If being a Physician was not an option, what career path would you have chosen?
Your interviewers want to get to know each candidate a bit better personally during their interviews. This hypothetical question will give the interviewers some insight into other topics that interest you outside of the medical field.
"I do not regret the direction I have taken my career, and I'm looking forward to my residency training. If I were forced to start over in a new direction, I would likely pursue a career in music. I learned to play the piano at a young age and sang in a show choir in high school. I was also in a glee club during my undergraduate program. If I had gone down that path, I probably would have been a singer in a music group or gotten into music production."
There is no right or wrong answer here, but be sure to think about questions like this before your residency interviews. As you answer, talk openly and honestly with your interviewers about where your career path would have ideally taken you if becoming a physician wasn't an option.
If being a physician was not an option, I would like to have been a health writer or journalist. I enjoy medical topics and enjoy educating patients on how to take better care of their health.
"If being a physician was not an option, I might have decided to be a teacher. I enjoy teaching and I believe educating the next generation is very important."
"If I could not be a physician, I would be a pilot. I think in some regards the two professions are similar. For example, the captain of a plane has a duty to serve and provide safe transportation to all those on board the aircraft. Similarly, physicians have a duty to provide care for all of their patients, from all walks of life."
"I would have chosen to be an architect. I love to enjoy beautiful architecture, and the creativity that goes into it. As an architect I would hope to enjoy spaces for people to enjoy as they work or socialize and hope to better people's lives through my work."
"I think I would really enjoy a career as the director of an adventure sport camp or as an adventure-based vacation tour guide. Anything that allowed me to experience new and interesting activities while meeting new people."
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 certainly would not change my decision to become a physician, but if I had to pick a different path, I would like to go into a field that studies behavioral neuroscience. I am fascinated by the concept of cognitive-behavioral therapy and the power that we, as human beings, can have over our minds. I want to incorporate CBT in my practice one day.
Rachelle's Feedback
Very in-depth and interesting response. This is excellent, and you give the interviewer a lot of insight into what excites you in the medical field.
Anonymous Answer
While I will never change my decision If being a physician was not an option, I will go into public health and policy. I believe I could make an impact here as well working to improve health care delivery to the population and community.
Stephanie's Feedback
Great response--this shows thoughtfulness and self-awareness.
Anonymous Answer
I would definitely choose to be a teacher. I enjoy mentoring and sharing knowledge with others. So many tasks that relate to these skills are welcome. Even as a resident I will look forward to teaching medical students. During my rotation, I volunteered to give oral presentations on various topics.
Amanda's Feedback
This is a solid answer! Educating patients and others is a key part of working as a physician, and your willingness/ability to share knowledge with others is a valuable skill. Consider expanding your response to share more detail about 1-2 presentations you gave or a time when sharing knowledge or mentoring another really elevated patient care or enhanced your team's ability to work together.
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