We would like to know you on a more personal level. Outside of medicine, what are your interests?
Having hobbies and interests outside of work or school is an important part of maintaining a healthy work/life balance during residency training. Your interviewers want to get to know you a bit better as a person. They also want to know that you will be able to strike a healthy balance during your time training with them.
"I have a variety of hobbies that kept me busy outside of school hours during my undergraduate program and medical school. I volunteer at the local children's hospital. I also play in indoor and outdoor volleyball leagues and like to read fiction. During residency, staying active outside of training would be a priority for me to stay healthy in both body and mind."
Talk openly and honestly to the interviewers about the activities that interest you outside of the medical field. As you answer, talk about how these activities will be important in your life as a resident in their program to help keep you happy, healthy, and refreshed during your training.
My interests outside of medicine help me recharge my batteries. These include exercise, such as walking or jogging, reading fiction like Robin Cook or James Patterson, and listening to Motown music from my beloved hometown of Detroit.
"I enjoy playing the guitar, hiking and traveling. I have found that doing these things helps me to lead a more balanced life."
"I love studying film and shooting photography. I recently purchased my own camera and love to take photos of nature. My favorite movie series is Lord of the Rings."
"I love to spend time with my family and with my dog! I also love to travel and explore new places. Something new that I have recently learned is how to scuba dive, which has given me the opportunity to explore even more new things when I travel."
"I love an adventure so any sort of international travel, new cuisine, or new sport is fun to me. When I want to feel more relaxed I enjoy a nice puzzle or board game night with my friends or family."
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