Importance of Leadership

[LondonVibes]

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I’ve heard leadership is becoming a more and more important part of the application. Is it fair to say that some form of leadership is basically a soft requirement at this point?

 

[LindaAccepted]

I’ve heard leadership is becoming a more and more important part of the application. Is it fair to say that some form of leadership is basically a soft requirement at this point?

Leadership and teamwork are both qualities med schools like to see.

 

[LizzyM]

Agree that leadership and teamwork are both important. Engaging peers to work together to reach a goal is leadership. That can be in the context of putting on a performance, being the leader of a sports team, working with others in organizing campus events such as blood drives. Being part of a group working toward a common goal, but not the leader, is a good example of teamwork.Having a title as an officer of a club is a lesser kind of leadership.

 

[LondonVibes]

Leadership and teamwork are both qualities med schools like to see.

So are you suggesting that leadership is a very strong plus or basically required?

 

[caterwaiter]

Anecdotally, I had several meaningful leadership positions across various experiences and they were asked about/reacted to (favorably) in most of my interviews. I think admissions committees like to see applicants that have initiative and can invest themselves in projects/teams they care about.

tldr: I wouldn't take a leadership position just to tick a box. I also wouldn't hold off on applying solely because you don't have leadership. But if something is offered to you that you're really interested in, take it!

 

[LindaAccepted]

So are you suggesting that leadership is a very strong plus or basically required?

Yes. You got it.

 

[Doctorswithborders013]

Isn't "Leadership and Communication" something every career field or job is looking for?

But also "leadership" does not equal "I was XYZ position in such club" there are probably many areas from jobs or whatever you've done that show the ability to lead/organize

 

[JimKimSlim]

Isn't "Leadership and Communication" something every career field or job is looking for?

But also "leadership" does not equal "I was XYZ position in such club" there are probably many areas from jobs or whatever you've done that show the ability to lead/organize

I agree. Leadership can be literally anything. I put down leading a bible study for few years in my school on AMCAS, and one of the interviewers mentioned it and asked me all about it.

 

[LindaAccepted]

Isn't "Leadership and Communication" something every career field or job is looking for?

But also "leadership" does not equal "I was XYZ position in such club" there are probably many areas from jobs or whatever you've done that show the ability to lead/organize

I completely agree. Leadership requires the leader to take responsibility for an outcome and usually motivate, guide, empower others to help him/her achieve that goal.

I understand that Dwight D. Eisenhower defined it as "“Leadership is the art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.”"

 

[LondonVibes]

Yes. You got it.

My apologies. I was asking if it was either a very strong plus or basically required. It seems like you have said yes to both so I’m confused.

 

[LindaAccepted]

My apologies. I was asking if it was either a very strong plus or basically required. It seems like you have said yes to both so I’m confused.

No apologies necessary. I suspect this is a distinction without a difference. Med school admissions is extremely competitive. If something is a very strong plus, it is basically required. Can I imagine a situation where someone got in without leadership? Yes, but I wouldn't aim for that.

I also want to point out, as has been said above, that leadership is not the same as having a title. It requires an assumption of responsibility, the engagement of others, and the best leadership will also result in impact and personal growth.

I've seen club presidents do essentially nothing. They have the title, but they are not exercising leadership. I've seen people without titles assume responsibility, motivate others, have impact, and thereby demonstrate enormous leadership. They also usually grow as a result of the experience.

Please don't confuse station and stature. Titles imply station. Leadership implies stature. Station is sometimes given and sometimes earned. Stature is always earned.