How to Answer: What drives your passion for a career in medicine?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Residency job interview.
18. What drives your passion for a career in medicine?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interview panel would like to understand what drives you in your pursuit of a career in medicine. Your core passion will keep you going on the toughest of days of residency, and for the panel to understand how to motivate you, they need to know what drives you.
Written by Rachelle Enns
How to Answer
It is okay to share a personal story when answering this question. Perhaps you can discuss what initiated your interest in attending medical school. Whatever drives you, make sure the interviewers can feel your passion as you speak from the heart when answering this question.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
Answer Example
"There are several factors that have always driven my passion for a career in medicine. If I had to pinpoint one main driver, I would say that saving the lives of everyday people is the most important. Everyone deserves great healthcare, and I plan to live that mantra by being the best at what I do as a physician every day. As a caregiver by nature, my patients are what will drive me every moment of every day."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Internal Medicine Example
Heart disease afflicts many members of my immediate family, and I know how profoundly that can affect the whole family. I am pursuing an internal medicine residency with the intention of becoming a cardiologist to help prevent and treat people who suffer from heart disease.
Written by Dr. Shani Saks on November 4th, 2022
Family Medicine Example
"I am driven by the prospect of helping patients spanning all ages. During medical school some of my favorite memories were doing the little things to improve my patients' lives."
Written by Dr. Griswold on November 5th, 2022
Radiology Example
"My passion for medicine, radiology in particular, stems from the fact that I believe it is the culmination of biology, chemistry, and physics. It is extraordinary how far humanity has come in terms of medical care and treatment modalities. For instance, there is a newer field within radiology called 'theranostics' which combines diagnostic imaging with therapeutic drugs. It is cutting edge."
Written by Dr. Rodman on February 1st, 2023
Dermatology Example
"I am passionate about a career in medicine because I am passionate about improving patients' quality of life. Good health is a basic need for patient's to be able to live their lives, enjoy time with their families, and be productive in their livelihood. I am passionate about providing care to patients so that they can have their best quality of life, and achieve their goals, dreams, and follow their passions!"
Written by Dr. Yumeen on December 19th, 2022
Emergency Medicine Example
"I'm passionate about Emergency Medicine because it gives me a chance to interact and immediately help people from all walks of life who may be going through a life-threatening situation. I like being able to isolate a problem and work to fix or at least stabilize the cause in a high-stakes and fast paced environment, I also love that the Emergency Department is healthcare's safety net and that no person is ever turned away due to age, condition, or inability to pay."
Written by Dr. Smith on December 31st, 2022
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