Maximise your performance at the 2026 Ireland BST Paediatrics Interview

In Ireland, Basic Specialist Training (BST) in Paediatrics is a crucial step for aspiring paediatricians. It provides wide-ranging clinical experience across various subspecialties and hospital settings and serves as the entry point to Higher Specialist Training. With a limited number of positions available each year and a high volume of applicants, the selection process is extremely competitive.

After putting in the effort to build a strong application and earn an interview, the next hurdle is performing well on the day. To increase your chances of securing your desired post, it’s essential to approach interview preparation with the same dedication and rigor you would apply to exam study.

So how do I prepare for my interview?

Effective preparation focuses on two areas: Knowledge and Delivery.

The BST Paediatrics interview aims to evaluate your preparedness for higher specialist training and your potential to progress toward a consultant career in paediatrics. In addition to evaluating your academic achievements and clinical skills, the panel will assess your professionalism, enthusiasm, and overall suitability and understanding of paediatrics.

This interview is your chance to highlight why you are suited for BST in Paediatrics and to present yourself as a focused, capable, and motivated trainee ready to take the next step in your career.

This is where we come in…

The Medibuddy Online 2026 BST Paediatrics Interview Question Bank

We’ve created a collection of more than 30 realistic scenarios that reflect common themes and questions reported by previous candidates. They’re developed using the same method that underpins our well-established UK Paediatrics Question Bank, with annual updates from our experienced, high-scoring editors to ensure the content stays aligned with the latest interview rounds.

Our editors have successfully secured top paediatrics training posts themselves, and this resource is designed to pass that insight on to you. Everything is laid out clearly, with full access across all your devices.

What will I learn from the BST Paediatrics Interview Question Bank?

The 2026 BST Paediatrics interview is assessed across five domains: academic achievements, clinical skills, professionalism, enthusiasm and suitability, and understanding of the paediatric landscape in Ireland. To help you prepare, we’ve provided scenarios based around these core areas.

• Academic achievements
  • The panel will assess your academic track record, including qualifications, exam results, research, and any publications, to gauge your commitment to ongoing learning and scholarship in paediatrics.
• Clinical acumen
  • Your ability to apply clinical knowledge in practice will be tested through scenarios and questions, demonstrating safe, effective, and evidence-based decision-making.
• Professionalism
  • The interview will evaluate your conduct, integrity, and ethical awareness, including how you interact with patients, families, and colleagues in a clinical setting.
• Enthusiasm and Suitability
  • The panel will explore your motivation for paediatrics, career aspirations, and how well your skills, experience, and personal qualities align with the demands of the specialty.
• Understanding of the Paediatric landscape in Ireland
  • You’ll need to show awareness of the structure, challenges, and key issues within paediatric care in Ireland, including current healthcare policies, training pathways, and service delivery.

Why have we done this?

When preparing for our own specialty interviews, it often felt like guidance was limited. Official recruitment websites only offered basic information, and advice from colleagues, while helpful, could sometimes increase the pressure rather than reduce it.

That’s why, with input from our team of high-scoring trainees, we created the Medibuddy Online BST Paediatrics Interview Question Bank. It brings together targeted, reliable practice questions in one place, giving you the tools to feel confident and prepared on the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the BST Paediatrics Question Bank for?

The question bank is designed for candidates preparing for their BST Paediatrics interview. It provides practice questions covering the areas you’re most likely to encounter, including clinical scenarios and other challenging topics.

What is the BST Paediatrics interview format?

The interview is scored out of 100 marks and typically assesses five key domains: academic achievements, clinical skills, professionalism, enthusiasm and suitability, and your understanding of the paediatrics in Ireland.

What’s the best way to prepare for the BST Paediatrics interview?

The most effective preparation is practising realistic scenarios. With over 30 scenarios designed to mirror the interview style, our question bank helps you build confidence, develop your responses under pressure, and showcase your strengths as a future trainee.