quick ps question

[echolalia16]

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I open up my ps with a little anecdote which shows an example (in a sport that I am involved in) of how I am willing to take the more intimidating path, or not be scared away by possible threats to my goal, even if it means self sacrifice. I explain as much, and I figure this otherwise irrelivant anecdote should be followed up with supporting evidence from real life (see: not sports) to verify its value to me and my path to physicianship, where I expect this trait will be beneficial. This is an opportunity to talk about some of the hardships I've faced getting this far, such as having a bit of a violent alcoholic father, and a broken family overall, however I don't want to make my ps into a pity story, and I feel even mentioning it in just one sentence is over-doing it. Naturally, this is something that I haven't really talked to many people about, so to me it just seems awkward and attention-seeking by putting in my ps. Some folks who are especially close to me feel I should put it in, though, as it introduces a force in my life that has strongly influenced me, and one that is perhaps not all that common in medschool applicants(?) I was wondering if anybody else has discussed similar aspects of their personal life, and whether it would be best to just leave that stuff out or not.
Any advice would be wonderful, thanks.

 

[echolalia16]

Any advice would still be wonderful, thanks

 

[Seven of Nine]

hmmm, sticky situation. try the search bar, this is definitely a regular topic. the difficulty in including experiences like this is how it involves immediate family members. that can raise red flags when it comes to support systems, emotional trauma, predisposition to certain diseases, etc. be careful to present yourself in a strong -independent- light and how you've adapted by relying on close friends, etc.

 

[familyaerospace]

It should help you answer "Why Medicine?" Anything about your broken family life that doesn't help you answer "Why Medicine?" can go in the economically disadvantaged section (you get around 1300 characters for that on your application.)