introverted med students

[asdasd12345]

on myers briggs personality tests i have score very high for introverted, but i didnt need a personality test to tell me that. i positively go out of my way not to talk to people. its not that i cant, its just that i dont really like to. i know extroverted people feel energized talking to strangers, but after i talk to people i dont know i feel drained. i was always shy i guess. i understand that being a doctor i will have to talk to people, but do you think you can get away with being introverted and still be a good doctor?

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[idq1i]

Originally posted by asdasd12345
on myers briggs personality tests i have score very high for introverted, but i didnt need a personality test to tell me that. i positively go out of my way not to talk to people. its not that i cant, its just that i dont really like to. i know extroverted people feel energized talking to strangers, but after i talk to people i dont know i feel drained. i was always shy i guess. i understand that being a doctor i will have to talk to people, but do you think you can get away with being introverted and still be a good doctor?

Absolutely.....although IM/FP/Peds/Psych/EM is probably not for you.

Think rads, gas, path

-INTJ speaking here

 

[jlee9531]

yeah a specialty where you dont have to have patient interactions....but i hope this means you can talk to fellow colleagues...

 

[alleyez]

Originally posted by asdasd12345
on myers briggs personality tests i have score very high for introverted, but i didnt need a personality test to tell me that. i positively go out of my way not to talk to people. its not that i cant, its just that i dont really like to. i know extroverted people feel energized talking to strangers, but after i talk to people i dont know i feel drained. i was always shy i guess. i understand that being a doctor i will have to talk to people, but do you think you can get away with being introverted and still be a good doctor?

link to the test?

 

[asdasd12345]

http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/JTypes2.asp

 

[bewitched1081]

hmmm... i dont know about scoring very high. but i too am introverted. however, i loooove kids and i have been working with them for a long time. so just because im introverted doesnt mean i cant go into peds. however, i can act extroverted when the situation calls for it.

 

[ForensicPath]

I also am fairly introverted. It is one of the reasons why I have considered forensic pathology. I don't necessarily feel drained when talking to strangers, but I don't go out of my way to initiate conversations. If someone talks to me, I will do the obligatory small talk. However, give me a few beers and I am the life of the party. I guess that means when I am a doctor....

 

[flyingillini]

That is one random test.

 

[marydee]

Read the paperback book called The Introvert Advantage - How to Thrive in an Extrovert World by Marti Olsen Laney. This book will give you a positive insight on being an introvert.
"It is the chiefest point of happiness that a man is willing to be what he is." Erasmus

 

[Sharkfan]

I too am an INTJ. The funny thing is, this topic came up in one of my small discussion classes this semester, and all the premeds (keep in mind this is a small non-science class) had been tested as INTJs too! We all thought that was kinda weird...

BUT, don't let the introverted thing get to you. I have become far more sociable and outspoken with each passing year in college; I often just choose not to speak to people. But if I feel the need, no problem. Some people even think that I am outgoing, which strikes me as really funny. Same with my other INTJs; all of us are perfectly capable of holding animated conversations when we feel like it!

 

[Kimmer]

This is interesting. Thanks for bringing this up. I took that test in Jan 1998 and scored as an INTJ and no one was surprised because I was obviously introverted then, but since then I have changed, I thought anyway. I learned to make my conversation more accessible to people (dumb it down I guess), to make people laugh, to function in a group. Most people who have met me in the last 3 years would say I was outgoing, but I still got the same score today. It has made me think.

 

[Eraserhead]

I'm ISFJ and I think that test told me I would be a good general practictioner or nurse. However, I'm thinking pathology, gas, rad, etc. like the above poster suggested. People definitely drain me to some extent.

 

[fun8stuff]

Originally posted by ForensicPath
I don't necessarily feel drained when talking to strangers, but I don't go out of my way to initiate conversations. If someone talks to me, I will do the obligatory small talk. However, give me a few beers and I am the life of the party. I guess that means when I am a doctor....

Same here....
I am an INTJ too! I have also gotten better at talking to people throughout college. I suppose being a TA has helped quite a bit. I have always enjoyed talking with friends, but I have never really cared much to talk to strangers. Makes the whole process of making new friends hard, heh. I

 

[sweetcalie08]

I am an ISFJ! Just thought I'd add that because I like taking personality tests... but I'm going into pharmacy so I guess this doesn't contribute much to the pre-med board.

 

[Gleevec]

EN(F/T)P

 

[mosoriire]

INTJ!

I wonder...

 

[Eraserhead]

Originally posted by pharmtech77
I am an ISFJ! Just thought I'd add that because I like taking personality tests... but I'm going into pharmacy so I guess this doesn't contribute much to the pre-med board.

Yeah, I don't know any other ISFJ's.

 

[Trekkie963]

Originally posted by Sharkfan
BUT, don't let the introverted thing get to you. I have become far more sociable and outspoken with each passing year in college; I often just choose not to speak to people. But if I feel the need, no problem. Some people even think that I am outgoing, which strikes me as really funny. Same with my other INTJs; all of us are perfectly capable of holding animated conversations when we feel like it!

People get confused about the meaning of the words extrovert and introvert in regards to this personality test. Introverts draw energy from within themselves, so to speak, whereas extroverts draw it from others. What Sharkfan describes--choosing not to speak to people--is a sign of the introversion reported by the test.

Being introverted, however, is different. Again, as Sharky points out, people were surprised to hear that he is an introvert because he is rather extroverted. This is not uncommon at all. Introverts, can be among the most soial, outspoken individuals, but when it comes down to regenerating their energy they need some time alone. Extroverts, however, need to be around other people to regenerate.

I am definitely an introverted person (shy, quiet, etc.) but quite accurately test as an extrovert, because I do seek interaction and approval of others rather than solitude.

 

[asdasd12345]

i believe i tested INTP, medicine was not one of the suggested careers, however forest ranger was and the idea of that could put me to sleep just thinking about it.

 

[Eraserhead]

Originally posted by asdasd12345
i believe i tested INTP, medicine was not one of the suggested careers, however forest ranger was and the idea of that could put me to sleep just thinking about it.

I think INTP is especially rare. I'd say psychiatrist as far as medical careers go.

 

[raptorattack]

ENFJ, but that isn't shocking at all.

 

[nibrocli]

i got ENFJ too, but i was surprised. both my husband & i think i'm more introverted. i agree with NFJ though.

 

[CalBeE]

I read some stuff on Myer-Briggs before. Basically being introvert doesn't mean you don't like interacting with people, it just means that the focus of your mind is usually on your "inside world" instead of the "outside world". I'm not sure what the exact descriptions are, but it's something along that line.

Also you have to look at the other attributes too, like Intuition (N) vs. Sensing (S) is about the way you perceive the world. Feeling (F) vs. Thinking (T) is about the way you make decision. Finally Judging (J) is someone who prefers a regular routine in life, while Perceiving (P) is someone who prefers spontaneous events instead.

There are careers that suit each personality type. I'd suggest taking different Myer Briggs Test to see if you consistently get the same type. This test is generally pretty accurate.

 

[NDESTRUKT]

I'm an ENFJ too. The test is kinda cool =).

I really like being around people, but there are times I like being at home by myself too - I guess it's just the situation.

 

[CalBeE]

Brief summary of the types:

http://www.metaphysicalzone.com/types/index.shtml

 

[Blade28]

Going through med school, even the most introverted people tend to gradually open up. You need to do this, to a certain extent, during the interview, but as you go through more patient encounters throughout the first two years you'll develop and hone your skills in patient interviewing. During the third and fourth years you'll really get many chances to practice speaking out. And all of the times you're going to present patients' cases - whether it be during team rounds, attending rounds, presentations, oral poster presentations, whatever - you'll gradually improve your confidence.

By the end, I'd find it hard to find any student that's still truly introverted.

 

[closertofine]

Originally posted by Mr Reddly
"Personal relationships, particularly romantic ones, can be the INTJ's Achilles heel. While they are capable of caring deeply for others (usually a select few), and are willing to spend a great deal of time and effort on a relationship, the knowledge and self-confidence that make them so successful in other areas can suddenly abandon or mislead them in interpersonal situations."

Unfortunately, I think that's very apt for me...I got the "diagnosis" of INTJ when I took the test as a teenager, but when I took it again in college, I got INFP...so who knows?

But I'm definitely an introvert...and it does concern me with respect to med school and a career as a doctor. My introversion became really clear to me recently when I went to interview for a scholarship and spent a few days talking a good bit to other applicants, professors, students, etc...for a while afterwards (I don't know if I'm even over it!), I felt like I absolutely had to be alone...that I was completely drained by talking to all these people.

Strangely enough, my interests lie in areas like psychiatry or neurology, or maybe even OB/GYN (as opposed to surgery or rad)...but being introverted might really be a problem, it seems to me. I really need to get involved in some medical-type volunteering now...and I have put off even calling about volunteering at a hospice because I am kind of scared about the amount of human interaction....

Yikes, not a good sign...but I think most people agree that introversion isn't something that can be changed, at least not easily...what to do?

 

[asdasd12345]

i think theres a difference between introversion/extroversion vs social skills. being awkward, giving off strange vibes, uncomfortable around strangers i think is an example of low social skills, but actually prefering to be around yourself than other people i think is introversion whereas actively seeking out other people is extroversion. i used to have social anxiety and low social skills but then i quit drinking coffee and i stopped giving a crap what people thought of me and i got better, however i still would rather headbutt a wall than hang out with friends as weird as that sounds.

 

[Sharkfan]

Originally posted by Mr Reddly
"Personal relationships, particularly romantic ones, can be the INTJ's Achilles heel. While they are capable of caring deeply for others (usually a select few), and are willing to spend a great deal of time and effort on a relationship, the knowledge and self-confidence that make them so successful in other areas can suddenly abandon or mislead them in interpersonal situations."

Whoa, that's scary. That describes me perfectly.

Damnit! Why am I so predictable!!

 

[tautomer]

Originally posted by Sharkfan
Whoa, that's scary. That describes me perfectly.

Damnit! Why am I so predictable!!

Same here! I'm an INTJ too! This is freaky.

 

[idq1i]

Wow, you people are so predictable, it's pathetic........



Oh wait, I am INTJ too

Famous INTJs:
Dan Aykroyd, actor (The Blues Brothers)
Susan B. Anthony, suffragist
Arthur Ashe, tennis champion
Augustus Caesar (Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus), Emperor of Rome
Jane Austen, author (Pride and Prejudice)
William J. Bennett, "drug czar"
William F. Buckley, Jr., conservative political advocate
Raymond Burr, actor (Perry Mason, Ironsides)
Chevy Chase (Cornelius Crane), actor (Fletch)
Phil Donahue, television talk show host
Michael Dukakis, governor of Mass., 1988 U.S. Dem. pres. candidate
Greg Gumbel, television sportscaster
Hannibal, Carthaginian military leader
Veronica Hamel, actor (Hill Street Blues)
Orel Leonard Hershiser, IV, major league baseball pitcher
Peter Jennings, television newscaster
Charles Everett Koop, former U.S. surgeon general
Ivan Lendl, tennis champion
C. S. Lewis, author (The Chronicles of Narnia)
Joan Lunden, television talk show host
Edwin Moses, U.S. olympian (hurdles)
Martina Navratilova, tennis champion
Charles Rangel, U. S. Representative, D-N.Y.
Pernell Roberts, actor (Bonanza)
Maria Owens Shriver, television newscaster
Josephine Tey (Elizabeth Mackintosh), mystery writer (Brat Farrar)
Rudy Giuliani, New York City mayor
Donald Rumsfeld, US Secretary of Defense
General Colin Powell, US Secretary of State

U.S. Presidents:
Chester A. Arthur
Calvin Coolidge
Thomas Jefferson
John F. Kennedy
James K. Polk
Woodrow Wilson

 

[CalBeE]

Well the descriptions don't apply to everyone in that type 100% obviously. Example for me:

-----------------------------------
Though affable and sympathetic to most, INFJs are selective about their friends. Such a friendship is a symbiotic bond that transcends mere words.

INFJs have a knack for fluency in language and facility in communication. In addition, nonverbal sensitivity enables the INFJ to know and be known by others intimately.

Writing, counseling, public service and even politics are areas where INFJs frequently find their niche.
------------------------------------

I wouldn't say it's wrong, but not totally right either.

 

[confewshz]

I took the MBTI assessment twice (once in undergrad and once in grad school) and on both occasions, I mustered up an INTJ personality type. Its funny because everything ive read in regards to my personality type, describes me to a T. Yes, I am a reserved individual, however, I dont think this is going to limit me in interacting with my patients. I have fun and have spurts of being "outgoing", hence, I can be extroverted some of the time (like when I get bored and want to find something else to do, or get out of my current environment). So I guess you can say im an introvert/closet extrovert (if this makes any sense)

 

[camstah]

INFJ here....anyone else?

"The Counselor Idealists are abstract thought and speech, cooperative in reaching their goals, and directive and introverted in their interpersonal roles. Counselors focus on human potentials, think in terms of ethical values, and come easily to decisions. The small number of this type (little more than 2 percent) is regrettable, since Counselors have an unusually strong desire to contribute to the welfare of others and genuinely enjoy helping their companions. Although Counsleors tend to be private, sensitive people, and are not generally visible leaders, they nevertheless work quite intensely with those close to them, quietly exerting their influence behind the scenes with their families, friends, and colleagues. This type has great depth of personality; they are themselves complicated, and can understand and deal with complex issues and people.

Counselors can be hard to get to know. They have an unusually rich inner life, but they are reserved and tend not to share their reactions except with those they trust. With their loved ones, certainly, Counselors are not reluctant to express their feelings, their face lighting up with the positive emotions, but darkening like a thunderhead with the negative. Indeed, because of their strong ability to take into themselves the feelings of others, Counselors can be hurt rather easily by those around them, which, perhaps, is one reason why they tend to be private people, mutely withdrawing from human contact. At the same time, friends who have known an Counselor for years may find sides emerging which come as a surprise. Not that they are inconsistent; Counselors value their integrity a great deal, but they have intricately woven, mysterious personalities which sometimes puzzle even them.

Counselors have strong empathic abilities and can become aware of another's emotions or intentions -- good or evil -- even before that person is conscious of them. This "mind-reading" can take the form of feeling the hidden distress or illnesses of others to an extent which is difficult for other types to comprehend. Even Counselors can seldom tell how they came to penetrate others' feelings so keenly. Furthermore, the Counselor is most likely of all the types to demonstrate an ability to understand psychic phenomena and to have visions of human events, past, present, or future. What is known as ESP may well be exceptional intuitive ability-in both its forms, projection and introjection. Such supernormal intuition is found frequently in the Counselor, and can extend to people, things, and often events, taking the form of visions, episodes of foreknowledge, premonitions, auditory and visual images of things to come, as well as uncanny communications with certain individuals at a distance. "

 

[Marina9]

camstah, me too. it's such a rare personality type, too

 

[IrishOarsman]

ENTP... a side effect of studying great books and bioscience, with a spark for hosting parties...

I wonder though, sometimes, how much these test show us who we want to be vs who we are (if they're different)... although I am pretty certain about E, N, and T

 

[gary5]

You might be a good doctor but wish you had more time to yourself. You could be a doctor who does research, which would help. You might also want to consider law, which can require more time investigating and writing.

 

[camstah]

Originally posted by Marina9
camstah, me too. it's such a rare personality type, too

cool! nice to see another infj out there....

 

[musiclink213]

i am an ENTP. i read the description, and it is exactly me. on most days. The way you're feeling the day you take the test also has an effect on what the results would be.

always take these things with a grain of salt though.

 

[evines]

Another INTJ right here.
All the INTJ's should get together and throw a spontaneous party. Fun times.

 

[bobmarley77]

This is cool..I'm an INTJ too!!

 

[spaz]

Originally posted by bobmarley77
This is cool..I'm an INTJ too!!

i feel so out of place my result was ENTJ.

apparently ENTJs make good executives... too bad being a CEO of a company is probably the last thing i'd want to do with my life. and i seriously never thought of myself as extroverted, having been incredibly shy for the greater part of my life.

 

[SoulRFlare]

Originally posted by camstah
INFJ here....anyone else?

me too apparently

 

[PhysicsDoc]

Another INTJ.

 

[Wahooali]

(I/E)SFJ here! An introvert that CAN force myself to be an extrovert in certain situations as needed. Totally right on. I love the Myers Briggs test. And to the OP, I think that if you know medicine is for you (whatever your reason to want to be a doctor) then you will find a place for you and your personality within it.

 

[pekq]

Originally posted by Mr Reddly
"Personal relationships, particularly romantic ones, can be the INTJ's Achilles heel. While they are capable of caring deeply for others (usually a select few), and are willing to spend a great deal of time and effort on a relationship, the knowledge and self-confidence that make them so successful in other areas can suddenly abandon or mislead them in interpersonal situations."

I am thinking of forming a monastery for us INTJ peeps since we are doomed to fail in our romance. On the bright side, this monastery will have a rotation of alone time and parties. Who wants to join??!!

 

[MabdulD]

INTJ!

What does it all mean?

 

[Mr Reddly]

I = you would rather spend your time on an internet forum instead of going to a bar and flirting with the opposite sex.
(I assume most people on SDN fall into that catagory )

NTJ = you like science... Right?


In real life, we are a minority. But on a medical chat forum, we rule!!!

 

[twinklz]

Just upping the percentage of INTJ's here! We rock...in that quiet subdued sorta way.

 

[CalBeE]

Originally posted by Mr Reddly
I = you would rather spend your time on an internet forum instead of going to a bar and flirting with the opposite sex.

I actually come online to look for the potential love of my life.