What experiences and qualities lead you to believe that you will be an excellent physician?
Personal questions like this one do require some reflection and the ability to speak about yourself in a way that showcases your strengths but still comes across as humble. Think about why you want to be a physician or what led you to this particular career path. When you answer, be honest while making a connection between your top qualities, life experiences, and this profession. Talk about your values and how these align with the vision of the school for which you are applying.
"I know that I will be an excellent physician because I am naturally curious, empathetic, confident, and a strong problem solver. Having always known that I want to be in the medical field, taking care of others, I chose to pursue my interest by volunteering at our local hospital two days per week. My interest only grew as I saw physicians being able to help others live their best lives while reaching their own highest pursuits. I am someone who cares about humanity and ensuring people are as healthy as possible. While pursuing my undergrad, this desire to help others only grew. Now, recently completing an internship under a general practitioner, I have grown my skills in empathy and gained a fuller understanding of the patient-centered approach. These skills, qualities, and experiences combined give me the confidence that I will succeed as a physician."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
I will make an excellent physician because I am empathetic, a committed person, and persistent. Volunteering in hospice care exposed me to the emotional suffering of others. I saw one patient who was cheerful and always had a smile when we were playing bingo but saw how quickly that would change when her disease progressed. She became no longer interested in activities and became unable to take care of herself. Even so, her positivity influenced me and I wanted to be there for her by continuing to visit and try my best to make her feel less alone. I was committed to my students while I was a graduate teaching assistant. I made sure that my students could contact me freely if they had issues with the lab course. I was surprised when one of my students at the end of the semester thanked me for my responsiveness as maybe other teaching assistants were not. I am also committed to improving myself. I know my verbal communication skills need improvement. I have worked on this by putting myself into uncomfortable situations, such as being a teaching assistant. Initially, I was nervous and was unable to get out what I wanted to say. Through preparation, I became more effective in conveying information to my students. I continue to work on my communication by volunteering at the food bank and interacting with people from different backgrounds. During my graduate research, I ran into some struggles with my experiments. I would try to find out what went wrong by modifying or repeating the experiments. When I could not figure it out, I would ask someone more experienced, such as a Ph.D. student in my lab or my professor. Similarly, as a physician, I would work tirelessly for my patients, whatever the challenge is, as well as care for them and be a trusted partner in managing their health.
Rachelle's Feedback
Excellent job with this response! The details you provide and the storytelling are a wonderful touch. This answer does more than tell the interviewer why you will be an excellent physician; it also shows the interviewer your skills in action. Good work!
Anonymous Answer
I have, thankfully, had excellent mentors and role models in my life such as my Grandfather and Dr. Graeub who have taught me that being a compassionate, respectful, and humble person will help me to connect with people and keep from making impulsive decisions that may be clouded by arrogance. My grandfather always sought to act and be involved in community service, putting others before himself. Observing him helped me to realize that I should treat all persons with equal respect, even towards those who may act with aggression, no matter the circumstances. Working in the ED I have observed people who have lost health insurance, due to financial or immigration constraints, suffering from homelessness, or cannot establish a primary care physician. Interactions with these patients are generally very tense, due to patients feeling that the providers do not understand their situation. I have observed Dr. Graeub tend to every patient with the utmost respect and do so in a humble manner, never putting himself above a patient but on an equal level. His quote of "I am just the emergency physician" reminds me to always treat others greater than myself, and to always listen and be open to the opinions/concerns of others. Being a physician it is important to act in the best interest of others. I believe the experiences I have had and the qualities of compassion, respect, and humility I have obtained from them will help me be an excellent physician.
Stephanie's Feedback
Excellent response--it sounds like you've had some wonderful role models in your life!
Anonymous Answer
I am a self-driven person who is naturally curious. PA is a profession for lifelong learners who want to continually update their medical knowledge through on-the-job training and continued education. I am excited about the prospect of learning more throughout my career and having the flexibility to follow my curiosities as they change throughout my career. I am also a very empathetic person who has come to love patient interactions in my volunteer experiences and career in clinical research.
Marcie's Feedback
Being driven, curious, and empathetic are all great qualities to have as a PA. Some other qualities you can mention (if they are applicable) are being compassionate, patient-focused, personable, enthusiastic, confident, efficient, and/or adaptable, in addition to being a strong communicator and problem solver. End your answer by reiterating your desire to become a PA because you know that this is the right career for you.
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