Medical School Mock Interview
Excel in your medical school interview with 50 essential questions covering ethics, clinical scenarios, and motivation.
Question 37 of 50
What are your thoughts on alternative medicine? Which aspects do you agree and disagree with?
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Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
Alternative medicine can be a controversial subject in the medical field. Some love it, some hate it, and a few are in-between on alternative treatments for patients. Your interviewers are curious about where you stand on the use of alternative medicine and if there are any areas you are potentially more curious about.
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"Although I support traditional medicine, I understand that alternative medicine can benefit some. I agree that there is a science behind alternative medicine; however, I feel alternative medicine should be more strictly regulated. People need to educate themselves better before jumping into 'all-natural' therapy. Prescribed teas and herbs can be dangerous if taken in the wrong dosages. Even though it is natural, it doesn't mean your body will like it. As with all medications and practices, research and education are very important."
Ryan Brunner has over ten years of experience recruiting, interviewing, and hiring candidates in the healthcare, public service, and private manufacturing/distribution industries.
Just like you would answer a sensitive question surrounding politics or religion, it's best to support both sides. Medical school interviews are not a good place to voice a highly one-sided opinion. If you need to before your interview, do some research on the various forms of alternative medicine and come prepared to discuss your thoughts.
"I like the fact that alternative or holistic medicine concentrates on more natural and earth-made remedies. These could be cheaper than more traditional therapies or lack some the chemical fillers present in drugs made overseas for example. However, these treatments, if recommended, should be regulated and extensively studied by scientists in the field. Moreover, It is important to recognize that 'natural' remedies may be harmful and cause undesirable side effects."
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Anonymous Answer
I think that in conjunction with traditional medicine, there is a place for alternative medicine. Some alternative medicine, like acupuncture, has worked for many people. I support alternative medicine; however, I want more research studies done on the science behind alternative medicine. With more research, we can better understand it and what it can be used for.
Rachelle's Feedback
It never hurts to have more research! Your answer has nice balance - good work.
Anonymous Answer
I think some aspects of alternative medicine can be helpful. I am not someone who wants to take medications for every problem I might have. I like to take the preventative approach even if it may take longer than a medication would. However, alternative medicine can be a problem, especially when looking at cancer. I know many patients who only want to take vitamins and minerals to cure their cancer, and as we know in almost every situation, that is not going to get rid of the cancerous cells.
Rachelle's Feedback
You make an important distinction here re: when an alternative approach may be appropriate, and when it certainly is not.
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