Physician Parent in Personal Statement

[fuggedaboutit]

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My father is a physician. I feel like it would be super awkward if I didn't include the influence he's had on my interest in medicine in my personal statement. Of course, I've done stuff on my own to make sure its the career for me, but I'd be lying if I said he didn't initiate the interest. Is this something frowned upon by adcoms? Is this something I need to feel like I'm hiding?

 

[puahate]

Mention it

 

[TheLibrarian]

If there was a positive influence on you for your interest in medicine (outside of him coaxing you in that direction), then definitely mention it. It would be like looking up to your father as a mentor or role model, as opposed to being pushed into the family business. It all matters on how you frame your situation.

 

[LizzyM]

I've even seen docs reviewing applications mention it as odd that an applicant had a parent (or parents) who are physicians but did not mention them in the PS or other essays (secondary). It isn't required but it can be a very honest and very good approach to what can be an elephant in the room.