If being a Physician was not an option, what career path would you have chosen?

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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.

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.

"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."

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."

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.

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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.

Anonymous Answer

"If I couldn't pursue medicine, I would choose a career as a mental health counselor. I have a natural inclination to understand and empathize with people's emotional experiences, and I'm a patient and non-judgmental listener, often serving as the go-to emotional support for my family and friends. I believe that formal training in this role would allow me to positively impact more lives while earning a living."

Jaymie's Feedback

Good job! This provides some insight into your skills and interests outside of medicine and highlights your empathetic nature and desire to serve others.

Anonymous Answer

"I certainly would not change my decision to become a physician, but if I had to pick an alternative path, maybe a nurse, a physical therapist, or another profession in healthcare that involves helping others and serving the community."

Jaymie's Feedback

It's great that you begin by affirming your commitment to becoming a physician! Your consideration of alternative paths within healthcare, such as nursing or physical therapy, demonstrates a continued interest in roles that involve helping others and serving the community. This aligns well with the values of healthcare professions. Great job!

How to Answer: If being a Physician was not an option, what career path would you have chosen?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Residency job interview.

34. If being a Physician was not an option, what career path would you have chosen?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

Written by Rachelle Enns

How to Answer

Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022

Answer Example

Written by Rachelle Enns

Internal Medicine Example

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.

Written by Dr. Shani Saks on November 4th, 2022

Family Medicine Example

"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."

Written by Dr. Griswold on November 5th, 2022

Radiology Example

Written by Dr. Rodman on February 1st, 2023

Dermatology Example

Written by Dr. Yumeen on December 19th, 2022

Emergency Medicine Example

Written by Dr. Smith on December 31st, 2022

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

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.

Show More Answers

Anonymous Answer

Stephanie's Feedback

Great response--this shows thoughtfulness and self-awareness.

Anonymous Answer

Amanda's Feedback

Anonymous Answer

Jaymie's Feedback

Good job! This provides some insight into your skills and interests outside of medicine and highlights your empathetic nature and desire to serve others.

Anonymous Answer

Jaymie's Feedback

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