PS idea - NOT a critique thread

[PhT]

Hello all,

Like many of you who have applied/will be applying, I would like to submit my AMCAS application as early as possible. This, however, may be complicated by the fact that my personal statement is nowhere near completion. In fact, as the title suggests, I merely have an idea (theme, if you will) and a few paragraphs worth of writing. Before I continue investing time in a risky idea, I pose the question...Is it lame to write a statement that draws parallels between two things you consider to be your 'passions'? If you don't think so, would you still maintain that position if I told you that my first love is cars? I know it sounds lame, but in my mind there exist certain medical concepts that can be effectively compared to automotive science. To name an example, both mechanics and physicians must possess the insight required to forsee the potential consequences of modifying an entity comprised of many interrelated systems. Maybe I'm trying to get a little to cute with this concept, but I feel that this is an opportunity for me to talk about something I love (cars) while accepting the challenge of trying to reconcile it with something so different at first glance (medicine). These are essentially my passions in life, and I thought that including both would be a great way to make a personal statement just that - personal. Any and all feedback will be appreciated, as I (like most of us) am simply trying to put the best foot forward. Thank you in advance for your time .

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[MoosePilot]

Hello all,

Like many of you who have applied/will be applying, I would like to submit my AMCAS application as early as possible. This, however, may be complicated by the fact that my personal statement is nowhere near completion. In fact, as the title suggests, I merely have an idea (theme, if you will) and a few paragraphs worth of writing. Before I continue investing time in a risky idea, I pose the question...Is it lame to write a statement that draws parallels between two things you consider to be your 'passions'? If you don't think so, would you still maintain that position if I told you that my first love is cars? I know it sounds lame, but in my mind there exist certain medical concepts that can be effectively compared to automotive science. To name an example, both mechanics and physicians must possess the insight required to forsee the potential consequences of modifying an entity comprised of many interrelated systems. Maybe I'm trying to get a little to cute with this concept, but I feel that this is an opportunity for me to talk about something I love (cars) while accepting the challenge of trying to reconcile it with something so different at first glance (medicine). These are essentially my passions in life, and I thought that including both would be a great way to make a personal statement just that - personal. Any and all feedback will be appreciated, as I (like most of us) am simply trying to put the best foot forward. Thank you in advance for your time .

I think you can compare the two and if well written I think it could be an interesting PS. However, I think PS are definitely a bell curve affair. There are some that hurt an app, some that help, and most just sit there and fill up the required space. Don't be that guy on the left hand of the bell curve.

 

[PhT]

I think you can compare the two and if well written I think it could be an interesting PS. However, I think PS are definitely a bell curve affair. There are some that hurt an app, some that help, and most just sit there and fill up the required space. Don't be that guy on the left hand of the bell curve.

-Thanks for your thoughts, MoosePilot; I can definately see how my idea would seem lame if not well-written. Anyone else with an opinion?

 

[tinkerbelle]

I think this could be a cute idea for an essay. At any rate, it'll be different and make you stand out (which is a good thing). Just make sure your essay isn't to guy-ish and that a girl wouldn't get totally bored while reading it.

 

[doc05]

I concur. If your PS is well-written, ANY topic is appropriate. But most people don't write well -- at least as well as they think. Unless your PS is exceptionally well-written, use a conservative theme.

 

[tinkerbelle]

But most people don't write well -- at least as well as they think.

If your school has a writing center, use them! They see tons of med school essays and usually do a great job of critiquing.

 

[Skichic56]

Adcoms get very tired of reading the same, dull essays over and over again. I think you should definitely go for it, but seek the impressions of a variety of readers before submitting it. This is a great opportunity to show your passions outside medicine, which otherwise might not be evident in your application (and which countless other premeds may lack in such depth). Just be sure that you effectively connect them to why you want to practice medicine. At best your essay will be unique and remembered from the hundreds that may be read in a day. Good luck and feel free to post it or pm for review when you're finished.

 

[gerido]

Hello all,

Like many of you who have applied/will be applying, I would like to submit my AMCAS application as early as possible. This, however, may be complicated by the fact that my personal statement is nowhere near completion. In fact, as the title suggests, I merely have an idea (theme, if you will) and a few paragraphs worth of writing. Before I continue investing time in a risky idea, I pose the question...Is it lame to write a statement that draws parallels between two things you consider to be your 'passions'? If you don't think so, would you still maintain that position if I told you that my first love is cars? I know it sounds lame, but in my mind there exist certain medical concepts that can be effectively compared to automotive science. To name an example, both mechanics and physicians must possess the insight required to forsee the potential consequences of modifying an entity comprised of many interrelated systems. Maybe I'm trying to get a little to cute with this concept, but I feel that this is an opportunity for me to talk about something I love (cars) while accepting the challenge of trying to reconcile it with something so different at first glance (medicine). These are essentially my passions in life, and I thought that including both would be a great way to make a personal statement just that - personal. Any and all feedback will be appreciated, as I (like most of us) am simply trying to put the best foot forward. Thank you in advance for your time .

I would assume that you will note the difference between a mechanic and a doctor... That their role is entirely different. that's my 2cents

 

[PhT]

I would assume that you will note the difference between a mechanic and a doctor... That their role is entirely different. that's my 2cents

...a great point. Yes, I have certainly thought about how I will make this distinction and feel that it can be done effectively. Thanks to all that have contributed and keep the comments coming . For anyone that is curious to see how this turns out, I'd be grateful for your time and editorial commentary. Thanks again!

 

[beanbean]

One of the risks of this essay would be ignoring the humanistic side of medicine. As an engineer who has changed careers one of my motivating factors was that I was much more interested in fixing people not machines. Although a logical troubleshooting process is needed in both, there are many complexities to the task of healing people that do not come into play when fixing a machine.

Personally, I would focus more on the differences between your two passions. Discuss the parallels between the two (how your enjoyment of car repair and intricate problem solving will carry over into medicine) and then discuss how medicine is different and why it is your chosen career. Your personal statement should give the reader an idea of who you are and why medicine is your passion. Be careful not to write a statement that prompts the reader to ask "why not just work on cars?".

 

[nockamura]

I'd avoid metaphors/similes as much as possible. Can you imagine..."The patient was like a 1966 Ford Mustang; classic and full of trouble."

 

[marina]

Personally, I would focus more on the differences between your two passions.
Be careful not to write a statement that prompts the reader to ask "why not just work on cars?".[/QUOTE]


These are great points. I don't want my doctor to treat me like a machine. Actually, I had a doctor visit like that last month. He didn't listen to what I said. He even got vital things wrong, like, "it hurts more when you do this." He said, "Oh, I thought you said it hurt less." This guy was not a people person. He's a headache specialist, and when I told him that I have headaches every day, he actually laughed.
His name was Dr. Khan. I call him Dr. Khanman.

 

[PhT]

beanbean - it's funny, my concern with this idea is exactly what you've pointed out. Thus far, my gameplan has been to introduce the concept of how an interest in cars provides me with a unique perspective on this seemingly unrelated discipline. I've relied more on likening my journey to a rally course, as several experiences and changes of direction have helped me to realize my love for medicine. Again, this is a work in progress, and I hope to have a share-able version within a day or two. More commentary welcome!