Is this worth mentioning on secondaries and Interviews?

[Ymeyu]

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So one of the major reasons causing me to apply to med school is the fact that I want to serve in third world countries. My parents are from a third world country and although im a US resident/Canadian citizen, im wondering if telling this to adcoms or secondaries would hurt my application.

Also, about financing my medical school, I was offered a scholarship by the third world country if I was granted acceptance to a certain list of schools. Should I note this or should I not?

 

[chiapet874]

I don't see any reason why you shouldn't mention your future aspirations!

I'm not too sure about the financial stuff though...

 

[Calipers]

So one of the major reasons causing me to apply to med school is the fact that I want to serve in third world countries. My parents are from a third world country and although im a US resident/Canadian citizen, im wondering if telling this to adcoms or secondaries would hurt my application.

It will NOT hurt your application. If there is an appropriate opening for it, then by all means mention it, as it could be beneficial for you. Just avoid being ostentatious about it.

Also, about financing my medical school, I was offered a scholarship by the third world country if I was granted acceptance to a certain list of schools. Should I note this or should I not?

No, do not note this.

 

[Total180]

I kind've disagree with the above posters. I am not on an adcomm but just thinking logically it seems like it may hurt you to mention that you want to work somewhere other than the US. I mean, why would an American med school want to educate someone just to have them jump ship and move to another country? I think they would much rather want to educate someone who wants to work in this country...seeing as they would be the ones reaping the benefits versus the people in another country. If you feel like you have to do it, I would tread lightly.

 

[coralfangs]

in my opinion, it is extremely cheesy to try to make yourself sound like a saint with the "yes, I want to be like mother teresa" statement in order to stand out. There are plenty of time for you to explore the possibility of international medicine in med school. Just because your parent is from a 3rd world country, it does not make a convincing case that you want to serve in one.



ps: there are people who need our help in the country too, you know.

 

[Ymeyu]

in my opinion, it is extremely cheesy to try to make yourself sound like a saint with the "yes, I want to be like mother teresa" statement in order to stand out. There are plenty of time for you to explore the possibility of international medicine in med school. Just because your parent is from a 3rd world country, it does not make a convincing case that you want to serve in one.



ps: there are people who need our help in the country too, you know.

Thanks for all the above opinions and I hope ill make the right choice when i go to an adcom.

Im not really a mother teresa figure, Ive lived overseas for the majority of my life and have much first hand experience with the area and the lack of proper medical care, if any.

At the same time, i do see the need for professionals in the US and thus, that would be a long term goal after finishing residency, and a good couple years of work in the US.

 

[235009]

being interested in global health is the new fad ...so by all means say it but don't think that it makes you unique. HOWEVER, don't make it seem like you're going to get the degree and run off to another country. The goal of american med schools is to make american doctors (with state schools it is even more rigid since they want people who will practice in that state) so if you make it seem like you're not interested in practicing in the US then you will probably be seeing a lot of rejection letters.