What do you feel are your family obligations?
They just want to make sure you're not weird or callous. Family implies an inherent spirit of love, dedication, loyalty, altruism, and a sense of how not including these results in failure"”for your family, your life, and"”by extrapolation"”your vocation of medicine.
"I was brought up with obligations"”such as being an active part of the family. That is my obligation, because it includes putting myself second or third. It also includes loyalty to the importance of what a family is"”love, friendship, guidance, and altruism."
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 will be completely honest in saying I value family. Currently, I do not have children, but I do have a significant other who I met in medical school, and we raised our dog, Mesa, who we love very much. I grew up as one of five children, and somehow my parents managed to stay together. Even though we have our issues and don't always see eye to eye on every topic, we have shared roots, and that matters to me. I am loyal to them, and if you ask my boyfriend he will tell you he admires how fiercely I love my family.
Marcie's Feedback
Wow! This is a great answer that shows your fierce devotion to family. Consider adding a sentence or two that assures the interviewer that you're confident you'll be able to balance your love of family with your career (which will probably be a demanding one). While they'll be impressed with your love of family, it's important they know that you'll prioritize your career too. Great job!
Anonymous Answer
I am both a wife and a mother. I am obligated to consider the needs of my family with every life decision I make. My husband and I make all of our decisions together and share the responsibilities of our son. We made the decision to expand our family in medical school and have been able to successfully manage school, work, and family as a team. I am loyal, honest, and loving to both my son and my husband.
Marcie's Feedback
Wow! Any interviewer will be impressed with this response. It's great that you take your obligations as a wife and mother seriously but also have a supportive husband in the wings who you can rely on. Mentioning your loyal, honest, and loving nature reinforces several of your good qualities. Excellent!
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