You should be very enthusiastic, i.e.: your
entry, your words in general, your discussions
about the school, and medicine should all be
enthusiastic. Do not use any negative comments in
general. Be honest and consistent with your
answers. Most questions can be answered with a
combination of questions you have prepared for.
If you are asked a question that you have not
seen before, pause and think about it. It is ok
to say you are uncertain about a question;
nevertheless, you need to give an intelligent
answer to every question.
Often, the way you answer a question is much
more important than the answer itself. Be
confident but humble with your answers. If you
are asked about the future of medicine, for
example, you can offer possible scenarios and
include the uncertainty involved. Do not pretend
like you know the answer and the exact future
state of medicine. Do not be too firm on any
opinion; make sure that the interviewer
understands that you are only offering an opinion
and not a fact.
In memorizing your responses to the possible
questions, learn key words that you will discuss.
Do not memorize whole sentences; you will sound
artificial and your answers will sound rehearsed.
For example, if you are asked "why do you
want to be a doctor?", You should have
certain key words that you want to include in
your response. If your response is: "I have
always been interested in a career that would be
intellectually challenging. Medicine would give
me an opportunity to help people in need of help.
I want to make a difference in other peoples'
lives," the key words would be
intellectually challenging, helping people and
making a difference.
Certain rehearsed information can be used to
answer many questions. You should know at least
three of your strengths and weaknesses. You
should know three events which you are proud of
and three which you are not. You should start
reviewing the daily newspaper about two months
before your interviews so that you are familiar
with daily news. You should know the news about
medicine very well including issues about the
cost of healthcare (HMO's, PPO's, capitation
plans). Learn how these different plans have
affected the autonomy and practice of physicians.
Have ideas on improving access to healthcare, the
county systems, and other general issues about
medicine that you have seen on the news.
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