Mentioning Spouses Name in Personal Statement

[beachbum87]

---

Members do not see this ad.

So, my wife and I owned a business that is largely responsible for my interest back into medicine (I'm a non-trad). I'm writing about an experience with that business in my PS, and I was thinking of mentioning my wife by name, instead of just referring to her as "my wife." This may be a stupid question, but is there any reason not to do that? Is it looked upon as something you shouldn't do in a PS?

My thoughts were that I could bring in more of the personal connection between myself and the reader by adding more real context and names to my story, since I have to falsify the patients names. (which i totally agree with by the way, it just reads a little sterile and not so much like narrative when you have to say "Mr. L."

 

[startingover84]

I think it's fine to use her name. However, I would keep the use of her name to a minimum. This is your personal statement, and it needs to be about you, not your wife.

 

[startingover84]

The only other consideration you might make is that marriage comes with certain restrictions (relocation especially) that may or may not be viewed unfavorably by admissions committees. Certainly, you cannot be officially discriminated against due to marital status, but realistically you may be. I know some students who have removed their rings for interviews for just this reason: they can't ask you about your marital status unless you open the door. You may want to just refer to your business partner without assigning names or other signifiers to avoid negative stigmas associated with marriage and tackling a medical school schedule.

While I agree with what you wrote, it brought a question to my mind. Let's say you're in your late 20s/early 30s and you apply to medical school and you're not married? Wouldn't that carry more of a stigma? Like a "why isn't this person married already?" stigma? Now I'm curious if it might be better to wear your wedding ring?

 

[capn jazz]

While I agree with what you wrote, it brought a question to my mind. Let's say you're in your late 20s/early 30s and you apply to medical school and you're not married? Wouldn't that carry more of a stigma? Like a "why isn't this person married already?" stigma? Now I'm curious if it might be better to wear your wedding ring?

you... can't be serious.

 

[scarshapedstar]

While I agree with what you wrote, it brought a question to my mind. Let's say you're in your late 20s/early 30s and you apply to medical school and you're not married? Wouldn't that carry more of a stigma? Like a "why isn't this person married already?" stigma? Now I'm curious if it might be better to wear your wedding ring?

Jesus, what's in the water these days?











...brb, frantically searching for someone to marry.

 

[startingover84]

I am serious.

 

[irishdancer24]

...and don't call me Shirley.

 

[scarshapedstar]

I am serious.

I am 27 and unmarried. The vast majority of the incoming students around my age are not married. Heck, most of my high school and college classmates are still not married. Seems kinda early still, but maybe 27 doesn't count as 'late' yet, or maybe this is some regional phenomenon. Or maybe our superior med school caliber maturity and empathy and blahblah means that we should be predisposed to marriage ASAP. I dunno.

Hats off to anyone who manages to get a married as a med school applicant; I sure didn't feel particularly desirable at the time, what with the whole no money and no immediate prospects thing.

 

[TheMightySmiter]

I have met plenty of married and unmarried successful applicants. This is one of those times in which you should give the middle finger to SDN and go with what your instincts tell you.

 

[jHustle]

Unlikely.



You certainly can succeed as a married applicant and, later, a married medical student, but I'd remove the ring for interviews to avoid any potential misgivings adcoms might have about your ability to commit to your education.

I think you should personally sit this advice thread out as you seem to be speaking out of your ass. You have no idea what you're talking about and have probably never been in a committed relationship. Taking off your wedding ring for an interview to enhance your commitment to education, really? Exactly how neurotic/atypical are you?

 

[Slev]

i think you should personally sit this advice thread out as you seem to be speaking out of your ass. You have no idea what you're talking about and have probably never been in a committed relationship. Taking off your wedding ring for an interview to enhance your commitment to education, really? Exactly how neurotic/atypical are you?

+1

 

[theseeker4]

i think you should personally sit this advice thread out as you seem to be speaking out of your ass. You have no idea what you're talking about and have probably never been in a committed relationship. Taking off your wedding ring for an interview to enhance your commitment to education, really? Exactly how neurotic/atypical are you?

+2