Preparing for the Ohio State University College of Medicine interview

Success in your interview at The Ohio State University College of Medicine hinges on more than academic achievements alone. Candidates who distinguish themselves demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of Ohio's healthcare ecosystem, relevant regional challenges, and how national policies impact healthcare delivery across the Midwest.

This comprehensive resource offers valuable perspectives to help you navigate your interview confidently. By understanding Ohio's unique public health priorities, urban-rural healthcare disparities, and the innovative medical research happening at Ohio State, you'll be able to articulate thoughtful responses that resonate with the institution's values.

1. The OSU COM Interview: Structure, Themes, and Hidden Agendas

OSU uses a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format with 6–8 stations designed to test ethics, cultural competence, and problem-solving in Ohio-specific contexts.

Key details:

• MMI Stations: Timed scenarios (8–10 minutes each) often tied to Ohio’s healthcare challenges. Example: “A patient in Southeast Ohio refuses hypertension meds, distrusting ‘big hospital’ doctors. How do you respond?”

• Traditional Interviews: 1–2 conversational sessions with faculty or students. Expect questions like: “How would you leverage OSU’s Primary Care Track to address rural shortages?”

• Themes: Health equity (OSU’s Rural and Underserved Pathways), interdisciplinary collaboration (ties to OSU’s James Cancer Hospital), and community-driven innovation.

Insider Tip: OSU’s MMI rewards structured reasoning. Practice verbalizing your thought process, even if uncertain. For example: “First, I’d validate the patient’s concerns, then explain how medication prevents stroke—a leading cause of death in Ross County.”

2. Ohio’s Healthcare Policy: Rust Belt Realities and Reform

1. Medicaid Expansion & the Opioid Settlement

Ohio expanded Medicaid in 2014 under Gov. Kasich, covering 1.4 million residents. However, 22% of rural Ohioans remain uninsured due to provider shortages. OSU’s Project SOAR trains med students in addiction treatment—critical as Ohio directs $808M from opioid settlements to recovery housing and naloxone distribution.

MMI Angle: “Design a program using settlement funds for Scioto County, which has Ohio’s highest overdose rate.”

Tip: Name-drop OSU’s Opioid Innovation Fund when discussing solutions.

2. Rural Hospital Closures & Telehealth

12 rural Ohio hospitals have closed since 2005. OSU’s Appalachian Initiative deploys mobile clinics to counties like Vinton (pop. 12,800), where 40% lack primary care access.

Key Stat: Ohio ranks 44th in mental health providers per capita.

Tip: Propose expanding OSU’s Telehealth Access for Appalachia program during interviews.

3. Abortion Access & Maternal Mortality

After Ohio’s 2023 heartbeat bill (blocked by courts), OB-GYN retention dropped in rural areas. Black women in Ohio die postpartum at 2.5x the rate of white women. OSU’s Moms2B program combats this with prenatal education in Columbus’s Linden neighborhood.

MMI Prompt: “A teen mother in Cleveland fears stigma seeking prenatal care. How do you engage her?”

3. Current Events & Social Issues: The Ohio Lens

Local Flashpoints

• Lead Poisoning: Cleveland’s Slavic Village has lead levels 6x the EPA limit. OSU’s Lead Safe Columbus initiative offers free home remediation.

• Mental Health in Schools: Ohio’s 2023 Student Wellness Act mandates school-based services. OSU psychiatrists staff clinics in Columbus City Schools, where 30% of students live in poverty.

• Climate Health: Toledo’s 2014 water crisis (toxic algae) persists. OSU’s Climate Change and Health Equity Program studies ER surges during heatwaves.

National Issues with Ohio Stakes

• Transgender Care: Ohio’s HB 68 (2024) bans gender-affirming care for minors. OSU’s THRIVE Program offers inclusive primary care—mention this to show awareness.

• Immigrant Health: 5% of Ohioans are immigrants. OSU’s Physicians CareConnection provides bilingual care in Dayton’s Somali community.

Tip: Cite OSU’s Partnership for Innovation in Health Equity when addressing disparities.

4. The 5 Questions The Ohio State University College of Medicine is most likely to ask during your medical school interview

1. “Why OSU over other Midwest schools? How will our Pathways programs shape your training?”

2. “A factory worker in Steubenville has untreated diabetes. Propose a community-level intervention.”

3. “Describe a time you advocated for someone from a different background.”

4. “Should Ohio prioritize Medicaid expansion sustainability or hospital funding? Defend your choice.”

5. “How would you improve trust in vaccines among Amish communities in Holmes County?”