How long should "why medicine" response be?

[bananafish94]

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Hi everyone, in terms of answering the inevitable "why medicine" question at interviews, is it okay to "tell a story," so to speak where you really delve into the path that has led you to the decision to pursue medicine, or is it something that should be simple and straightforward, without taking more than 30-45 seconds?

Also, I know that it is the kiss of death to sound scripted...so how exactly does one sound unscripted for a question like this, or any of the other questions you know you will definitely get?

Thank you!

 

[ndafife]

What do you expect from responses here?

Read the room. It depends on the interviewer and what you have to say.

 

[whatever5]

I think if your story takes too long to tell, cut down on some detail. I think when I practiced it took me around a minute or so.

 

[Moko]

in terms of answering the inevitable "why medicine" question at interviews, is it okay to "tell a story," so to speak where you really delve into the path that has led you to the decision to pursue medicine, or is it something that should be simple and straightforward, without taking more than 30-45 seconds?

Your initial answer really shouldn't go longer than a minute. I would be straightforward and maybe mention an important experience to personalize the answer. Any more than that and it runs the serious risk of droning on. If the interviewer was interested, they'd ask you for more details. JMT

 

[Meeehai]

What do you expect from responses here?

Read the room. It depends on the interviewer and what you have to say.

You can't read a room silly, it doesn't have any words.

Hi everyone, in terms of answering the inevitable "why medicine" question at interviews, is it okay to "tell a story," so to speak where you really delve into the path that has led you to the decision to pursue medicine, or is it something that should be simple and straightforward, without taking more than 30-45 seconds?

Also, I know that it is the kiss of death to sound scripted...so how exactly does one sound unscripted for a question like this, or any of the other questions you know you will definitely get?

Thank you!

I would just use common sense. It should be pretty clear if your story covers any unnecessary details that stray away from the original question. Script your answer but say it as if it's not scripted. When you give your answer, take a few seconds to pause and make it seem like you're actively thinking about what you want to say as you give your answer - but really, you know exactly what you're going to say.

 

[bananafish94]

Your initial answer really shouldn't go longer than a minute. I would be straightforward and maybe mention an important experience to personalize the answer. Any more than that and it runs the serious risk of droning on. If the interviewer was interested, they'd ask you for more details. JMT

That makes a lot of sense. Thanks!

 

[Psai]

Long enough to cover the important stuff but short enough to keep things interesting

 

[Officer Farva]

Hi everyone, in terms of answering the inevitable "why medicine" question at interviews, is it okay to "tell a story," so to speak where you really delve into the path that has led you to the decision to pursue medicine, or is it something that should be simple and straightforward, without taking more than 30-45 seconds?

Also, I know that it is the kiss of death to sound scripted...so how exactly does one sound unscripted for a question like this, or any of the other questions you know you will definitely get?

Thank you!

I typically used a one sentence summary that succinctly explains why I like medicine. Followed by 4-5 sentences that demonstrate it with my background.

 

[TallPreMed]

Long enough to cover the important stuff but short enough to keep things interesting

Just like a skirt.

 

[Lost in Translation]

I've gotten mine down to 1.5 minutes. You don't want it longer than that. They can read your PS if they really want to know more.

 

[HybridEarth]

2-3 minutes does the trick for me. Guess it depends on how much detail goes into your reasons.

 

[bananafish94]

Mine is currently about two minutes, but I think I want to cut it down. I don't want to make it sound like I am just talking into a void or droning on.

 

[Lost in Translation]

I'm of the belief it's not so much length as it is delivery. If I'm really into what I'm talking about, I put a lot of energy and effort into how I discuss it.