Why was your motivation to pursue a career in medicine?
This question from medical school interviews frequently resurfaces in residency interviews. The goal of this question is to determine if your reasons for pursuing medicine are consistent with your reasons for pursuing your residency training in Internal Medicine.
"I went into medicine because of my passion for being a caregiver. I ultimately wanted a career where I could provide compassionate and thorough care to my patients and their families who are often overwhelmed by disease or other afflictions. My love of science blended perfectly in my medical school. As a future hospitalist, you can see your patient multiple times per day, addressing their concerns as their disease worsens or improves. You are also able to address the questions and concerns of family members who are at the patient's bedside."
Before your interview, think about how to answer a question about your motivation to pursue a career in medicine. Your answer should be personal while also discussing your future career goals and pursuit of an Internal Medicine Residency training program. While they don't have to be the same reasons, they should at least be complementary.
"My motivation was having a family member who was sick when I was young. I have always been grateful to the doctors and nurses who helped my family. This experience inspired me to pursue a career in medicine."
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 remember many years ago I was faced with choosing between arts and science subjects in senior high school, my parents convinced me to do sciences because most African parents will love one of their children to become a doctor because of losing loved ones while growing up due to lack of good Healthcare. So I reluctantly accepted to do sciences which I got to love and excelled in it but was faced with the choice of engineering and medicine. It was not until my uncle died in the hospital because of a lack of proper care that ignited my interest in medicine. I decided to become an excellent, compassionate, and empathic doctor to help my community.
Marcie's Feedback
Wow! What a moving and interesting backstory. Can you talk more about the loss of your uncle and how this motivated you to pursue a career in medicine? How old were you? Were you close to your uncle? It is admirable that you want to ensure others have access to lifesaving healthcare because some in your family and community didn't. Your response will surely resonate with the interviewer. Great job!
Anonymous Answer
My empathetic and compassionate nature along with my interest in the medical sciences (especially heart and metabolic issues) gave me the motivation to pursue medicine. I ultimately wanted a career where I would find satisfaction by alleviating the suffering of those often overwhelmed by disease or other afflictions. I remember the sense of hope and comfort that I felt as a child- (I was plagued by upper respiratory illness- and childhood asthma). I knew that after seeing the doctor, I would be given things that would make me feel better. I want to be a part of that.
Medicine is also the field where I can satisfy my intellectual interests as well. The intellectual part for me involves my interest solving puzzles. One of my childhood heroes was Sherlock Holmes- fictional character written by a physician. Much like Sherlock Holmes For me medicine is about take all the different clues using keen observations skills, applying a vast array of knowledge I've accumulated over the years, sometimes thinking creatively and figuring out a diagnosis.
The human aspect of this for me is that I can relieve someone of their discomfort and suffering and give them a sense of hope and comfort!
Marcie's Feedback
Amazing! Your response is interesting and memorable because of all the details you've included, and it's clear that this is the right career choice for you. Reminding the interviewer of how knowledgeable, empathetic, and compassionate you are doesn't hurt either. Excellent!
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