How much is TOO much in terms of personal reasons for choosing this field?

[brhill]

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I am wondering how much is okay to reveal in terms of tragedies that might have brought one to persue this field. What if your reasons seem "inappropriate" to be sharing with strangers? I mean I'm a total open book, it doesn't bother me in terms of privacy at all. But it kinda seems like if I were to tell someone my reasons for choosing *medicine* (I hate the way that sounds) they'd be like....um "that was a little more than I needed to know dear". Also, part of "my story" makes me sound like a total lunatic...not that I'm not, but I don't like to reveal that 'til way later. Anyone encounter this problem and if so, your thoughts?

 

[Scooby Doo]

Can you be more vague?
hahah...
totally share it with whoever wants to know...Just make sure it's not the ONLY reason you aspire to be a doctor...
Simple 🙂

 

[different strokes]

Originally posted by brhill:
•I am wondering how much is okay to reveal in terms of tragedies that might have brought one to persue this field. What if your reasons seem "inappropriate" to be sharing with strangers? I mean I'm a total open book, it doesn't bother me in terms of privacy at all. But it kinda seems like if I were to tell someone my reasons for choosing *medicine* (I hate the way that sounds) they'd be like....um "that was a little more than I needed to know dear". Also, part of "my story" makes me sound like a total lunatic...not that I'm not, but I don't like to reveal that 'til way later. Anyone encounter this problem and if so, your thoughts?•

You could try a brief description without getting into to many details. I know this may seem hard to do.

 

[brhill]

Originally posted by ScoobyDoo:
•Can you be more vague?
hahah...
totally share it with whoever wants to know...Just make sure it's not the ONLY reason you aspire to be a doctor...
Simple 🙂•

My point EXACTLY...how much do they want really want to know? To give an accurate picture of my interest in this it's kind of necessary to go into the life-story-in-a-nutshell thing. But do they really want to know that? I doubt it. So I'm wondering what's worse...to get too personal and come off as drama lady or not and not get the message across that this is my frickin' purpose or calling, if you will?

 

[Scooby Doo]

umm..prolly better to overdo it than to be too vague..at least you will have an advantage when it comes to writing an autobiography for UCSD and Vandy.

 

[BeckyG]

Hi Brhill,

Are you talking about in written responses or in an interview? For written stuff, have a couple of people who do not know you well read the information -- if they have a "negative" or "uneasy" reaction to it, then ask what they do not like and think about changing it. For interviews, do some practice ones with a pre-med advisor (if your school offers such a service) or ask a prof you feel comfortable asking (or someone else who is good at interviewing) to do a mock interview with you. Try explaining your "story" a couple of different ways, and see what seems best. Whatever you do, if it is "controversial" or may evoke different reactions in different people, PRACTICE telling or writing it with several different people. And, remember that most, not all, medical people are "conservative" when it comes to admissions (i.e., they will weed out people they deem as "crazy" or otherwise unfit for medicine and being responsible for others lives). Granted, as I do not know what your story is, I am not implying that this applies to you - I just wanted to mention it. I hope this is helpful. Good luck!

-- Becky