What is your favorite area of medicine so far? Which is your least favorite? Why?
By understanding your areas of interest, the interviewers can predict which of the courses in their medical school program you will enjoy the most. It also will give them a sense of your long-term career goals, at least for now, and how your rotations down the road will be impacted by your likes and dislikes in the field.
"At this point in my studies, I am most interested in Pediatrics as I have always been passionate about helping children. I have the compassion required for that area of medicine. Also, most of my volunteer experience has been around children's issues. The area of medicine that I find to be my least favorite so far is Pathology. I have not excelled in bio-science; however, I have hired a tutor to ensure my grades remain above average regardless of my natural interest."
Talk about where your interests currently are within the medical field. While you don't need to have plans for residency heading into medical school, be sure to talk openly about where your passions fall now and one area that doesn't seem favorable for you.
"My favorite area of medicine so far is anatomy. During my undergraduate studies, I took courses in both human and animal anatomy. I love studying how different body systems integrate and give function to a larger organism. My least favorite area of medicine is its political aspect. It seems that many healthcare decisions in this country are impacted by political officials without a background in healthcare. This worries me, and I look forward to learning more about this in medical school."
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
My favorite area of medicine so far is internal medicine. I have worked with an endocrinologist and shadow her occasionally. I enjoyed long-term care and management of the disease for a patient and forming a relationship with them. Being able to work alongside a patient and see them progress in their health management would bring me the most fulfillment in being someone's physician. My least favorite would probably be pathology since there is not much patient interaction, which I enjoy the most about medicine.
Rachelle's Feedback
It's wonderful that you value patient interaction, so much! You seem very clear on the direction that you wish to take your medical career.
Anonymous Answer
I love pediatrics. I have always had such a heart to be around kids, and being around them in the hospital is no different. They have such resiliency and outlook of life that is admirable. My least favorite is ophthalmology. I worked in an ophthalmology clinic, and while I am grateful for the experience, I wished there was more variability in the day to day clinic time.
Rachelle's Feedback
It's fantastic that you express gratitude for the ophthalmology experience but that you know where you are meant to be. Nice, professional answer!
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