Interview question re: alternative careers?

[chabang]

Do you think the interview question, "What would you choose as a career if you couldn't be a physician?" is a trick question? Meaning they expect the student to say they'll never give up trying to become a physician or something similar. Or if you pick another health profession, do they think, "Well, you should just be a nurse then if you'd be happy with that"?

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[pedneuro6894]

I think you should be truthful. Maybe start with the, "While I don't think I could see myself doing anything but being a physician..." and then go into other things that interest you. For example I like electrical engineering or computer science a lot, so maybe I would say that.

 

[AJS59]

Agree with the above. Interviewers aren't there to ask you "gotcha" questions, they're there to see your interests that will make you a more well-rounded physician

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Do you think the interview question, "What would you choose as a career if you couldn't be a physician?" is a trick question? Meaning they expect the student to say they'll never give up trying to become a physician or something similar. Or if you pick another health profession, do they think, "Well, you should just be a nurse then if you'd be happy with that"?

I ask these questions on the forums. I want to know if you just have blinders on or are still noncommittal. How informed are you about what doctors do vs other healthcare providers whose skills could better fit your talents.

Alternatively, I want to see how you value your talents in your career choice as a physician, especially if you go through other careers you could do of you weren't so dead set to be a doctor.

In other words, mission fit.

 

[Goro]

Do you think the interview question, "What would you choose as a career if you couldn't be a physician?" is a trick question? Meaning they expect the student to say they'll never give up trying to become a physician or something similar. Or if you pick another health profession, do they think, "Well, you should just be a nurse then if you'd be happy with that"?

No, it's a realstic question. Not everybody gets into med school. What's your Plan B? This shows foresight, a valuable trait.

 

[LunaOri]

The question helps to clarify mission: some applicants would go for a PhD, some would get a job in computer science, some would join the Peace Corps, some would go into another branch of medicine (or veterinary medicine). The question helps give a sense of what it is about being a physician that most appeals to you, and what your values are.

 

[lioneljohn]

I don’t think it’s really a trick question. They’re probably just trying to see how committed you are to medicine and what other interests you might have. If you mention another health profession, it could show you understand the field more broadly, but they might wonder why you wouldn’t just go that route if you’d be happy. Honestly, just be yourself and share what you genuinely feel.

 

[artgal]

My undergrad degree was in anthropology and I absolutely loved it so when I got asked this question I answered truthfully and said I'd probably become a medical anthropology professor. But I also talked about how studying med anth solidified my decision to become a doctor. Just tie it all into medicine and your personality!