Why medicine

[mailloxe]

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When they ask this in interviews, are they typically interested in knowing
1. what experiences led you to medicine? Like specific examples or experiences in your journey to medicine?
or
2. what aspects of medicine draw us to the profession? Like why do we feel emotionally or practically drawn to medicine?

I feel like answering it the first way will in large part be a restatement of the major things I talked about in my PS, because for me there were a small number of very distinct experiences that led me to choose medicine. And answering it the second way, my answer is similar to probably most people's reasoning: I love science and learning and also genuinely enjoy connecting with/helping people.

I don't think either of these options are bad answers per se, but I don't know if either of them would be "original" enough? Is that ok? Should I focus more on my journey (#1) or what it is about medicine I appreciate (#2)?

 

[Tenk]

Nothing you say or do will be original on this topic. It doesn’t matter what you say, it’s how you say it. For most of the interview, your actual responses aren’t important compared to your ability to hold a conversation and entertain a complete stranger for a few minutes.

 

[Angus Avagadro]

Regardless of how you choose to answer, make sure the answer is organized and concise. We are looking to get to know you, not listen to a rambling filibuster. Good luck and best wishes

 

[863168]

My parents told me they would kick me out of the house if I didn't do medicine. And by house, I mean the summer vacation house that I have been using for dedicated debauchery instead of MCAT study. I would be forced to live in the winter house which is not in Malibu, but in Jersey and no one wants to live their life in New Jersey. I also love science and people, a combination that I believe would make me a great physician.

 

[Osteosaur]

A little story or 'evidence' for your claims wouldn't hurt. Describe an experience or two that made you think "this is for me." Be genuine but be thoughtful and organized. Some idiot in the "interview mishaps thread" once wrote that "to help people" was a bad answer. Its not. You just need to say your bit in a fancy way that draws upon your experiences with healthcare.

"I like science but scientists make no money and uh, I want to talk to people and stuff" won't cut it.

 

[LizzyM]

My parents told me they would kick me out of the house if I didn't do medicine. And by house, I mean the summer vacation house that I have been using for dedicated debauchery instead of MCAT study. I would be forced to live in the winter house which is not in Malibu, but in Jersey and no one wants to live their life in New Jersey. I also love science and people, a combination that I believe would make me a great physician.

This is just what the committee wants to hear. It makes the job of deciding who to admit so much easier. I, for one, feel great empathy for people who don't want to live in New Jersey.

 

[Matthew9Thirtyfive]

This is just what the committee wants to hear. It makes the job of deciding who to admit so much easier. I, for one, feel great empathy for people who don't want to live in New Jersey.

I loved growing up in south jersey and plan on retiring in Cape May.

 

[ciestar]

This is just what the committee wants to hear. It makes the job of deciding who to admit so much easier. I, for one, feel great empathy for people who don't want to live in New Jersey.

As a Pennsylvanian, I’m good

 

[LizzyM]

I loved growing up in south jersey and plan on retiring in Cape May.

You do you.

 

[Matthew9Thirtyfive]

You do you.

North jersey is terrible though.

 

[Goro]

North jersey is terrible though.

As a NYer, can confirm.

 

[Goro]

What's 'dis Jersey 'ting I keep hearing about? Is 'dat that space from here's to Philly?

It's that place where Jimmy Hoffa is buried. You know, exits 5, 8 and 11 of the NJ Turnpike.

 

[GenSurgONLY]

Call me crazy but perhaps answering the question honestly without overthinking it and speculating on how this should be calculated

What?! I have to turn that switch off? I am always overthinking. Although when upon reflection, I have been most successful in life when I don’t put in much forethought.

You might be right!

 

[OdysseanUnderdog]

How's this new PS outline?

Why medicine?

• To avoid Jersey.
• Cannolis fall off of trucks
• That Traveling Willburys song says "In Jersey anything's legal as long as you don't get caught"
  
• I think they whacked that nice waste management professional with the ducks at the end of that show that I must not have seen because, like Pina Colada, I don't have HBO.
• Bruce Springsteen
• To help people keep their cannolis...?

Shoo in, right?