YA?si=DjQoGxKNTeGB3jJ0FtwtnQ  

Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/how-to-navigate-the-substantive-vs-locum-consultant/id1833792151?i=1000725468860 

YouTube – https://youtu.be/6HNXyx_W08I?si=IgLb_T6KOBlYFe55 

 

Demonstrating Effective MDT Working

Tessa:
So the example here is a patient referred to the hospital palliative care team, thought to be approaching end of life. It was a sensitive situation because there was a young patient with a long ITU admission, and the team needed to approach them about organ donation.

The student liaised with the ITU consultant, the ITU nurse, the organ donation team, and the palliative care team. They worked together to create a clear plan for supporting the patient and approaching the family about organ donation. They followed up with the family afterward. This is a description of how the team worked well to care for a very sick patient in a difficult situation.

What do you think about this being an example of “Tell me about a time when you worked well in an MDT”?

Becky:
Undoubtedly, they worked well in this MDT and probably got a great outcome for the patient. But there’s a lot to unpack here. Where does the MDT element come in at a senior level?

In a consultant interview, what they actually want to hear is how you can work with the MDT on a more senior, strategic level. This is different from what a good registrar could do. It’s an opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of systems and processes and how you work collaboratively with an MDT to achieve change at a broader scale.

Often, candidates have a project, a USP, or a change management initiative that really demonstrates MDT working, and that works better than an example focusing on a single patient.

Tessa:
Yes, it’s not wrong to choose a case like this – it is technically good MDT working. But it reflects a final-year trainee mentality. While it shows great patient care, it doesn’t show your ability to contribute as part of a team delivering high-quality care at a population or service level.

Choosing an example from a larger project allows you to highlight strategic thinking, leadership, and collaboration. It’s a chance to talk about something you are proud of and demonstrate senior-level competencies.

Becky:
Exactly. You might score points using this patient example, but you miss the opportunity to show the panel what they need to see about your ability to work with the multidisciplinary team at a consultant level.

When you choose a bigger project or one of your USPs, you’re able to talk about something meaningful, showcase your contribution, and demonstrate leadership and collaboration. It feels more natural and impactful than simply managing a complex patient case.

Tessa:
Right. As you finish training, panels want to see that you are ready for the next step. This means selecting examples that show your senior-level skills, not just individual patient management.

So, for this question, probably don’t use the single-patient example. Instead, think of a project or initiative where you collaborated effectively with an MDT and drove meaningful outcomes.

 

Key Takeaways

  • Interviewers want evidence of senior-level MDT working, not just excellent care for one patient.
  • Use examples from projects, initiatives, or USPs to demonstrate leadership and collaboration.
  • Be strategic: show your understanding of systems and processes and how you contributed to broader service or population-level outcomes.
  • Single-patient cases may demonstrate clinical skill but don’t highlight your consultant-level capabilities.
  • Choose examples that you are proud of and that naturally showcase your skills, leadership, and collaborative approach.