How to Answer: While attending medical school, what was your favorite course? Why?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Residency job interview.
35. While attending medical school, what was your favorite course? Why?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Every medical student has a favorite area of medicine or a subject they find fascinating. Learning more about your favorite courses, personal preferences, and professional areas of intrigue will allow the interviewers to better understand where your passion is as an incoming resident.
Written by Rachelle Enns
How to Answer
Come to your interview ready to talk about your favorite course in medical school. Be sure to elaborate on why it was your favorite. If you had a great professor, talk about what made them so influential. If you excelled in a particular subject, don't hesitate to brag a bit to your interviewers.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
Answer Example
"The courses I enjoyed most in medical school were the classes and workshops where we had the opportunity to work on a cadaver. The human body is fascinating, and since I am a hands-on learner, I found cadaver-based classes to be the most informative. From my work with cadavers, I realized that pursuing a career in surgery was my true calling as a physician."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Internal Medicine Example
My favorite course in medical school was microbiology. I loved looking under the microscope and seeing the different types of bacteria and learning about the properties of each one. They are so elegant and intricate, and look harmless but really aren't. The more one knows about microbiology, the more one understands many types of illnesses and how to cure them.
Written by Dr. Shani Saks on November 4th, 2022
Family Medicine Example
"I really enjoyed taking Geriatrics during medical school. This class really emphasized treating our patients holistically. I have always been interested in a holistic approach to medicine."
Written by Dr. Griswold on November 5th, 2022
Radiology Example
"My favorite course during medical school was gross anatomy, particularly the musculoskeletal system. This is the definition of form meets function. Muscles, bones, and tendons are distinct entities that work in harmony to provide predictable and precise motion."
Written by Dr. Rodman on February 1st, 2023
Dermatology Example
"My favorite course was immunology. I loved to learn all about the immune system, how it defends our body from a variety of pathogens, and also about how autoimmune disease developed. I also learned about the skin's essential role in immunity, and this only furthered my interest in dermatology."
Written by Dr. Yumeen on December 19th, 2022
Emergency Medicine Example
"My favorite course in medical school was my 3rd year clinical rotation in the Emergency Department. From the first shift, I knew the specialty was a perfect fit for my personality and academic interests. That rotation really opened my eyes to the type of physician I could become and the work that I would get to do on a daily basis."
Written by Dr. Smith on December 31st, 2022
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