talking about planned parenthood in the PS?

[Les93]

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I've volunteered as a clinic escort at planned parenthood in my city for the past year, and it's had a really big impact on me in terms of my desire to make healthcare accessible to everyone despite the many hurdles. Is this too political/controversial to talk about in a personal statement? I wouldn't necessarily frame the experience as "I'm super passionate about reproductive/women's healthcare" (though I am!), more in terms of how I understand that patients face obstacles to care (like being accosted by protestors outside a health clinic!) and I want to be a part of diminishing these obstacles. What do you all think? I just don't want being too overtly political to lessen my chances of getting interviews.

 

[Osminog]

Shouldn't be a problem, as long as you don't have your heart set on LUCOM.

 

[Goro]

Shouldn't be a problem, as long as you don't have your heart set on LUCOM.

Or Loma Linda

 

[TheWolfOfMainStreet]

I'd avoid it.

 

[Les93]

I'd avoid it.

I think I'm gonna go ahead and write about it but this is a super interesting graph, thanks!

 

[keepItReal17]

Yeah personally, I would avoid the topic unless you don't have anything else to write about or only if it is truly the best draft you write up. If you're serious about getting into med school (as it sounds like you are) I would write up a couple of different drafts and get opinions from various people (especially those in academia or in the medical field; preferably physicians) to give you feedback on your PS. You never know who is reading your PS and as much as we would like to believe that they won't read it and judge it based off their own personal beliefs, the truth is, we will never know.

 

[RNthenDoc]

I'd avoid it.

Anybody else notice a different trend in the graph? Those who earn more money tend to support the party that promises to let them keep more of it.

 

[Les93]

Anybody else notice a different trend in the graph? Those who earn more money tend to support the party that promises to let them keep more of it.

Yep, of course! Not a totally consistent trend but certainly we all know why the folks at the top of the chart are conservatives, lol.

 

[Robin-jay]

Anybody else notice a different trend in the graph? Those who earn more money tend to support the party that promises to let them keep more of it.

You could also say that smarter individuals in medicine tend to be more republican based on that graph.

It's all about perceptive.

 

[TheWolfOfMainStreet]

There are 1000 ways to interpret that graph. My main point was just that there are a lot of Republicans in medicine and there's a good chance atleast some of them are social conservatives too. Why unnecessarily expose yourself to the risk that one may just turn out to be your reviewer?

 

[deleted480308]

I've volunteered as a clinic escort at planned parenthood in my city for the past year, and it's had a really big impact on me in terms of my desire to make healthcare accessible to everyone despite the many hurdles. Is this too political/controversial to talk about in a personal statement? I wouldn't necessarily frame the experience as "I'm super passionate about reproductive/women's healthcare" (though I am!), more in terms of how I understand that patients face obstacles to care (like being accosted by protestors outside a health clinic!) and I want to be a part of diminishing these obstacles. What do you all think? I just don't want being too overtly political to lessen my chances of getting interviews.

I’d be careful with the implication that prolife protestors are constantly assaulting pregnant women, you might be asked to back that up.

But yeah, it’s a touchy subject...you do you but there will be people who aren’t ready to high five you and there will be people who are

 

[Robin-jay]

I've volunteered as a clinic escort at planned parenthood in my city for the past year, and it's had a really big impact on me in terms of my desire to make healthcare accessible to everyone despite the many hurdles. Is this too political/controversial to talk about in a personal statement? I wouldn't necessarily frame the experience as "I'm super passionate about reproductive/women's healthcare" (though I am!), more in terms of how I understand that patients face obstacles to care (like being accosted by protestors outside a health clinic!) and I want to be a part of diminishing these obstacles. What do you all think? I just don't want being too overtly political to lessen my chances of getting interviews.

The reason this is politics is because of the subjective-ness of the issues at hand. Some physicians may see no issue with protesters that are pro-life. Some may see an issue with those protesters. It's a coin flip. Politics my friend.

If you had this planned parenthood EC, be prepared to have some ADCOMs (as much as half) see what you're saying in a negative/neutral light.

You do you, but I don't know why you would take the risk.

 

[deleted480308]

At your interview “You say you want to reduce obstacles to care...how specifically?”.....

 

[Les93]

I’d be careful with the implication that prolife protestors are constantly assaulting pregnant women, you might be asked to back that up.

But yeah, it’s a touchy subject...you do you but there will be people who aren’t ready to high five you and there will be people who are

I mean, I see this happen literally every week (that's why they need escorts, right) so idk if I need any more backup than what I see with my eyes.

 

[Les93]

The reason this is politics is because of the subjective-ness of the issues at hand. Some physicians may see no issue with protesters that are pro-life. Some may see an issue with those protesters. It's a coin flip. Politics my friend.

If you had this planned parenthood EC, be prepared to have some ADCOMs (as much as half) see what you're saying in a negative/neutral light.

You do you, but I don't know why you would take the risk.

Yeah, I think I'll try a draft with the story and try to de politicize it as much as possible and then see how it looks from there. I would hope that even physicians who were pro life would still be pro patient decisions/pro care but you're right, you never know.

 

[Les93]

At your interview “You say you want to reduce obstacles to care...how specifically?”.....

A good question and one I should definitely have in mind throughout this process, thanks!

 

[deleted480308]

I mean, I see this happen literally every week (that's why they need escorts, right) so idk if I need any more backup than what I see with my eyes.

You watch a pregnant lady get physically assaulted every week?

 

[TheWolfOfMainStreet]

I mean, I see this happen literally every week (that's why they need escorts, right) so idk if I need any more backup than what I see with my eyes.

Remember that one of the chief things they look for on controversial topics is the ability to understand both sides of an issue and not dehumanize those who may disagree with you.

If you insist on discussing this story, then make sure to be understanding of those who protest peacefully. If it comes off as an abortionist screed, you’ll torpedo your chances not just with a conservative reviewer but also moderates and a handful of liberals.

 

[GypsyHummus]

Why anyone would volunteer their time to a place that has been caught on record, on camera, selling carved up baby’s body parts to the highest bidder is beyond me. I don’t care how many 20 cent condoms they hand out. It started as an admitted eugenics program and has remained so.

So no, I would not add it in the personal statement. There might be people who actually have a conscious on the ADCOM.

 

[keepItReal17]

 

[Robin-jay]

Yeah, I think I'll try a draft with the story and try to de politicize it as much as possible and then see how it looks from there. I would hope that even physicians who were pro life would still be pro patient decisions/pro care but you're right, you never know.

Why anyone would volunteer their time to a place that has been caught on record, on camera, selling carved up baby’s body parts to the highest bidder is beyond me. I don’t care how many 20 cent condoms they hand out. It started as an admitted eugenics program and has remained so.

So no, I would not add it in the personal statement. There might be people who actually have a conscious on the ADCOM.

Gypsy proves my point OP. You may agree or disagree with Gypsy's assessment of the situation. However, The point is that many good quality people such as Gypsy (seemingly intelligent, empathetic, etc.) will also sit on the ADCOMs and think in this exact light.

This example exemplifies my point, imagine two applicants at an interview:

Applicant 1: "I'm passionate and empathetic about the hardships the mothers who come in the clinic endure, so I support Planned parenthood. The protesters were abusive".
Applicant 2: "I'm passionate and empathetic for the unborn fetus/child, so I had done some protesting and helped pro-life causes. Many individuals were abusive toward us".

Perspective.

 

[ThreeCheers]

The answer to this is a hard no IMO. I believe the AMA etc (as a collective unit) officially support PP, but you never know which individual is reading your app and how s/he will react to something potentially controversial.

For what it’s worth, I did an internship with PP. I decided to write “something something women’s healthcare advocate” on my CV and left it at that.

 

[chickpeagoals]

As someone who is also helping remove the barriers for women, I would write about it.

If the school rejects you because of that, is it a school that you really want to go to?

 

[Robin-jay]

As someone who is also helping remove the barriers for women, I would write about it.

If the school rejects you because of that, is it a school that you really want to go to?

You risk a school rejecting you if you E-mail them too much, or even wear something during an interview they don't like, etc, etc.

ADCOMs are people too, and since they choose from a wide variety of applicants, then even small details could turn them off from ones application.

50% may say its women's rights. 50% may say its against human rights. Perspective matters. I respect the grey area of the subject. You can't just believe your position is correct. It's a highly debated subject for a reason.

This being the case, its best to "minimize" and "reduce risk" on the application. Things that are highly political and ethically controversial could most definitely be a factor worth minimizing in your application.

 

[RNthenDoc]

I had some interviewers ask me VERY political questions, and they made it VERY clear that if my views didn’t align with theirs they would not be... Enthusiastic about me as a candidate.

I’m not about to burn bridges.

There’s a time for running your mouth (such as during shifts at my hospital) and there’s a time to kiss rings. We’ve built a system that rewards playing games and lots of other dumb things, but we are all asked to be play the game.

 

[Osminog]

I had some interviewers ask me VERY political questions, and they made it VERY clear that if my views didn’t align with theirs they would not be... Enthusiastic about me as a candidate.

I’m not about to burn bridges.

There’s a time for running your mouth (such as during shifts at my hospital) and there’s a time to kiss rings. We’ve built a system that rewards playing games and lots of other dumb things, but we are all asked to be play the game.

What were the questions? Also, which schools?

 

[Durty-Trixxx]

I had some interviewers ask me VERY political questions, and they made it VERY clear that if my views didn’t align with theirs they would not be... Enthusiastic about me as a candidate.

These interviewers do realize this is grounds for their dismissal according to Federal and state laws regarding discrimination and also dept. of education credentialing regulations, right?

Asking an interviewee about their political views is the same thing as asking "Why do you feel you'd be a better OB/GYN as a female physician than a male would?" or "Since you're black, would you be more inclined to work in an inner city clinic if we accept you into our primary care fast track program?"

Guaranteed any ADCOM interviewer who asks such pointed political questions is a far right-winger. These are delicate snowflakes who throw toddler tantrums at any suggestion that Commie Trump is not the most wonderful and most highly intelligent person that every held public office LOL

 

[deleted480308]

These interviewers do realize this is grounds for their dismissal according to Federal and state laws regarding discrimination and also dept. of education credentialing regulations, right?

Asking an interviewee about their political views is the same thing as asking "Why do you feel you'd be a better OB/GYN as a female physician than a male would?" or "Since you're black, would you be more inclined to work in an inner city clinic if we accept you into our primary care fast track program?"

Guaranteed any ADCOM interviewer who asks such pointed political questions is a far right-winger. These are delicate snowflakes who throw toddler tantrums at any suggestion that Commie Trump is not the most wonderful and most highly intelligent person that every held public office LOL

I was asked political questions by people of various beliefs, your mileage may vary

 

[Osminog]

These interviewers do realize this is grounds for their dismissal according to Federal and state laws regarding discrimination and also dept. of education credentialing regulations, right?

Asking an interviewee about their political views is the same thing as asking "Why do you feel you'd be a better OB/GYN as a female physician than a male would?" or "Since you're black, would you be more inclined to work in an inner city clinic if we accept you into our primary care fast track program?"

Guaranteed any ADCOM interviewer who asks such pointed political questions is a far right-winger. These are delicate snowflakes who throw toddler tantrums at any suggestion that Commie Trump is not the most wonderful and most highly intelligent person that every held public office LOL

I have no idea what you're talking about. Politics-related questions are common and totally appropriate (with some obvious exceptions, e.g., "What's your political affiliation?" and "Who'd you vote for?").

The general advice for interviewees is to stay relatively neutral and thoughtfully weigh all sides of an issue.

 

[RNthenDoc]

These interviewers do realize this is grounds for their dismissal according to Federal and state laws regarding discrimination and also dept. of education credentialing regulations, right?

Asking an interviewee about their political views is the same thing as asking "Why do you feel you'd be a better OB/GYN as a female physician than a male would?" or "Since you're black, would you be more inclined to work in an inner city clinic if we accept you into our primary care fast track program?"

Guaranteed any ADCOM interviewer who asks such pointed political questions is a far right-winger. These are delicate snowflakes who throw toddler tantrums at any suggestion that Commie Trump is not the most wonderful and most highly intelligent person that every held public office LOL

The most egregious person was DEFINITELY not a right-winger. Far the opposite.

I’m not going to post specifics about the schools or interviewers.

It could have been an act to see how I would react... That’s something I’ve considered.

Doubt it, though. The political vitriol is pretty pungent these days. I mean, I’m one post you devolved into calling names, saying “Commie Trump” etc. lol.

I think they were hunting for a response like this.

 

[TheWolfOfMainStreet]

The most egregious person was DEFINITELY not a right-winger. Far the opposite.

I’m not going to post specifics about the schools or interviewers.

It could have been an act to see how I would react... That’s something I’ve considered.

Doubt it, though. The political vitriol is pretty pungent these days. I mean, I’m one post you devolved into calling names, saying “Commie Trump” etc. lol.

I think they were hunting for a response like this.

Yup, interviewers want to see that you can answer questions and have conversations with people without calling them "Commie Trump" or "Far Right-Winger" or "BernieBot" or anything else demeaning. They want to see that you're not an unhinged political animal like some of our friends on here.

Patients come in all political stripes. Your duty is to show the same respect and provide the same care to people regardless of what they believe in or who they support politically.

 

[Durty-Trixxx]

Yup, interviewers want to see that you can answer questions and have conversations with people without calling them "Commie Trump" or "Far Right-Winger" or "BernieBot" or anything else demeaning. They want to see that you're not an unhinged political animal like some of our friends on here.

Patients come in all political stripes. Your duty is to show the same respect and provide the same care to people regardless of what they believe in or who they support politically.

It's a sad day in America when Commie Trump can call a highly-respected First Lady, Senator, and Secretary of State "Crooked Hillary" --- and yet he and his brain-dead sheep expect nothing but respect and fawning language when addressing them?

I guess I'm from the old school --- if a right-winger treats me or my political views with disrespect --- I punch back 10X harder to teach 'em a lesson. You dont pussyfoot with these kinds of brainwashed ideologues --- you hit 'em in the mouth and knock out some teeth and they they learn some manners.

 

[Robin-jay]

It's a sad day in America when Commie Trump can call a highly-respected First Lady, Senator, and Secretary of State "Crooked Hillary" --- and yet he and his brain-dead sheep expect nothing but respect and fawning language when addressing them?

I guess I'm from the old school --- if a right-winger treats me or my political views with disrespect --- I punch back 10X harder to teach 'em a lesson. You dont pussyfoot with bullies --- you hit 'em in the mouth and knock out some teeth and they they learn some manners.

Young grasshopper, you fail to see others perspectives.

This lack of insight lowers an important aspect of your personality -- your character -- a type of intelligence.

The type of intelligence you lack is called "perspective".

Until you can understand why there is a gray area in the aspect of "right vs left", then I'd advise you to stop sharing your lack of insight.

I'm not saying be neutral in your political views, choose a side by all means, but do understand the pros and cons of each the right and left side before spouting rhetoric I'd expect to see an ill-informed twitter user evoke.

I'd recommend the first step is to stop name-calling with people that don't agree with your political views.

 

[TheWolfOfMainStreet]

I guess I'm from the old school --- if a right-winger treats me or my political views with disrespect --- I punch back 10X harder to teach 'em a lesson. You dont pussyfoot with these kinds of brainwashed ideologues --- you hit 'em in the mouth and knock out some teeth and they they learn some manners.

If you're this politically intolerant, forget about any kind of people-based profession.

Can't have your snowflake tendencies being upset by ~half the population.

Also, seek psychiatric help.

 

[Durty-Trixxx]

Can't have your snowflake tendencies being upset by ~half the population.

Also, seek psychiatric help.

Looks like I triggered another Trump Troll 😛

Just like Dubya used to brag --- MISSION ACCOMPLISHED 😀

 

[RNtoMD87]

Personally I see all politicians as crooked, as it takes a crooked person to reach the top of a crooked system. When asked about my political beliefs, I would simply state that I weigh each decision I make on an individual basis, and I don't join bandwagon party politics.

Where as WHY an individual would identify with the "left" or "right" I could completely understand. These groups have much more in common than they differ. Infact, both parties use a lot of the same rhetoric, and decade to decade they swap sides on things such as immigration, social healthcare, etc.

 

[samac]

I'd avoid it.

Now I know while I’m interested in psych.