What makes me diverse?

[NimbleNavigator]

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Many medical school application essay prompts focus on diversity. The question posed to me is one I have been mulling over for the past few days. What kind of diversity would I bring to a medical school?

I like Trump whereas it seems like most medical students don't. But I guess that's not the diversity medical schools want.

I am pro-life whereas it seems like most medical students aren't. But I guess that's not the diversity medical schools want.

I believe that we were created by God, whereas it seems like most medical students believe we just appeared from nothing. But I guess that's not the diversity medical schools want.

I am Asian, a minority race. But I guess that's not the diversity medical schools want.

I believe that transgender individuals aren't helped by gender reassignment surgery, and that the reality is there are deeper mental illnesses that need to be addressed instead. But I guess that's not the diversity medical schools want.

Maybe if my views aligned more closely with the liberal faculty of most medical schools then I would be more diverse. I guess that's the diversity medical schools want.

 

[NickNaylor]

Yeah, so, uh, these aren't the kinds of things that a school is looking for.

"Diversity" can mean just about anything. You are a unique person, yes? Try and figure out why that is. For the average person that isn't black or hispanic and lived in the hood overcoming who knows what, what exactly makes you "diverse" is a little less obvious and requires some reflection and thinking before you're able to articulate it. There is sure something or multiple somethings in your life that make you different and can help bring variety to a class - things that are more substantial than what you've listed. Figure out what those things are, figure out how they might be helpful to a school or your future classmates, and talk about them.

 

[Lucca]

You are free to write about whatever you want in terms of diversity but what you present will simply have to stand up to scrutiny and has to be relevant to what medical schools are looking for.

Thinking that transgender individuals are mentally ill is not "diverse" it is just not based in any sort of fact whatsoever. Believing in God is up to you. Thinking abortion is wrong is up to you but most ObGyns in this country are going to quarrel with you and not for religious reasons but medical ones. You can write about being Asian. Maybe there is something very specific you want to get across through the lens of your Asian identity.

For what it's worth, most physicians I have met are very conservative (I live in Texas). Maybe they are all liberals to you since I'm a socialist atheist but whatever.

 

[AnonPanda1]

You have it all wrong. When they ask for diversity, medical schools want to hear about how you actually contribute to the experience pool of the medical school population. It isn't about being black or hispanic. It's about living in a poor neighborhood having to survive on food stamps. Minorities tend to be disproportionately affected by this. But it isn't just this either, what about you that would make someone in your class tell someone else about you along the lines of "There's this person in my class who did X" or "Can you believe Y was a person who did Z?". What unique perspectives can you bring to the table shaped by your experiences? It's not about what you think or your opinions. It's about what you've been through and your ability to share these experiences with others making others gain a better perspective on the reality around them.

 

[Govols22]

"I'm a conservative" does not make you diverse. It just tells them your political views which is a no-no. Did you at least grow up in a diverse area?

 

[Hopeful_vet]

Agree with all of the above. Medical school diversity isn't about your political or religious views. Especially when those views are in no way diverse. What do you bring to the class that is different from the rest of the class? Forget religious/political issues.


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[NimbleNavigator]

Thinking that transgender individuals are mentally ill is not "diverse" it is just not based in any sort of fact whatsoever.

http://www.wsj.com/articles/paul-mchugh-transgender-surgery-isnt-the-solution-1402615120

 

[Lucca]

Agree with all of the above. Medical school diversity isn't about your political or religious views. Especially when those views are in no way diverse. What do you bring to the class that is different from the rest of the class? Forget religious/political issues.


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I think religion can certainly be an element of diversity. Many people's motivations to pursue medicine or do X.Y.Z thing is rooted in their faith. I think that's fair game. Politically the same can be said. I don't think they should be ruled out entirely, but of course anything you express must have some sort of solid connection to medicine, admissions, diversity, etc. and not just be an opinion provided without qualification or justification.

 

[Lucca]

http://www.wsj.com/articles/paul-mchugh-transgender-surgery-isnt-the-solution-1402615120

I'm not having this discussion here with you.

 

[MaxPlancker]

Diversity comes in a variety of forms ranging from viewpoints to life experiences to special talents. What med schools want in terms of diversity really refers to life experiences and talents, less so viewpoints since everyone has their own opinions and these are always in flux. They want things that you directly bring to the class experience. I'd imagine there's something different/special/unique about anyone who didn't go through premed as a robot.

 

[ProspectiveKidd]

http://www.wsj.com/articles/paul-mchugh-transgender-surgery-isnt-the-solution-1402615120

Most of what we know about gender identity has to do with very early biological development rather than mental illness or any exogenous factor for that matter.

Please overhaul it and do not put this in your essay pertaining to your political and ethical ideologies. Having an opinion does not make you diverse.

 

[NimbleNavigator]

I'm not having this discussion here with you.

That's fine. It takes a certain level of maturity to be able to discuss issues with people who have viewpoints that are different from yours. Avoiding discourse is always an option for people who aren't quite at that level yet.

Having an opinion doesn't make you diverse.

Really? I find that very interesting. Would you care to explain why this is so? And if so, what actually does make you diverse?

 

[Turambar]

You'll need to check your attitude at some point. I know it's popular with social conservatives nowadays to portray themselves as victims in the political environment while a Democrat President holds office, but you're probably not going to get far if you go into your interviews putting yourself at odds with the "liberal faculty."


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[T800'sThumb]

You know what.. do it. It's who you are; to say anything otherwise would be dishonest.

 

[ProspectiveKidd]

Really? I find that very interesting. Would you care to explain why this is so? And if so, what actually does make you diverse?

"Wow! This guy has some opinions! He believes in God, likes Trump, and thinks trans people are mentally ill. He deserves a spot in our MD program."

Said no adcom member ever. What are you bringing to the table other than your opinions? It's great to get involved and take a stance on things that are important to you, but it doesn't necessarily make you stand out in a good way either.

What life experiences, hardships, or struggles have you overcome or gone theough that made you who you are, and how does that make you different from the rest of the applicant pool?

 

[LizzyM]

Go with what you believe @NimbleNavigator but be nimble about it:


If 99 out of 100 medical students espouse X, I'm the one out of 100. I identify with the ordinary folks who have been taunted for "clinging to their guns or religion..." who feel that physicians and politicians don't understand them. Although I am of a race that is well represented among the ranks of medical students and physicians, I bring to the table a religious and political viewpoint that may be seldom heard in the halls of [insert name of school here]. I hope that fellow students will welcome a differing point of view and that my future patients will find comfort in having a physician who is a part of their community and who is sympathetic to their point of view.



And go into interactions with faculty and fellow students with some humility. I had a conservative student who got mouthy during a lecture calling for an end to physicians' involvement in executions by lethal injection. He accused the lecturer of caring about criminals but not abortion... the lecturer pointed out that he had a large family including several children adopted from women who would have otherwise chosen abortion.

 

[ed*26]

That's fine. It takes a certain level of maturity to be able to discuss issues with people who have viewpoints that are different from yours. Avoiding discourse is always an option for people who aren't quite at that level yet.

It's a rule on this forum to stay on topic; otherwise the thread will get shut down very quickly. You are more than welcome to create a thread on the subject.

 

[jaxon]

That's fine. It takes a certain level of maturity to be able to discuss issues with people who have viewpoints that are different from yours. Avoiding discourse is always an option for people who aren't quite at that level yet.

He's plenty mature. This is simply neither the place for said discussion, nor is that the point of this thread.

 

[NimbleNavigator]

It's a rule on this forum to stay on topic; otherwise the thread will get shut down very quickly. You are more than welcome to create a thread on the subject.

He's plenty mature. This is simply neither the place for said discussion, nor is that the point of this thread.

It's my own thread. If you don't like the contents of my thread, then don't look it. But let's not be children and argue that I can't decide what I want to talk about in my own thread simply because we like whining. Whining is for children. Let's not be children.

 

[FutureD.O]

He's plenty mature. This is simply neither the place for said discussion, nor is that the point of this thread.

If I see you again Mr. Meeseeks, something is going down..

 

[ZedsDed]

It's my own thread. If you don't like the contents of my thread, then don't look it. But let's not be children and argue that I can't decide what I want to talk about in my own thread simply because we like whining. Whining is for children. Let's not be children.

It's just inappropriate for pre-allo, as I'm sure the mods will point out soon enough.
We have another forum for discussing sociopolitical issues here.

 

[hopefulERdoc251]

OP, having an unpopular opinion doesn't "diversify you" imho. It makes you have an opinion.

What I think diversity implies is more than ethnicity/race as has been discussed here. What experiences have you had that makes you unique. I think one of the adcoms here portrayed it such that if you're in a room of 10 people, what do you have that makes you different from them?

For instance, I used my major and minor as what made me unique. I talked about neuro/psych as how I learned about the individual, but my minor in public health taught me about population health. I applied this approach when I did my public health research project in the community. This combination allows me to provide an inclusive environment to the medical school campus, and also provide a comprehensive healthcare in the future as well.

One of my friends studied abroad in Spain, did work in Mexico/Latin America, did significant volunteer work at the hospitals there. She is also fluent in 2 other languages. She was able to talk about how her fluency in the languages and cultural diversity will allow her to relate with people of similar languages and culture and bring inclusiveness and diversity to the campus.

 

[XxThaDoggxX]

I like Trump.
I believe that transgender individuals aren't helped by gender reassignment surgery, and that the reality is there are deeper mental illnesses that need to be addressed instead.

 

[lNVlNClBLE]

I think your poor attitude makes you pretty diverse.

 

[Goro]

You have seat waiting for you at LUCOM. This is exactly what they want in their students.


[Q


UOTE="NimbleNavigator, post: 17762746, member: 756236"]Many medical school application essay prompts focus on diversity. The question posed to me is one I have been mulling over for the past few days. What kind of diversity would I bring to a medical school?

I like Trump whereas it seems like most medical students don't. But I guess that's not the diversity medical schools want.

I am pro-life whereas it seems like most medical students aren't. But I guess that's not the diversity medical schools want.

I believe that we were created by God, whereas it seems like most medical students believe we just appeared from nothing. But I guess that's not the diversity medical schools want.

I am Asian, a minority race. But I guess that's not the diversity medical schools want.

I believe that transgender individuals aren't helped by gender reassignment surgery, and that the reality is there are deeper mental illnesses that need to be addressed instead. But I guess that's not the diversity medical schools want.

Maybe if my views aligned more closely with the liberal faculty of most medical schools then I would be more diverse. I guess that's the diversity medical schools want.[/QUOTE]

 

[jaxon]

But let's not be children and argue that I can't decide what I want to talk about in my own thread simply because we like whining. Whining is for children. Let's not be children.

This is a thread, not a Youtube channel or blog. There are guidelines to follow, as the mods will tell you.

 

[Germanicus89]

What about Loma Linda? Do they favor people with ideologies similar to OP?

 

[tantacles]

You have it all wrong. When they ask for diversity, medical schools want to hear about how you actually contribute to the experience pool of the medical school population. It isn't about being black or hispanic. It's about living in a poor neighborhood having to survive on food stamps. Minorities tend to be disproportionately affected by this. But it isn't just this either, what about you that would make someone in your class tell someone else about you along the lines of "There's this person in my class who did X" or "Can you believe Y was a person who did Z?". What unique perspectives can you bring to the table shaped by your experiences? It's not about what you think or your opinions. It's about what you've been through and your ability to share these experiences with others making others gain a better perspective on the reality around them.

Great post! Check your inbox! I'm rewarding this post with an Amazon gift card! Check your inbox.

 

[Lawpy]

Great post! Check your inbox! I'm rewarding this post with an Amazon gift card! Check your inbox.

This is like winning a lotto here

 

[deleted407021]

It's just inappropriate for pre-allo, as I'm sure the mods will point out soon enough.
We have another forum for discussing sociopolitical issues here.

OP'd be right at home there!

 

[ZedsDed]

OP'd be right at home there!

Minus the pro-Trump stance, sure. But only because they think he's a closet leftist 😕

 

[deleted407021]

I believe that we were created by God, whereas it seems like most medical students believe we just appeared from nothing. But I guess that's not the diversity medical schools want.

😵
.
.
.

 

[AnonPanda1]

Great post! Check your inbox! I'm rewarding this post with an Amazon gift card! Check your inbox.

This is like winning a lotto here

I just redeemed it so I can confirm legitimacy.

Woah, I'm speechless. I've never seen this done before and I've lurked more than I care to admit... SDN has helped me so much to become the person and medical school applicant I am today. I should be the one donating but alas I'm not in the best of financial situations. Thank you, @tantacles. I really appreciate it from the bottom of my heart. I swear it'll go towards something smart like books and school supplies. Thanks again.

 

[tantacles]

I just redeemed it so I can confirm legitimacy.

Woah, I'm speechless. I've never seen this done before and I've lurked more than I care to admit... SDN has helped me so much to become the person and medical school applicant I am today. I should be the one donating but alas I'm not in the best of financial situations. Thank you, @tantacles. I really appreciate it from the bottom of my heart. I swear it'll go towards something smart like books and school supplies. Thanks again.

Meh, spend it on wine.


Large dogs

 

[FutureD.O]

Meh, spend it on wine.


Large dogs

I'd like to report an account theft. @AnonPanda1 was my primary account until 9:43 am. I tried logging back on, but to my surprise found out that my password was changed.

I'd like 10 Amazon gift cards and a banned @AnonPanda1 account as proper retribution.

I strongly prefer the 10 Amazon gift cards, 11 if you're feeling generous.

That is all.

 

[MaxPlancker]

I'd like to report an account theft. @AnonPanda1 was my primary account until 9:43 am. I tried logging back on, but to my surprise found out that my password was changed.

I'd like 10 Amazon gift cards and a banned @AnonPanda1 account as proper retribution.

I strongly prefer the 10 Amazon gift cards, 11 if you're feeling generous.

That is all.

???

Don't go into comedy...

 

[Lawpy]

I'd like to report an account theft. @AnonPanda1 was my primary account until 9:43 am. I tried logging back on, but to my surprise found out that my password was changed.

I'd like 10 Amazon gift cards and a banned @AnonPanda1 account as proper retribution.

I strongly prefer the 10 Amazon gift cards, 11 if you're feeling generous.

That is all.

 

[tantacles]

I'd like to report an account theft. @AnonPanda1 was my primary account until 9:43 am. I tried logging back on, but to my surprise found out that my password was changed.

I'd like 10 Amazon gift cards and a banned @AnonPanda1 account as proper retribution.

I strongly prefer the 10 Amazon gift cards, 11 if you're feeling generous.

That is all.

Absolutely. You betcha. I sent 20 gift cards to you just to be safe.


Large dogs

 

[FutureD.O]

???

Don't go into comedy...

Thank God I chose medicine, apparently there's no humor in it!

Absolutely. You betcha. I sent 20 gift cards to you just to be safe.


Large dogs

Thank you very much!

 

[AnonPanda1]

Meh, spend it on wine.


Large dogs

Unfortunately, I'm under 21. However, does this mean that I can put "SDN Poster" under my AMCAS activities? Would it be alright if I listed you as my contact person? 😉

 

[Scrubs101]

I would suggest not mixing your scientific views with your religious views. Historically this has proven to be a major fault(not in med school apps, but like actual history).

Ex: try not to mention that you believe the earth is 10,000 years old or flat. Or that diseases are caused by demonic possession.

I believe religion has a time and place, especially when it comes to giving people hope and faith. But within the sciences, including medical school apps I would avoid it. Same goes with political views, it won't get you anywhere, it will make you stick out. But not because you're a minority viewpoint(because it seems the majority of america, sadly, shares the same views), but because you're willing to risk your professional future by discussing big conversational no-nos in something so critical to your future.


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[NimbleNavigator]

I would suggest not mixing your scientific views with your religious views. Historically this has proven to be a major fault(not in med school apps, but like actual history).

Ex: try not to mention that you believe the earth is 10,000 years old or flat. Or that diseases are caused by demonic possession.

I believe religion has a time and place, especially when it comes to giving people hope and faith. But within the sciences, including medical school apps I would avoid it. Same goes with political views, it won't get you anywhere, it will make you stick out. But not because you're a minority viewpoint(because it seems the majority of america, sadly, shares the same views), but because you're willing to risk your professional future by discussing big conversational no-nos in something so critical to your future.


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Yeah it makes more sense the world just appeared out of nothing. I swear in 1,000 years people will look back and say... wow these people were absolutely idiotic.

 

[ZedsDed]

Yeah it makes more sense the world just appeared out of nothing. I swear in 1,000 years people will look back and say... wow these people were absolutely idiotic.

No offense, but you've never actually debated anyone with half a brain on this have you?

 

[Scrubs101]

Yeah it makes more sense the world just appeared out of nothing. I swear in 1,000 years people will look back and say... wow these people were absolutely idiotic.

Please tell me you at least accept evolution as fact.....(notice how I say accept, because it's not a belief)

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[NimbleNavigator]

Please tell me you at least accept evolution as fact.....(notice how I say accept, because it's not a belief)

View attachment 204097


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I certainly do believe in evolution. But I think abiogenesis is just completely idiotic.

 

[ZedsDed]

I certainly do believe in evolution. But I think abiogenesis is just completely idiotic.

In any case, this isn't the place to discuss it. If you'd like to P.M. me I'd be happy to discuss the issue with you further (though it will have to wait until I get home from work.)

 

[Mr Roboto]

:troll:

 

[deleted407021]

I certainly do believe in evolution. But I think abiogenesis is just completely idiotic.

In any case, this isn't the place to discuss it. If you'd like to P.M. me I'd be happy to discuss the issue with you further (though it will have to wait until I get home from work.)

Well, entirely separate theories, so...

No, bring it over here!

 

[tantacles]

Keep it civil, guys. This thread did not begin with a query about religious and secular belief with regard to the origin of life but with a query about diversity, so let's continue the excellent discussion that we had going that pertained to expressing diversity on medical school applications.

And in a civil fashion.


Large dogs

 

[Lawpy]

Can a moderator ban OPs IP? This thread did literally nothing to contribute to this forum, there wasn't even a healthy discussion, just distraction. This is studentdoctor.net not reddit, save your unpopular opinions and politics for people who care.

Just report the thread.