Before answering this question, you should have a good understanding of the differences between academic and clinical medicine. Both academic and clinical medicine involve doctors seeing, diagnosing, and treating patients. However, physicians who practice academic medicine also conduct research and train new and future medical doctors.

Indiana University School of Medicine has this interview on its list of questions that may be asked during your interview. Their institution is a national leader in medical education and research, so the interviewer is interested in seeing what career path you are interested in taking. There is no incorrect answer, as this is a personal choice, but you want to give a reason why