How to Answer the “Why Medicine” Interview Question

Summary

In this video, Dr. Jubbal from MedSchoolInsiders.com offers a comprehensive guide to answering the pivotal 'Why do you want to be a doctor?' question during medical school interviews. Emphasizing the importance of self-reflection, he advises applicants to craft a genuine, thoughtful response that reveals their true motivations for pursuing medicine. Dr. Jubbal highlights common mistakes to avoid, such as generic answers and extrinsic motivations, and stresses the significance of clear communication skills. Ultimately, this video provides valuable tips on standing out in interviews and demonstrating unwavering commitment to the medical profession.

Takeaways

• 😀 The 'Why Medicine?' question is crucial for medical school applications and interviews, and it requires deep self-reflection.
• 😀 Fabricating a response to this question can backfire, both with interviewers and yourself, making it essential to answer truthfully and authentically.
• 😀 Medical school admissions committees use this question to better understand applicants' motivations, personal growth, and commitment to the field of medicine.
• 😀 A well-thought-out answer to the 'Why Medicine?' question shows that you've thoroughly considered the challenges of becoming a doctor and are ready to face them.
• 😀 Communication skills are essential when answering this question, as interviewers want to assess how clearly and effectively you can express your thoughts.
• 😀 Admissions committees are also evaluating your commitment to medicine, ensuring you're dedicated to overcoming the rigorous challenges of medical school.
• 😀 Medical schools prefer applicants with strong intrinsic motivations for pursuing medicine, such as intellectual stimulation, rather than extrinsic factors like money or prestige.
• 😀 When answering the 'Why Medicine?' question, avoid generic responses like 'I want to help people' or 'I love learning about the human body,' as they lack specificity and don't set you apart.
• 😀 Answers that emphasize external rewards, such as money, power, or respect, can make you seem less sincere about your commitment to patient care.
• 😀 Having family members in medicine can be motivating, but your main reason for pursuing medicine should be personal and intrinsic, not due to family pressure or expectations.
• 😀 Mock interviews with former admissions committee members or experienced instructors can help you refine your response and improve your chances of success in medical school interviews.

Q & A

Why is the 'Why do you want to be a doctor?' question so important in medical school applications?

This question is important because it helps admissions committees understand your personal motivations for pursuing medicine, assesses your commitment, and determines if you are prepared for the challenges of medical school. It also helps interviewers gauge your communication skills and authenticity.

What common mistake should applicants avoid when answering the 'Why medicine?' question?

Applicants should avoid fabricating a response to present themselves in a better light. This can lead to disingenuous answers, and interviewers can spot this easily. Authenticity and genuine reflection on personal experiences are key.

How should applicants structure their answer to the 'Why do you want to be a doctor?' question?

Applicants should organize their response with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Start by discussing how you were first introduced to medicine, followed by how you learned more about the field, and finish with why you are committed to becoming a doctor.

What is the significance of communication skills in answering this question?

Interviewers assess your communication skills through this question. A clear and well-structured response shows that you can effectively articulate your thoughts, a critical skill for any doctor when explaining diagnoses or treatment plans to patients.

Why should applicants not focus on generic answers like 'I like helping people'?

Generic answers like 'I like helping people' are overused and do not reflect why you want to be a doctor specifically. They also don’t distinguish you from other candidates. It’s important to show what makes you unique and why medicine, as opposed to other healthcare careers, is the best fit for you.

What are admissions committees looking for when asking about your motivation to become a doctor?

Admissions committees are looking for applicants who are genuinely committed to the field of medicine. They want to see that you have thoroughly thought about the challenges of medical school and are motivated by intrinsic factors, such as intellectual challenge, rather than external rewards like money or respect.

Why should applicants avoid citing family influence as their primary reason for pursuing medicine?

While family influence can shape your perspective, stating that you're pursuing medicine because your parents are doctors or want you to be one suggests that your motivations are extrinsic. Interviewers want to see that your desire to become a doctor is driven by your own passion and interests.

What are some factors that medical schools consider when choosing students to accept?

Medical schools look for students who are not only academically capable but also committed to completing the rigorous and lengthy medical education process. They want to ensure students are motivated enough to overcome the challenges and graduate to become practicing physicians.

What are the potential consequences for medical schools when students drop out?

When students drop out, medical schools lose the tuition they would have received and may have difficulty replacing the spot. High dropout rates can also harm a school’s reputation, making it harder to attract future applicants.

How can applicants prepare for the 'Why medicine?' question in a way that avoids sounding rehearsed?

Applicants should avoid memorizing a scripted answer. Instead, they should practice speaking naturally and reflect on their true motivations. Mock interviews with former admissions committee members can help applicants refine their answers while ensuring they sound genuine and not over-rehearsed.