Walked into the wrong interview...

[rainman1646]

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Last week a friend and I were attempting to locate the conference room for our interview. We followed some suits ahead of us into one of the buildings. When we got to the door, we said "hi, how are you" and smiled at a fellow interviewee who looked up at us without a smile then turned around and walked away. My friend and I glanced at each other, shrugged our shoulders, and proceeded to follow him into a conference room.

When we stepped into the room, I thought we had interrupted a presentation or something. About 50 interviewees were sitting down, silent, heads looking down or straight ahead, and no smiles or discussions going on anywhere. There was no one in front of the room, no writing assignment going on or anything. We looked for our folder and name tag on a desk, but couldn't find ours. So we walked to the back of the room and sat down. Luckily I noticed another student from my home university and went over to say hi. I said, "I didn't know you were applying to dental school" to him. He looked at me funny and said, this is for the MD program.

Oooooops! Well no harm done...they hadn't started anything yet, and we still had time to get over to the right building. We soon found out that the predents got bumped to another building, so we hurried over and found the right room. When we walked in, people were standing up, talking, laughing, shaking hands, SMILING! And guess what...basically the same setup, similar room, folders, welcome slide on the screen, etc.

I thought this would be an interesting story to share. I have no idea why this was the case. Maybe some of you can shed some light on this for me. Are the interviews for MD programs that stressful? Is there some sort of rule that says an MD has to be so serious all of the time? I guess its possible that someone came into their room and told them all to be quiet before we got there, but I doubt it. They hadn't started yet. LOL. Maybe this was just a one time anomaly.

Anyone care to comment on this? By the way, I have no axe to grind against MD/DO programs, and the particular school we were interviewing at was great.

 

[KenKim]

Last week a friend and I were attempting to locate the conference room for our interview. We followed some suits ahead of us into one of the buildings. When we got to the door, we said "hi, how are you" and smiled at a fellow interviewee who looked up at us without a smile then turned around and walked away. My friend and I glanced at each other, shrugged our shoulders, and proceeded to follow him into a conference room.

When we stepped into the room, I thought we had interrupted a presentation or something. About 50 interviewees were sitting down, silent, heads looking down or straight ahead, and no smiles or discussions going on anywhere. There was no one in front of the room, no writing assignment going on or anything. We looked for our folder and name tag on a desk, but couldn't find ours. So we walked to the back of the room and sat down. Luckily I noticed another student from my home university and went over to say hi. I said, "I didn't know you were applying to dental school" to him. He looked at me funny and said, this is for the MD program.

Oooooops! Well no harm done...they hadn't started anything yet, and we still had time to get over to the right building. We soon found out that the predents got bumped to another building, so we hurried over and found the right room. When we walked in, people were standing up, talking, laughing, shaking hands, SMILING! And guess what...basically the same setup, similar room, folders, welcome slide on the screen, etc.

I thought this would be an interesting story to share. I have no idea why this was the case. Maybe some of you can shed some light on this for me. Are the interviews for MD programs that stressful? Is there some sort of rule that says an MD has to be so serious all of the time? I guess its possible that someone came into their room and told them all to be quiet before we got there, but I doubt it. They hadn't started yet. LOL. Maybe this was just a one time anomaly.

Anyone care to comment on this? By the way, I have no axe to grind against MD/DO programs, and the particular school we were interviewing at was great.

hahah thanks for sharing. fun story

 

[YoHomey]

Last week a friend and I were attempting to locate the conference room for our interview. We followed some suits ahead of us into one of the buildings. When we got to the door, we said "hi, how are you" and smiled at a fellow interviewee who looked up at us without a smile then turned around and walked away. My friend and I glanced at each other, shrugged our shoulders, and proceeded to follow him into a conference room.

When we stepped into the room, I thought we had interrupted a presentation or something. About 50 interviewees were sitting down, silent, heads looking down or straight ahead, and no smiles or discussions going on anywhere. There was no one in front of the room, no writing assignment going on or anything. We looked for our folder and name tag on a desk, but couldn't find ours. So we walked to the back of the room and sat down. Luckily I noticed another student from my home university and went over to say hi. I said, "I didn't know you were applying to dental school" to him. He looked at me funny and said, this is for the MD program.

Oooooops! Well no harm done...they hadn't started anything yet, and we still had time to get over to the right building. We soon found out that the predents got bumped to another building, so we hurried over and found the right room. When we walked in, people were standing up, talking, laughing, shaking hands, SMILING! And guess what...basically the same setup, similar room, folders, welcome slide on the screen, etc.

I thought this would be an interesting story to share. I have no idea why this was the case. Maybe some of you can shed some light on this for me. Are the interviews for MD programs that stressful? Is there some sort of rule that says an MD has to be so serious all of the time? I guess its possible that someone came into their room and told them all to be quiet before we got there, but I doubt it. They hadn't started yet. LOL. Maybe this was just a one time anomaly.

Anyone care to comment on this? By the way, I have no axe to grind against MD/DO programs, and the particular school we were interviewing at was great.

Dude, you wrote a lot of long paragraphs for such a boring story. 😴 I'm still waiting for the punch line lol. I could understand if something interesting happened in the wrong interview room or something, but all this buildup for nothing. Your story was like a girl, just a big tease.

 

[DesertSonata]

I know what you mean. I've seen this difference while I shadowed. When I shadowed MDs, everyone seemed to be stressed and grumpy. On the other hand, when I shadowed my dentist, all the employees seemed happy and had a smile on their face. This may be either due to their environment they work in, or medicine just attracts tense serious people.

 

[rainman1646]

LOL I won't take it personally. Sorry if it was boring. I've just been reading the same old posts from everyone stressing about the application process, and getting on each others case. Just thought I'd put some effort into trying to lighten the mood a bit.

Just thought it was kind of a funny deal.

 

[2th Doc]

LOL I won't take it personally. Sorry if it was boring. I've just been reading the same old posts from everyone stressing about the application process, and getting on each others case. Just thought I'd put some effort into trying to lighten the mood a bit.

Just thought it was kind of a funny deal.

Definitely an interesting experience. I didn't find it boring, but rather comical. It's interesting the stark contrast you found between the two rooms/groups. Yeah, it may just be an anomaly, but maybe not? Either way, dentistry rocks 😀

 

[Bereno]

LOL I won't take it personally. Sorry if it was boring. I've just been reading the same old posts from everyone stressing about the application process, and getting on each others case. Just thought I'd put some effort into trying to lighten the mood a bit.

Just thought it was kind of a funny deal.

It was funny to me - made me smile haha

 

[iralex801]

lol I found it funny too. Being serious all the time is lame. I can't believe the guy/girl you said Hi to didn't respond lmao. Maybe he/she thought u were trying to sabotage him/her.

 

[KillaCam]

That's funny that you found the MD applicants SO serious because some of my friends who went to MD interviews said the exact same thing!!!! Whether or not they're antisocial or not all the time is another issue but they certainly take their s#$% way too seriously. It's as if somewhere along the line they established and began practicing the idea that being social is unprofessional or makes you a worse candidate for medical school.........

 

[AllahIsGreater]

MD = boss. no debate. and bosses dont joke around 🙂

 

[MrAvicii]

md = gunners! no smiles, no cries.

 

[yappy]

Great story!

MD's do take themselves seriously. I have noticed a stark contract in working conditions from when I used to work in acute care vs shadowing dentists.

The difference, for example, is that in a trauma ICU people die. In the dental office they dont lol. I once saw an entire extended family of 10 have a viceral/hysterical reaction to hearing that their son (16) had died from his injuries. The fields seem to attract different personalities.

 

[Msmouth]

I am an RDH and have worked in tons of offices......it's rare to work with a dentist who is serious 100% of the time. Most have a good sense of humor and laugh all day long with staff and patients, (so do I). I actually find our day to day routine fairly humorous.

If I encounter a serious one, it's actually pretty sad and I wonder if he/she chose the right profession.

 

[OntarioSTANDUP]

I know what you mean. I've seen this difference while I shadowed. When I shadowed MDs, everyone seemed to be stressed and grumpy. On the other hand, when I shadowed my dentist, all the employees seemed happy and had a smile on their face. This may be either due to their environment they work in, or medicine just attracts tense serious people.

"OUR MISSION IS TO CREATE A PERFECT SMILE!" 😀 HOW CAN THEY NOT SMILE?!

.... AM I SMILING BIG ENOUGH? 😀

ok... maybe that was a bit too much.

 

[duckdds]

We followed some suits ahead of us into one of the buildings. When we got to the door, we said "hi, how are you" and smiled at a fellow interviewee who looked up at us without a smile then turned around and walked away

lol sorry I had quite the laugh there.

 

[timwatley]

Haha, great story. I'm surprised some people didn't think that was funny? Situational humor evades some I guess.

I would definitely say MD students have the stereotype of being super stuffy. Not true for all, but definitely a good number of them. At my state's dental school the MD and DMD students take classes together and supposably the MD students are complete *******s. At a party my friends friend (seemed like a pretty credible source to me) who was a dental student was hitting it off with a medical student. Once she found out he was dental she got up and left the room. I hope thats not true because I'd lose a little more faith in our society.

 

[EncinoDolphin]

Haha, great story. I'm surprised some people didn't think that was funny? Situational humor evades some I guess.

I would definitely say MD students have the stereotype of being super stuffy. Not true for all, but definitely a good number of them. At my state's dental school the MD and DMD students take classes together and supposably the MD students are complete *******s. At a party my friends friend (seemed like a pretty credible source to me) who was a dental student was hitting it off with a medical student. Once she found out he was dental she got up and left the room. I hope thats not true because I'd lose a little more faith in our society.

Unfortunately, we live in a society where physicians (and as suggested by this post, pre-medical students) mistake 'acting professionally' with 'acting coldly,' albeit with the superior intention of caring for their patients.

The comparison of the serious demeanor of the MD interviewees with the laid-back demeanor of the DDS interviewees underscores pivotal differences between the two professions. The truth is that physicians encounter situations that require a high degree of sensitivity much more frequently than dentists. For instance, when patients are taken into the resuscitation room of an emergency room, they are almost invariably entirely unclothed. Now, imagine if patients were surrounded by several physicians acting even slightly unprofessionally. Not only would patients lose their trust in the profession, but they may even lose their dignity. Same could be said if a physician began goofing off during a digital rectal exam, or smirking during a transvaginal ultrasound. Although equally important, dental procedures are less intimate.

To me, it sounds like the dental interviewees treated the ordeal more like a cocktail party than an interview. But on the other hand, that's probably OK, as dentists tend to have more time to enjoy those types of things than physicians.

 

[rainman1646]

Unfortunately, we live in a society where physicians (and as suggested by this post, pre-medical students) mistake 'acting professionally' with 'acting coldly,' albeit with the superior intention of caring for their patients.

The comparison of the serious demeanor of the MD interviewees with the laid-back demeanor of the DDS interviewees underscores pivotal differences between the two professions. The truth is that physicians encounter situations that require a high degree of sensitivity much more frequently than dentists. For instance, when patients are taken into the resuscitation room of an emergency room, they are almost invariably entirely unclothed. Now, imagine if patients were surrounded by several physicians acting even slightly unprofessionally. Not only would patients lose their trust in the profession, but they may even lose their dignity. Same could be said if a physician began goofing off during a digital rectal exam, or smirking during a transvaginal ultrasound. Although equally important, dental procedures are less intimate.

To me, it sounds like the dental interviewees treated the ordeal more like a cocktail party than an interview. But on the other hand, that's probably OK, as dentists tend to have more time to enjoy those types of things than physicians.

Just to clarify the atmosphere of the dental interview, it was genuine excitement and positive energy. Everyone was taking the interview seriously, but were mostly asking questions to other interviewees, students, and staff.

My attitude at an interview is kind of like the following, "Ok I've made it this far...try not to stress out here, be myself, be positive and outgoing, and yes, try to enjoy the interview as much as possible." I don't think that needs to be confused in any way with a cocktail party or not taking the interview seriously. Of course not taking the interview seriously would be foolish.

Good points made though by everyone about MD/DO being in more serious, possible life threatening situations. And yes, patients really don't want to see their doctor joking around and not taking their profession seriously. On the other hand, that would apply to dentists also. But maybe there is some room to keep things in a light mood around the dental office.

Ive done it again and made this too long. Thanks for all your feedback!

 

[mc719]

Unfortunately, we live in a society where physicians (and as suggested by this post, pre-medical students) mistake 'acting professionally' with 'acting coldly,' albeit with the superior intention of caring for their patients.

The comparison of the serious demeanor of the MD interviewees with the laid-back demeanor of the DDS interviewees underscores pivotal differences between the two professions. The truth is that physicians encounter situations that require a high degree of sensitivity much more frequently than dentists. For instance, when patients are taken into the resuscitation room of an emergency room, they are almost invariably entirely unclothed. Now, imagine if patients were surrounded by several physicians acting even slightly unprofessionally. Not only would patients lose their trust in the profession, but they may even lose their dignity. Same could be said if a physician began goofing off during a digital rectal exam, or smirking during a transvaginal ultrasound. Although equally important, dental procedures are less intimate.

To me, it sounds like the dental interviewees treated the ordeal more like a cocktail party than an interview. But on the other hand, that's probably OK, as dentists tend to have more time to enjoy those types of things than physicians.

This thread makes me very glad that I chose to apply to dental school. I hate when people take things too seriously. I've seen the exact same thing. A good portion of the dentists I shadowed were extremely laid back and funny. That's a better way to live IMO.

 

[timwatley]

Unfortunately, we live in a society where physicians (and as suggested by this post, pre-medical students) mistake 'acting professionally' with 'acting coldly,' albeit with the superior intention of caring for their patients.

The comparison of the serious demeanor of the MD interviewees with the laid-back demeanor of the DDS interviewees underscores pivotal differences between the two professions. The truth is that physicians encounter situations that require a high degree of sensitivity much more frequently than dentists. For instance, when patients are taken into the resuscitation room of an emergency room, they are almost invariably entirely unclothed. Now, imagine if patients were surrounded by several physicians acting even slightly unprofessionally. Not only would patients lose their trust in the profession, but they may even lose their dignity. Same could be said if a physician began goofing off during a digital rectal exam, or smirking during a transvaginal ultrasound. Although equally important, dental procedures are less intimate.

To me, it sounds like the dental interviewees treated the ordeal more like a cocktail party than an interview. But on the other hand, that's probably OK, as dentists tend to have more time to enjoy those types of things than physicians.

Not sure if I agree with the cocktail party statement. MDs deal with some very serious situations, no doubt. But, why does this entail a snobby, unhappy attitude? One of the funniest guys I've met was a dermatologist. My doctor growing up was pretty goofy as well. If you have half a brain you can decide when to be funny and when to be serious. The MD students I've been around seemed like they were in it for the wrong reasons. There's a reason why Patch Adams was so well received, loosen up.

 

[KillaCam]

I agree with some of the above statements but I don't see why the MD APPLICANTS, who have not yet entered the profession or have not been accustomed to such situations you have provided, are so serious....... Yes they need to be serious and professional in sensitive situations but that has nothing to do with them acting this way in the interview. Are you trying to make the point that MD programs only want people who are going to be super serious all the time so that when the time does come that they encounter a sensitive situation, their lame personalities and attitudes won't permit them to act any other way? That because they act like drones in ceratin social situations they are better suited for this profession?

 

[journeybegins]

I didn't read everybody's replies.

Great story, btw. Dental is the way to go (at least for me) 😎

But my opinion is...I don't buy into the whole seriousness of MD applicants vs DDS/DMD applicants. It's just the setting. I know plenty of people who aren't like that when you talk to them.

Maybe the first few MD interviewees came to the room, just kept to themselves, so they started up that quiet environment. So the next interviewees that came in didn't talk among themselves either. I see this in some classes where nobody knows each other, etc.

Versus...

If the first few DDS/DMD interviewees came and talked to each other, so the following interviewees will look awkward if they don't socialize too. Thus, maybe it's a ripple effect.

 

[EncinoDolphin]

I agree with some of the above statements but I don't see why the MD APPLICANTS, who have not yet entered the profession or have not been accustomed to such situations you have provided, are so serious....... Yes they need to be serious and professional in sensitive situations but that has nothing to do with them acting this way in the interview. Are you trying to make the point that MD programs only want people who are going to be super serious all the time so that when the time does come that they encounter a sensitive situation, their lame personalities and attitudes won't permit them to act any other way? That because they act like drones in ceratin social situations they are better suited for this profession?

Everything depends on the given situation. The point of an interview is to (1) make a good impression upon the faculty and (2) assess how the school ranks with the others under consideration. Obviously, treating interview day like a 'happy hour' isn't going to accomplish either.

Don't get me wrong, though. Once in medical or dental school, the interpersonal relationships formed with one's peers are really of paramount importance--especially since they're going to be your colleagues when you're in the field. Personally though, I've found M3's and M4's to be generally dismissive--but attendings tend to be personable. Much of it probably stems from a sense of inferiority, especially when no patient wants to wait hours to see 'just' a med student. Perhaps by being overly serious, they feel it adds some credibility to their opinions. But truth be told, no degree of seriousness can make up for the void that exists where the 'M.D.' should be on their white coats.

 

[kamepan]

I've walked into the wrong interviews this cycle as well. Well, more against my will. The medical and dental schools were holding interviews the same day in buildings connected to each other. One woman INSISTED my interview was in a particular room, when I clearly told her I was sure it was in the dental building -_-. Anyways, I stopped resisting when I saw interviewees and thought the room changed. Well, they were med applicants and the guy I checked in with had no idea who I was. Then I saw the name of the med school on all of the students' folders. But they were standing around and chatting with one another, so nothing too serious there.