Reading Dagrimsta1’s first few posts were just as humorous to me as it was to the rest of you, but before I started reading on SDN and learning more about the application process, my answers for why medicine were at heart very similar. I learned to craft real answers using relevant shadowing/clinical volunteering experiences, but things like job security, decent income, and overall respect are still big winners.
Putting myself in Dagrimasta1’s shoes and hearing some of the criticisms from distinguished SDNers was a little disheartening. Everyone is trashing the profession talking about poor compensation, minimal prestige, lack of power, etc. Medicine was even referred to as glorified social work on this thread.
@Med Ed @Goro @Lost In Transcription @Lost in Translation what reasons did you get into medicine for? Or do you all regret it at this point? And if by chance your answer in essence summarizes to the often frowned upon short answer of “wanting to help people”, then why can’t applicants answer similarly?
It seems that the only thing that should be relevant to ADCOMS for "why medicine" besides a general desire to help people, is the ability of applicants to endure, as you have endured, the debt accrual, years of rigorous training, and career dedication to service work. Something I have not liked about the admissions process is how much emphasis there is on having a unique path and detailed story into medicine.