RSK's Interview Thread: Help Me Please!

[RSK]

As many of you know, I joke around quite a bit here, on LF, just to lighten the mood. But this thread is quite serious.

Soon, I will be attending my first interview for Med School. I am NOT excited, because I am way too nervous.

I will sit down with the Admissions Committee, there will be three members, and me. They will ask me questions,

Why do you want to be a doctor?
Why did you choose our school?
What have you done to show your interest in Medicine?
Why did you have a bad grade in ______?
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
What do you feel about the death penalty?

These are just what pop to my head right now. But to be honest, I'm TERRIFIED!

The trick is, to stand out of the crowd, and show that I am unique and interesting. I really do someway know that I am unique and interesting, but I'm just not a people's person, and I feel I will buckle under pressure, and miss out on my chance to become something in life.

I really need this, and I've worked too hard to blow this away. I'm ONE interview away from the rest of my LIFE!

If there was a time in which I needed your help most, it would be NOW - any advice/tips or ways to prepare would be great.

I'm thinking about typing out various interview questions, and answering them word for word, and then memorizing some if not, most of it!

As far as what to wear, and being presentable, I have no worries at all. When they get to see me, I'm sure they will be happy with my presence, however, I'm terrified of their opinions when I open my mouth.

Remember - In the real world - I'm a quiet type of guy. Nice guy, very respectfull, but still not good with words, on LF - things just flow to me naturally...........Please Help If You Can!

Thanks!

[shh!]

A doctor? Impressive, RSK! I suggest you practice answering these types of questions OUT LOUD as many times as you are able to, so when you go in to interview you will be more relaxed. It might be helpful to practice with a videorecorder so you can see how you will appear to other people. How are your grades, especially those in Biology and Chemistry? (What was your bad grade in?)

I don't suggest you tell them you spend your free time on loveforum. (haha)

Good Luck; I'm sure you'll be fine!

[whaywardj]

Oh, good grief, RSK. Chill.

ONE: You already DO stand-out above the crowd. It's in your very nature. You don't need to do a thing to try to. (You might want to learn, though, how to be more comfortable with that fact.)

TWO: Be clear on the distinctions between the work of being a doctor (if that's your aim) and the business of being a doctor. The latter wipes a lot of glow off the former and renders much of what may now seem formidable merely pragmatic. If you don't quite understand what I'm saying now, you will once you get into the drudgery of keeping abreast of healthcare insurance codes, and face the dilemma of trying to meet your practice expenses (most significantly, malpratice insurance) by increasing patient office visits without compromising the care you give them.

THREE: As much as possible, before your interview, learn and stake out your position in the poilitics of American medicine. All your reviews are looking at that as much as they're looking at any skills or talents you have. For example, are you aware of how the AMA has a virtual strangle-hold on who does or doesn't become an M.D.? Or why they do? (Think: Supply-and-demand.) Are you also aware, for another example of politics in medicine, that, in Spain, if I dial "611" on my phone, an M.D. is dispatched to my residence and I'm given care at no (direct) charge. (It's built into their tax system.) Do you know why that can't happen in the U.S.?

Med schools are selective for reasons that go beyond an applicant's skills, knowledge or capabilities. Understand the politic of your particular institution and you'll ace their entrance exams. That many are called but few are chosen is a two-edged adage. Yes, it refers to the principles of professionalism and compassion most lay persons associate with the medical field. It also refers, however, to the fact that the day-to-day business of medicine -- especially big-business medicine -- involves throwing a lot of money around to lot of different interests. Anyone who has a problem with that and wants to practice in the usual ways is going to have problem in the field. From what you've led us to believe about you and your family's social standing, I don't think you'll have any problems knowing how to employ money to achieve your chosen ends.

One other thing: Get over this idea that any ONE interview, decision, action or choice is all about the rest of your life. Life is very much longer and far more vast than most imagine, and the path of one's life is not very susceptible to being much altered by any one thing he or she may do. Or fails to do. Moreover, I have no doubt that you are one of those individuals who will manage to pack two or three ordinary lives into one extra-ordinary lifetime. Being a doctor might just be only one of them.

Congrats. And good luck!

[Lloyd95]

One other thing: Get over this idea that any ONE interview, decision, action or choice is all about the rest of your life.

I disagree. This interview is big. Very big. If you screw it up, you will never become a doctor. Ever. They will blacklist you from every Med School in the continental United States.

No pressure; just don't fvck it up.

[whaywardj]

Let's see: "...very big...screw it up you'll never become a doctor...they'll blacklist you..." But, "No pressure." Interesting disconnect.

You ignore my point, in any case, Lloyd. I'm of the conviction this is only one thing RSK may do in his time. Moreover, inflating the importance of it beyond sensible perspective only makes it more difficult to handle.

[RSK]

whaywardj, i knew you were very well educated, but dam! you are good. i wish i had your brain! a lot of the stuff in this post are things i've skimmed over before. you hit the hammer on the nail when you talked about two things that Med Schools look for:

1) Quantitative factors (exam scores/gpa) -> In this department, i think I fair quite well (not excellent, but ok)

2) Qualitative factors (personality, 'street knowledge', well spoken) -> i need some work here

Number 1) is what scored me the Interview invite (not everybody gets this), and now the interview will determine Number 2)

Oh, good grief, RSK. Chill.

Thanks, I need this, I have two weeks left, it's on Friday, 28th October.

ONE: You already DO stand-out above the crowd. It's in your very nature. You don't need to do a thing to try to. (You might want to learn, though, how to be more comfortable with that fact.)

I really appreciate this! They say the best thing you can do, is be yourself.

TWO: Be clear on the distinctions between the work of being a doctor (if that's your aim) and the business of being a doctor. The latter wipes a lot of glow off the former and renders much of what may now seem formidable merely pragmatic. If you don't quite understand what I'm saying now, you will once you get into the drudgery of keeping abreast of healthcare insurance codes, and face the dilemma of trying to meet your practice expenses (most significantly, malpratice insurance) by increasing patient office visits without compromising the care you give them.

Please fogive my ignorance if I'm wrong, but I think I know what you are talking about. HMO's and have forced doctors to see more patients, because higher malpractice insurance has to be balanced with a 'profitable business' of running a practice. And not compromising the quality of patient care, over the quantity of patient care should be my primary focus as a physician.

THREE: As much as possible, before your interview, learn and stake out your position in the poilitics of American medicine. All your reviews are looking at that as much as they're looking at any skills or talents you have. For example, are you aware of how the AMA has a virtual strangle-hold on who does or doesn't become an M.D.? Or why they do? (Think: Supply-and-demand.) Are you also aware, for another example of politics in medicine, that, in Spain, if I dial "611" on my phone, an M.D. is dispatched to my residence and I'm given care at no (direct) charge. (It's built into their tax system.) Do you know why that can't happen in the U.S.?

Again, forgive me if I'm wrong, but I believe it's called socialized medicine. We had the same thing in England. I mean, there are pro's and con's. Pro's being, far less patient-doctor friction, greater compliance, 'morally correct' - for health care to be a privelage. Con's: less pay for doctor, government.
As far as this system not working in the States - my guess is because insurance companies pretty much 'dominate' the health care field in terms of 'power'. insurance companies have grown, and we've become too dependent on them, and consequently, created a system (or beast by ourselves). (i'm probably wrong, but i'd love to know why this cann't happen in the U.S - i'm guessin bush has something to do with it!)

Med schools are selective for reasons that go beyond an applicant's skills, knowledge or capabilities. Understand the politic of your particular institution and you'll ace their entrance exams. That many are called but few are chosen is a two-edged adage. Yes, it refers to the principles of professionalism and compassion most lay persons associate with the medical field. It also refers, however, to the fact that the day-to-day business of medicine -- especially big-business medicine -- involves throwing a lot of money around to lot of different interests. Anyone who has a problem with that and wants to practice in the usual ways is going to have problem in the field. From what you've led us to believe about you and your family's social standing, I don't think you'll have any problems knowing how to employ money to achieve your chosen ends.

One other thing: Get over this idea that any ONE interview, decision, action or choice is all about the rest of your life. Life is very much longer and far more vast than most imagine, and the path of one's life is not very susceptible to being much altered by any one thing he or she may do. Or fails to do. Moreover, I have no doubt that you are one of those individuals who will manage to pack two or three ordinary lives into one extra-ordinary lifetime. Being a doctor might just be only one of them.

Congrats. And good luck!

This last part of your post is very uplifting, i thank you for the kind words, Sir.

[Ellynn]

A doc huh? Just remember to treat the Nurses and Nursing assistants with Respect.......and don't let it go to your head!!

[whaywardj]

Sounds as if you've got a good grip on all the handles of the machinery, RSK. Everything you said points precisely in the directions I meant to indicate. I'd just caution you to not allow any random insecurities compromise your perceptual acuity. That's an egghead way of saying don't let the complexity of the process overwhelm you. Just go about it systematically, handling one thing at a time, as it's presented. I'm sure you'll do just fine. I might add, a little presumptuously perhaps, for once, let "just fine" be good enough, okay? You don't need to be stellar on this one. Don't set yourself up for additional complexities by trying to be. Unless you know you can, of course. But even then, don't "wow" them too much. You'll just embarrass them and they'll get mad at you.

EDIT: Elaborating one of the salient points you mentioned: Yes, insurance companies are one of the significant forces. But look beyond the players into the process. Girding the insurance companies is the stock market. This reduces the healthcare system in the States into nothing more than another Dow-Jones average. This makes it very, very difficult for M.D.'s to maintain fidelity to the spirit, if not the intent, of the Hippocratic Oath. Much less any focus on it. If you follow through with your present intentions, I'd guess you're going to be facing a few personal conundrums along the way. Be ready for them. They will compel you to compromise your principles. You may or may not want to.

[whaywardj]

One other thing, RSK, relating to how to people regard you being yourself: There's an adage that goes, "If they mind, they don't matter. If they matter, they don't mind." That, by and large, is a good touchstone to keep in mind. If who you are rubs someone the wrong way, the chances are nothing good will come of associating with them...or trying to please them. While one may occasionally modulate himself for the sake of not being malapropos, having to bend to an unnatural posture on a consistent basis is a portent of poorer things to come. Keep your radar up for any signals of visceral dislike. Adjust accordingly, but don't let anyone believe for a moment you're doing it for anything more than the sake of manners.

[RSK]

One other thing, RSK, relating to how to people regard you being yourself: There's an adage that goes, "If they mind, they don't matter. If they matter, they don't mind." That, by and large, is a good touchstone to keep in mind. If who you are rubs someone the wrong way, the chances are nothing good will come of associating with them...or trying to please them. While one may occasionally modulate himself for the sake of not being malapropos, having to bend to an unnatural posture on a consistent basis is a portent of poorer things to come. Keep your radar up for any signals of visceral dislike. Adjust accordingly, but don't let anyone believe for a moment you're doing it for anything more than the sake of manners.

thanks! i think you are right. i think too much. in fact, i think, while i'm thinking. i like this post a lot. and the adage makes a lot of sense.

now that i think about it - i should be myself, and that is a well mannered, respectfull individual, and family oriented - it's what got me this far, and I'd feel far more comfortable, once again, thanks.



Ellynn - you are dam right! i've shadowed doctors - and nurses/nursing assistats are miralce workers that are never appreciated enough. In fact, there is a shortage of nurses right now. It's a 'hot field' at the moment to get into. And of course, i will treat them just like other doctors, if not better

my dad would always tell me, "Son, no matter what you decided to do with your life - always keep both feet on the ground".

I want to be a doctor because of my experiences as a child in a third world country - i just wanted to help people, and i will never loose that feeling of an innocent child (i'll work hard to not loose it).

[whaywardj]

...in fact, i think, while i'm thinking....

Now there's a thought that'll cross yer eyes.

[indigosoul]

I disagree. This interview is big. Very big. If you screw it up, you will never become a doctor. Ever. They will blacklist you from every Med School in the continental United States.

No pressure; just don't fvck it up.

This is simply not true. Stop trying to psych him, Lloyd.

Hayward makes some good points. Mostly just be yourself. The whole process is really about your ability to balance being human with some elements of pressure (think: grace under pressure), ability to make decisions using some demonstrable intellect. Be prepared to answer questions about your views on the role of the physician in society and how this has changed over the past 50 years and where you think its going. If the interview is soon, suggest you get current on the WHO and the avian flu. Try reading the economist for some mature views on the world political situation. Be familiar w/what is current in basic science (read Science/Nature/New Scientist). Having some interests outside of science & medicine will demonstrate you won't immediately burn out. Bring such an item or photograph along for interest (e.g. artifact from your time in wherever it was you grew up). In the group interaction interview, don't be afraid to be a leader, but avoid being pushy. There is quite a bit of teamwork in medicine. Hope this helps.

Note to add: one thing to remember in these interviews is that you want to stand out, but not as a smart-ass. Remember the ppl interviewing you are (mostly) physicians. I am assuming you are quite bright so I will share some advice about the "interview game": NEVER give an answer that is smarter than the person asking the question. Remember that those ppl interviewing you are ppl who take pride in their intellect, so you don't want to come across as offending that in any way. Be bright, be sincere, be human, and be humble. Show off your POTENTIAL, not your superiority or you run the risk of offending some members of your committee.

[lilwing89]

Why do you want to be a doctor? who said i wanted to be a doctor? huh? huh? what if i wanna be a nurse??
Why did you choose our school? because i heard your school was the worst school in the nation, and i had to find out myself
What have you done to show your interest in Medicine? well i do my fair share of drugs..can you by any chance become a witch doctor?
Why did you have a bad grade in ______? sex ed? because when it was my turn, i sucked the hose a little too hard to get the sea men out
What do you enjoy doing in your free time? jack off to beastiality pornography
What do you feel about the death penalty? is it just me or do these questions have some sort of chain/pattern to them?

oh hell! i love the death penalty! i hope thats how i die someday! until then, ill be shipping severed heads illegally around the country, while hauling ass in my pinto!