"As we go through life, everything we do becomes a part of us. My clinical experience has become a part of me as well, but not from the medical aspects, but from the human level. I'd retire the day I found I didn't care anymore, but I find myself caring more the longer I'm in my career--caring for the lives my patients actually live as impacted by what I do or cannot do. It's my job to partner with them in this respect."

This is another foray into the philosophical. Being a physician is special; it is seeing and dealing with things every day that most people only encounter once in a lifetime. It is unlikely that the specialness of your vocation won't impact your personal life in any way. Your answer will tell the interviewer a little about how your mind works.

"My clinical experiences have taught me that no one 'has it made,' per se. Every single person has his or her problem or problems. Problems don't care about race, religion, job, or income. When I think of my own problems, I know that I'm not alone--and it can always be better and it can always be worse, too."