How to Answer: Why did you choose podiatry instead of allopathic medical school?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Podiatrist job interview.
19. Why did you choose podiatry instead of allopathic medical school?
How to Answer
This is an interesting question, in that it labels podiatry as different from 'mainstream' (allopathic) medicine. Thus, the interviewer wants to know why you, having recognized this dichotomy, chose podiatry instead of what is considered mainstream medicine. Instead of reading this question as possibly insulting, you should be proud of your expertise and indicate in your answer that there are no inferiority issues such as those propagated by the self-appointed 'mainstream' physicians.
Written by D. Leo on May 9th, 2021
Entry Level
"This distinction, in my opinion, may come off as derogatory to some; for those, I can only say they are unaware of a podiatrist's vast tool chest of skills that includes surgery and medical approaches. If a person has a painful or serious foot condition, it doesn't matter to whom he or she goes, but whether the problem is fixed or not, and the podiatrist is trained to do just that."
Written by D. Leo on May 9th, 2021
Answer Example
"To me, being a DPM really is mainstream medicine--no different from an ophthalmologist for the eye--compared to any other MD or DO. It is also not considered an alternative approach, since it uses sound evidence-based medicine as its rationale in the things that are treated."
Written by D. Leo on May 9th, 2021
Experience Level
"If you strip away labels and think of treating medical and surgical conditions of the foot, you're left with podiatry or orthopedics. Orthopedics covers a wide spectrum--all of the musculoskeletal system, so I chose podiatry because I wasn't interested in being a 'generalist' for the foot, but a specialist of and for it."
Written by D. Leo on May 9th, 2021