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I should mention I'm applying through TMDSAS, which has an optional essay (it's really not optional) regarding this. It's dubbed an optional "unique circumstance/experience" essay.
Writing Your Essays for the TMDSAS (Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service)
I appreciate the honest advice. I have completely processed these events, which were 5-6 years ago. I believe I can present this professionally and rationalize the role it's played. However, there are so many interview questions that could "trap me" into an unsatisfactory response. For instance, How did you let this go on so long? He was an incredibly intelligent and charming sociopath. *ding, ding* Victim card.
If I were to include this in my essay, which is a max of 2,500 words, should I be sure to not seem heated or emotional on the topic? I think my advantage would be to spin it as a learning experience, as gonnif mentioned.
What would be the right amount of detail? For instance, the physical assaults were progressively more severe, but I doubt they'd want detailed examples?
I just wanted to update this thread to say that I decided to apply this cycle and went ahead and included it in my "extenuating circumstances" essay. I am beyond grateful for the amazing advice I received and wanted to thank each one of you.
I minimized the actual scenario and remained vague and professional on the matter. I spent the majority explaining how I overcame it, what I learned and how it will make me a better doctor. I chose not to disclose health problems because although they are under control, adcoms have no way of feeling confident in a lifelong condition like an autoimmune disorder.
Anyways, in case anyone stumbles upon this, the major takeaways were to be prompt, professional and spend 90% of your words explaining how such a challenge could make someone a better doctor.
I'll update how it works out for interviews/acceptances if anyone cares. Cheers.