Comments on: Can’t be a Doc: For Now (Interview Advice Column)

By: Ami

Ami — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 05:23:45 +0000

I would have to agree with Jim. Even though the sample answer in the article sounds nice, it’s too impersonal. The author concluded by writing, “From what this applicant said I see that she would be saddened by not being able to practice medicine. She is analytical, diligent and likes to solve problems. This is someone who has a strong need to connect with people on a fundamental level, in order to help them. To an interviewer, that’s valuable information.” I strongly disagree. I hear that same sample answer from many students and it sounds truly fake. Telling an interviewer that you like the analytical challenge of research and desire a human interaction in the practice of medicine is a weak and known answer. If you did not have these traits and desires you probably would not be interviewing in a medical school. I would want to hear a story that shows your enjoyment in the challenge of research and a story explaining that you understand the human side of medicine, not a canned answer.

Please be yourself in an interview. I often hear pre-med’s speaking with me in a casual setting and they constantly throw these canned answers at me. It is time to reflect on our past experiences and find the individual and personal reasons why we all desire to enter the field of medicine. Think critically, analytically, and honestly about your intentions and passions.

By: Fedup

Fedup — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 18:41:49 +0000

Tire of all the jumping through hoops to get into medical schooL? you should know it never stops!!

By: Theraball

Theraball — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 01:28:34 +0000

Well, I think Dr. Fleenor has some good advice here, and some of these comments seem rather flippant and dismissive. As MC points out, some of these interviewers just want to see if you’ve prepared and/or you are quick on your feet.

Look, when we’re physicians, we’re going to be dealing with all sorts of weird personalities. Read “A Singular Intimacy” by Danielle Ofri for some of her experiences as a resident dealing with drug addicts coming into a big city hospital–”You don’t know nothin’, get me a real goddamned doctor!” If you can’t handle a slightly provocative question in an interview, do you think you can handle one of these characters?

Best of luck to all who are applying!

By: MC

MC — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 09:44:31 +0000

Just my .02 cents. For those that HAVE NOT gained acceptence into med school I would advise you to read and follow the excellent advice in Dr Fleenors book. I am a resident and have sat on the admissions committe for two medical schools, one a consistent top five. Canned answers or not the old very conservative physicians that WILL be interviewing you want to hear this. In their eyes the loose sort \of well you know sir everything works out for a reason I would probably uhhh X because y\ is a red flag in there book – to them if you stumble or fumble through a question you know we are likely to ask it shows zero preperation and little regard for your future career. So what you describe as \canned or rehersed answers\ to us/them represents a canidate who has thought, planned and practiced his or her interview. That is very different from the non-sincere answer(lie) which is very easy to see through. You know what we will be asking so prepare a thoughtful and honest answer. I.E. if you don’t have a clear concise response to the question \why do you want to become a physician\ you will likey wind up at the bottom of the pile. Being prepared is a sign of dedication and professionilism. At your stage as \pre-meds\ prepare and play the game – I know that sucks to hear but the majority of times unless you are a truly stellar applicant, and trust me they are very few and far between, you just need to go with the flow. This is not the time to show everyone how cool you think you are and wing it because the guys/gals because what impresses an admissions officer is looking for a well prepared hard working student. Good luck to you all.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 19:29:59 +0000

It’s ludicrous to think that this question is some chance to express your disappointment at not being able to pursue medicine, or sell why you will be a good doctor, or some BS like that. I even got asked this question on my residency interviews…when I clearly WAS going to be a doctor. It’s just a fun way of asking “what else do you like and what would you get satisfaction from doing?” I can easily think of at least a dozen things I’d do if I weren’t in medicine. And don’t get me wrong, I love being a doctor. But it’s easy to imagine doing something else.

By: mztwyw

mztwyw — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 10:04:45 +0000

what a tip for idiot……

By: jocelyne

jocelyne — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 13:51:31 +0000

unfortunately , when i entered med school i found that most student were partly immature , living with their parents and at least 60% – 70% never engaged in complete sexual activity . It doesn t get better after a residency program , when they make money , have kids , work -work – work – divorce -work – have other kids – make more money. In fact i wonder what all the answers were , i don’t see any concrete reality to all these alleged interests. maybe doctors are just doctors , what would be interesting is a personality test to detect troubled personnalities that some time are loose canons in a group or go on and act on their impulses with patients

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 23:46:24 +0000

“need to prepare”

Where’s the sincerity?
If you don’t feel comfortable going into an interview without reading every post on studentdoctor.net something is wrong with you.
Canned answers are as bad as unimaginative ones.
I want to see a thought process and an ability to communicate not evidence that you were so neurotic you felt like preparing for every answer beforehand.

What you’re worried about is that if you are just who you are it won’t be considered good enough. If that’s true save yourself the trouble and stay away (from that school at least).

By: Sandy

Sandy — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 21:01:36 +0000

Yeah I don’t think reciting a ‘canned’ answer is a good thing at all. Plus, if you do say it, it will sound recited and not honest. I think it’s a lot easier to just relax and answer the questions truthfully. It solves a lot of problems for you and your interviewer.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 19:02:39 +0000

I would be perfectly honest if asked that question and reply “A pimp.”