specialities?

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Hi, I wanted to know if it's okay to mention interest in a specialty on secondaries and personal statements, etc. I have experience in an elementary school classroom and have shadowed a pediatrician, both of which solidified my intent to work in pediatrics. Is it frowned upon to talk about an inclination for this field in my med school essays/responses overall or is it okay based on some of my activities?

 

[mvenus929]

It's fine to express an interest, as long as you have something to back it up that sounds halfway educated. For instance, being interested in Ortho because they make a lot of money--generally frowned upon. Having worked with sick kids in the past, thus have an interest in pediatrics, sure. Just be aware that you may change your mind in med school, once you are actually in some of the day-to-day work of that specialty.

 

[LizzyM]

A desire to work with a specific age group is still vague enough that you can do almost anything with that interest. (Pediatrics is very common, geriatrics is more rare but makes sense for those who have done work and/or volunteering with the elderly.) I have also seen applications from women who specify a desire to work in OB-GYN/women's health and who have had clinical and volunteer experiences that demonstrate a commitment to that cause.

 

[Goro]

Hi, I wanted to know if it's okay to mention interest in a specialty on secondaries and personal statements, etc. I have experience in an elementary school classroom and have shadowed a pediatrician, both of which solidified my intent to work in pediatrics. Is it frowned upon to talk about an inclination for this field in my med school essays/responses overall or is it okay based on some of my activities?

This is perfectly OK.

I get annoyed by people who have a starry-eyed interest a specialty that they haven't shadowed~

 

[The Knife & Gun Club]

Hi, I wanted to know if it's okay to mention interest in a specialty on secondaries and personal statements, etc. I have experience in an elementary school classroom and have shadowed a pediatrician, both of which solidified my intent to work in pediatrics. Is it frowned upon to talk about an inclination for this field in my med school essays/responses overall or is it okay based on some of my activities?

Just don't say you're going to be a pediatric neurosurgeon who only works with uninsured refugees