If a career in medicine wasn't a choice for you, what career path would you have pursued?

"I do not regret the direction I have taken my career, and I'm looking forward to my Dermatology residency training. If I were forced to start over in a new direction, I would likely pursue a career in education. I have a passion for teaching and look forward to this aspect during my career, shaping the futures of medical students and residents. I could see myself teaching the arts or sciences at the middle school level, where teenagers can feel the influences of these subjects on their future."

There is no right or wrong answer, but you should consider questions like this before your Dermatology residency interviews. As you answer, talk openly and honestly with your interviewers about where your career path would have ideally taken you if becoming a physician wasn't an option. You can certainly have some fun with your answer as you allow a look into who you are as a person.

"If being a physician was not an option, I think I would have been a social worker. I have always had a strong desire to help others. Social workers greatly help patients and those in need of help, so it would have been another good career path for me."

"I would have chosen to pursue a career as an architect. I love to enjoy beautiful architecture, and the creativity that goes into it. As an architect I would hope to enjoy spaces for people to enjoy as they work or socialize and hope to better people's lives through my work. I am also a visual learner, which I think would have suited me well as an architect."