Is religion taboo for diversity essay?

[GamecockWay]

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I was raised in a small but well-known religion that refuses certain (sometimes life-saving) treatments on grounds of faith. I am no longer a member of this religion, but would like to use my upbringing in the faith as a basis for a diversity essay. I would mention the medical connection but that wouldn't be the focus. Is this the right idea for diversity or is it too personal? Am I going to be disadvantaged if there is some bias in the reader?

 

[xerei]

I'm but a simple applicant and can't say this with a lot of confidence, but in my opinion, they aren't looking for diversity for the sake of diversity (ie being really tall or really good at tic-tac-toe aren't getting anyone anywhere). I think, with your upbringing and background, you have some uncommon insight into "the other side" of a debate that many might not. In other words, there may be many that would think "heck no, you should definitely do what the doctor says, your beliefs are dumb", but you might be able to relate to your patients better and make more informed decisions. I personally think your topic is okay.

 

[Spector1]

If it changes your perspective on medicine sure. (eg faith drives you to pursue medicine so you can serve underserved etc) but make sure you do it in a thoughtful manner.

 

[ngc 2170]

Is this the right idea for diversity or is it too personal?

My opinion (which carries no weight) is that too many applicants get hung up on what the "right" answer or approach to diversity is. The point is to write about what you contribute to the institution beyond good academics. What makes you, you?

If your experience with that religion is significant in how you think of yourself or the world, or has impacted you in an important way, it is a good topic.

 

[GamecockWay]

Okay, thanks for the advice. I'll try to focus on the impact and change associated with the experience.

 

[Goro]

Maybe for Loma Linda and LUCOM, and definitely NOT for the Touros and Einstein.

I was raised in a small but well-known religion that refuses certain (sometimes life-saving) treatments on grounds of faith. I am no longer a member of this religion, but would like to use my upbringing in the faith as a basis for a diversity essay. I would mention the medical connection but that wouldn't be the focus. Is this the right idea for diversity or is it too personal? Am I going to be disadvantaged if there is some bias in the reader?

 

[GamecockWay]

So even if I'm no longer a member it may be problematic at some schools?

 

[LizzyM]

So even if I'm no longer a member it may be problematic at some schools?

I don't believe that any school would discriminate against former members of any religion so I'm not sure why @Goro would have implied that. Your experience living within a community that is a religious minority in the US does add to the fund of knowledge within the class or in the clinical setting of belief systems, taboos and traditions that can be valuable when attempting to communicate with patients and their families and to navigate the difficulties that can arise in such situations and in class discussions of medical ethics.

 

[GamecockWay]

That's what I would like to convey. Hopefully I can craft the essay in a manner that reflects the value of such an experience.

 

[Goro]

Alas, dear colleague, humor doesn't travel well over the electrons.

I don't believe that any school would discriminate against former members of any religion so I'm not sure why @Goro would have implied that. Your experience living within a community that is a religious minority in the US does add to the fund of knowledge within the class or in the clinical setting of belief systems, taboos and traditions that can be valuable when attempting to communicate with patients and their families and to navigate the difficulties that can arise in such situations and in class discussions of medical ethics.