Answers to Most Commonly Asked Interview Questions

[FeatherPen]

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I just thought I would try to get some helpful feedback. I have an interview coming up, and I am unsure of my own answers to some important questions that are likely to come up, questions that aim to distinguish the applicants level of motivation, enthusiasm, etc. I am unsure of how long answers should be, and I find my answers uninspired.

Why do you want to become a doctor?
- How do I pull an honest answer out of myself?
Here is my best shot: I want to serve - to serve my family, my community, and all of mankind. As a physician, I would enjoy a life long pursuit of knowledge and a demanding career that never left me with a moment of boredom. The possible career paths within medicine are seemingly limitless, and a doctor is always in demand... ... that was painful.

Why us?
- This seems pretty standard. I will try to align interests indicated elsewhere on my application with the particular school's strengths. I am interested in Cancer Research/Oncology/translational research - everyone seems to be building new Cancer Centers...

What are your strengths/weaknesses?
- It is sometimes hard for me to strike a balance within my life, whether it be energy devoted to academics, time spent socializing, amount of partying, etc. An all-or-nothing trend sometimes takes over... idk... any ideas for weaknesses that do not count against the applicant?

Health Care (Reform)?
- How much detail are we expected to know? Anyone have a question asked that honed in on a specific aspect of health care?

Ethics?
- I am just going to "wing it" for any ethics questions thrown my way, but I would love to hear any examples and how you thought about it.

Is it enough to merely show the interviewer that you are socially adept, or must you dazzle them with enthusiasm and intellect, as well.

Were you bubbling with enthusiasm or rather uninspired?

- I think my issue is that I do not know myself well, though I had myself convinced that I did. Its hard for me to identify what I took away from X,Y,Z experience or why I want to study medicine. I think that I am rather confused and almost apathetic. I "just know" that medicine is for me, and I wish that was enough.

I know there is an Interview Feedback section on SDN, a wonderful resource. 🙂


thx

 

[PinkIvy08]

For the "Why do you want to be a doctor?" try including some experience you had with a physician (either thru them caring for you or a family member or thru shadowing). It makes your answer more personal.

Health Care Reform questions tend to be rather open-ended and along the lines of "Tell me about it." However, I'm sure there are a few interviewers sprinkled in that are all about asking about reform. Just try not to come off too strong whichever position you take.

Ethics - you can brush up on some topics here. Your best bet is to wing it conscientiously. Idk, I've taken ethics and medical decision making courses, so I think I have a biased view on this topic...I actually love the ethics questions.

You might want to make some time and sit down and literally write down what you've taken from each experience you've had (I'm not talking essays here, just a short blurb). That should help you paint an overall picture of who you are and what you've done and how those activities have prepped you for a career in medicine. Confidence is of the utmost importance here!

And get to know you!

 

[FeatherPen]

For the "Why do you want to be a doctor?" try including some experience you had with a physician (either thru them caring for you or a family member or thru shadowing). It makes your answer more personal.

Health Care Reform questions tend to be rather open-ended and along the lines of "Tell me about it." However, I'm sure there are a few interviewers sprinkled in that are all about asking about reform. Just try not to come off too strong whichever position you take.

Ethics - you can brush up on some topics here. Your best bet is to wing it conscientiously. Idk, I've taken ethics and medical decision making courses, so I think I have a biased view on this topic...I actually love the ethics questions.

You might want to make some time and sit down and literally write down what you've taken from each experience you've had (I'm not talking essays here, just a short blurb). That should help you paint an overall picture of who you are and what you've done and how those activities have prepped you for a career in medicine. Confidence is of the utmost importance here!

And get to know you!

Thanks, I appreciate the help.