Doing MMA

[Shonen]

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Was wondering if doing mixed martial arts, scores points in medical interviews ?

 

[deleted407021]

It's pretty bloody. In the dojo where I train in Aikido, the mat is always spotted with dried blood from the MMA class that came before it. Can someone else weigh in on how admissions may view something like that?

 

[ZeaL6]

In medical interviews it probably doesn't have any effect other than another EC. But if it's long in duration it could definitely be used to show that you are disciplined if combined with good GPA, MCAT, etc. Or you could tell the interviewer you're going to choke him/her out if they don't accept you 😀

 

[karayaa]

Depends on how you play it out.
If you create associations with the TV bloodfest, it might not go over so well - although I've seen EM doctors enjoy watching MMA during work, it doesn't fit the traditional medical personality so well.
If you focus on the mental aspects, the discipline, the fitness, might be better.
I don't see a big difference between a more traditional MA, eg Aikido, and MMA from the adcom perspective tbh. But it depends on your motivation, rationale, etc.

 

[NontradCA]

Overthinking.

 

[pDeluxe]

I wrote about my martial arts background in my primary app ECs, and at one school, the interviewer asked something along the lines of how I (being a more traditional martial artist) viewed MMA. He then told me his own, much more disparaging opinion of it.

So, I guess if you had the same interviewer, he might have some bias that works against you? Otherwise, doubt it.

 

[Doctor Strange]

I mentioned my martial arts training on my application and got a lot of positive responses. I know friends of mine, however, that got negatively feedback for boxing/MMA. I think the latter has a more negative connotation in the eyes of the public, whereas more traditional martial arts is seen as a more "disciplined" activity.

 

[alpinism]

A couple ED docs at our hospital work as medical directors for UFC events. They're also both pretty into MMA in their spare time...

Of course there will also be the some old school and conservative types that don't approve.

 

[pre med 2014]

Tell them you will choke them out into submission if not accepted lol

 

[1TB4RKSB4CK]

Honestly, you can mention it as a hobby if you have nothing else to put, but unless you competed in a couple events, I don't think it would interest an adcom one bit.

 

[Goucher2013]

Was wondering if doing mixed martial arts, scores points in medical interviews ?

Bro, do you even lift?


Only question they'll ask.

 

[deleted407021]

I agree that participating in events related to MMA is what will make it useful. Do y'all have competitions? In Aikido we only have seminars.

 

[TheWeeIceMan]

Was wondering if doing mixed martial arts, scores points in medical interviews ?

No, I don't think doing MMA in an interview will scores points. What are you going to do, rip off your suit, jump over the desk, and pin your interviewer? I doubt that will impress your interviewer, but I could be wrong.

 

[Lil Mick]

I listed MMA/jujitsu/bojitsu on my application. It didn't come up very often when I was interviewing and only as a similar interest/friend who does it... I think it does come down to how you portray it--mine probably got associated with my military background. You could probably mention how it increased your discipline and stamina under your activities essay.

 

[Blue Spoon]

When I am interviewing a potential student I give points to things that are outside the norm. Too many applicants look cookie-cutter and I like it when I see an applicant that has shown that they have hobbies outside of medicine.

Of course that is just me so take it for what its worth.

 

[eefen]

I trained in Krav Maga for a few years before medical school, and put it on my app. Only came up in a positive, "oh, that's interesting" type of light, as far as I can remember.

 

[Aquahelix]

When you say you put it in your application, do you mean your AMCAS application, or your secondary applications ?

 

[mimelim]

I was asked about my rock climbing at several residency interviews. It is an EC like everything else in your life outside of school.

 

[ChemEngMD]

Ahhh yes, MMA, the thinking man's sport.

 

[eefen]

When you say you put it in your application, do you mean your AMCAS application, or your secondary applications ?

My AMCAS application.

 

[cs24]

Ahhh yes, MMA, the thinking man's sport.

You would be surprised... it's hard enough to master one martial art, let alone master elements of striking, clinch and ground game, while having to apply all that in a live setting instead of doing repetitive forms. Training smart is going to get you places a lot faster than being a Tapout meathead in MMA, whereas some of the more traditional martial arts (depending on who's teaching them/how they are trained...don't mean to start a huge debate) all you need to do is show up for class, move your arms in a synchronized fashion, and get promoted. I personally have much more initial respect for some who trains MMA than something like TSD, Karate, JKD, etc unless they can prove to me that they train in an effective manner.

As far as the OP goes, it is just another EC. If you learned a lot from it and can talk about how it made you a better person then it will help you.

 

[psswrd]

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