question to those conducting interviews...

[smarmy]

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So I've been on a few interviews so far, and I have been asked multiple times how I decided on psych (don't worry, that wasn't a surprise to me😛). I keep answering that I am simply drawn to the patients (in more words than that, of course). It is the truth, and, honestly, the reason I knew psych was for me rather than other fields. I'm just wondering if this comes across as a wimpy/not-so-deep answer..Even though this is the truth, and the bottom line for me, I'm wondering if it is hurting me not to have a more "high-brow" answer (something about potential for research/social impacts of mental illness, etc). Just wondering how an answer like mine would strike you all. I want to answer honestly, but I also don't want to be losing any points on that whole "dedication to psych" factor by not explaining myself well...

 

[OldPsychDoc]

So I've been on a few interviews so far, and I have been asked multiple times how I decided on psych (don't worry, that wasn't a surprise to me😛). I keep answering that I am simply drawn to the patients (in more words than that, of course). It is the truth, and, honestly, the reason I knew psych was for me rather than other fields. I'm just wondering if this comes across as a wimpy/not-so-deep answer..Even though this is the truth, and the bottom line for me, I'm wondering if it is hurting me not to have a more "high-brow" answer (something about potential for research/social impacts of mental illness, etc). Just wondering how an answer like mine would strike you all. I want to answer honestly, but I also don't want to be losing any points on that whole "dedication to psych" factor by not explaining myself well...

I would accept it. Keep in mind though that I interview for a community-based program, not a pure academic program that might want a bit more of a "high brow" answer.
For me the issue of "dedication to psych" is less some deep, abstract thing (and I've had applicants go all philosophical on me about consciousness, etc, etc...it usually comes across as someone trying to tell me what they think I want to hear and having no idea of the real world 🙄) than it is an ability to communicate that "this is what I want to do and I am going to be happy doing it every day for the rest of my life" (or at least 5 days a week, 48 weeks a year 😀)

 

[smarmy]

thank you, that is helpful

 

[BabyPsychDoc]

I would accept it. Keep in mind though that I interview for a community-based program, not a pure academic program that might want a bit more of a "high brow" answer.
For me the issue of "dedication to psych" is less some deep, abstract thing (and I've had applicants go all philosophical on me about consciousness, etc, etc...it usually comes across as someone trying to tell me what they think I want to hear and having no idea of the real world 🙄) than it is an ability to communicate that "this is what I want to do and I am going to be happy doing it every day for the rest of my life" (or at least 5 days a week, 48 weeks a year 😀)

wait, wait...you mean 46 weeks a year, right? gotta keep those CME credits up, you know...😛

 

[OldPsychDoc]

wait, wait...you mean 46 weeks a year, right? gotta keep those CME credits up, you know...😛

already planning next year's meeting schedule...😀

 

[swanny]

I think I might want to understand more about what draws you to them. Is it a particular type of patient or problem, or a more global attraction? From where do you think this feeling arises? I am looking for psychological understanding and self-insight. I also often ask what candidates think would be difficult for them in the field (a particular type of problem or patient, emotional management, feelings of pity or frustration) in order to see how able they are to be introspective and reflective.