To the "unique experiences" question...

[caxoo]

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Hello everyone. I was wondering if anybody has any insight on this particular question that is often asked in apps!

I am considering talking about my previous battle with an eating disorder. I wouldn't characterize it as anorexia just yet, but there were a few iffy moments (pseudo-fainting spells from lack of blood sugar or something, extreme anxiety over food and obsessive tracking, "chewing and spitting" which is something I didn't know was a thing but I looked it up just now). It has shaped my identity to this day, but not in a bad way: learning from the experiences, I feel like I gained new perspectives and positive outlooks on life.

I'm just worried:
- Is it a "unique experience" worth talking about? Does it have enough perceived positive transformative power? I personally believe it does, but maybe to others/adcoms it doesn't
- Will I look potentially unstable? Admit to potential weakness?

Thanks!

 

[Goro]

No. Plenty of applicants tie their own clinical experiences as patients into their interest in Medicine.


- Is it a "unique experience" worth talking about?

Overcoming adversity is always a good thing.

Does it have enough perceived positive transformative power?

Possibly. Medical school is hard enough. A blast furnace, really.

- Will I look potentially unstable?


Honestly, I do have some obsessive students who get so wrapped up in trying to learn everything that they learn nothing.
Admit to potential weakness?

 

[caxoo]

No. Plenty of applicants tie their own clinical experiences as patients into their interest in Medicine.


- Is it a "unique experience" worth talking about?

Overcoming adversity is always a good thing.

Does it have enough perceived positive transformative power?

Possibly. Medical school is hard enough. A blast furnace, really.

- Will I look potentially unstable?


Honestly, I do have some obsessive students who get so wrapped up in trying to learn everything that they learn nothing.
Admit to potential weakness?

Ah man...that's a tad disappointing, I was actually looking forward to talking about this particular experience and reflecting on it. But I do appreciate your honesty, thank you