Being neutral during interviews

[abruzz75]

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How important is it to maintain a neutral view during an interview? I'm fairly liberal, and my views on healthcare policy very clearly reflect that. While I realize that it's normal to disagree about policy, I'm concerned that, for example, stating that I believe in a single payer system might not sit well with interviewers with more conservative viewpoints.

So what do you think? While the interviewer technically shouldn't hold your views against you (as long as they're thoroughly supported), I'm afraid that they might subconsciously do so when making their decision.

 

[Doctor Strange]

I think having an informed stance is better than being neutral. I think adcoms want to see that you can make an informed decision and defend it regardless of their own personal beliefs.

 

[moneytree]

Be your bad hippie self. Med schools want to admit "diverse" classes right? You can be the ganja smoking liberal. Maybe go all out and wear Birkenstocks and grungy clothes to the interview for full effect?

Don't apply to Loma Linda...

 

[odysseus88]

How important is it to maintain a neutral view during an interview? I'm fairly liberal, and my views on healthcare policy very clearly reflect that. While I realize that it's normal to disagree about policy, I'm concerned that, for example, stating that I believe in a single payer system might not sit well with interviewers with more conservative viewpoints.

So what do you think? While the interviewer technically shouldn't hold your views against you (as long as they're thoroughly supported), I'm afraid that they might subconsciously do so when making their decision.

You should certainly articulate ideas you feel strongly about (without going overboard). However, the key is to show that you understand the other viewpoints as well and can discuss them in an intelligent way. Show that you understand the nuances of complex issues. Adcoms will appreciate you for it. Don't be the neutral, wet noodle applicant who speaks like a robot.

 

[theseeker4]

You should certainly articulate ideas you feel strongly about (without going overboard). However, the key is to show that you understand the other viewpoints as well and can discuss them in an intelligent way. Show that you understand the nuances of complex issues. Adcoms will appreciate you for it. Don't be the neutral, wet noodle applicant who speaks like a robot.

This. You should be able to express your viewpoints without being explicitly offensive, insulting or demeaning toward those you disagree with. Talking about why you believe health care should be "single payer," what the various pros and cons of that type of system are compared to the current system, as well as any other possible systems being debated is good. Ranting about how evil fascist Republicans just want all the poor to die in the streets due to lack of health care probably won't help your chances....

 

[Bangersandmash]

I agree with everyone else but I might also add a little caveat to the conversation if I were you. I have some pretty liberal ideas myself about healthcare, but I might mention the fact that my views may change as I become more exposed to medicine on the front lines. I'm looking at everything from a theory point of view right now, but when I see how the system works, my views may change greatly.

 

[Druggernaut]

I went on three interviews. On one, I played it safe, without stirring the pot, and gave what I felt were the better responses than what I did on my other two. I was waitlisted. The other two, I expressed some politically incorrect views (however, they were more conservative leaning), actively tried to draw other interviewees into a debate during my group interview, and may have indirectly insulted one of the interviewers. Accepted.

Don't be a jackass, but I'm of the opinion that voicing your opinions and being willing to explain them will help you more than hurt you.

 

[ShenanigansMD]

This thread should be renamed: "Being boring during interviews"

Not a good idea.

 

[La Presse]

This thread should be renamed: "Being boring during interviews"

Not a good idea.

👍

 

[Praefectus]

I went on three interviews. On one, I played it safe, without stirring the pot, and gave what I felt were the better responses than what I did on my other two. I was waitlisted. The other two, I expressed some politically incorrect views (however, they were more conservative leaning), actively tried to draw other interviewees into a debate during my group interview, and may have indirectly insulted one of the interviewers. Accepted.

That's awesome. OP, I would suggest presenting the two sides of the argument before you follow Druggernaut's lead. It's better to verbally go through your thought process on the issue than to jump the gun and present your ideological leanings.

 

[ShenanigansMD]

That's awesome. OP, I would suggest presenting the two sides of the argument before you follow Druggernaut's lead. It's better to verbally go through your thought process on the issue than to jump the gun and present your ideological leanings.

Haha, try not to go in guns blazing...

 

[Praefectus]

Haha, try not to go in guns blazing...

And that's another thing. Don't be stupid and immediately say that you're for legalization to an adcom filled with stuffy old conservative men. It won't work.