Why are you choosing to match into this particular specialty?

Question

Rachelle Enns · Accepted Answer

"My ultimate career goal is to practice in cardiology and electrophysiology, and a residency in a great internal medicine program like yours is how I will get there. After speaking with several physicians who trained at your amazing institution, I feel great about this opportunity to train with some of the best faculty in the field."

Rachelle Enns · Answer

There are many medical specialties you can choose from. In asking this question, your team of interviewers simply wants to know that you have some direction and clarity regarding your path in the medical field and that you would join their program as a motivated resident in the field.

Ryan Brunner · Answer

Talk about your reason for choosing your specialty. Feel free to add a personal touch to your answer. This will help the interviewers relate to you as an individual and make for a memorable conversation down the road as the interviewers decide which applicants to accept.

Dr. Shani Saks · Answer

An internal medicine residency offers me exposure to a wide range of adult medical conditions. I enjoy the intellectual aspect of being a diagnostician and look forward to the privilege of developing long-term relationships with patients for their healthcare needs.

Dr. Griswold · Answer

"I am pursuing Family Medicine because I am eager to treat a diverse patient population at different stages throughout their life. With family medicine training, I will be able to take care of patients from 'cradle to grave.'"

Dr. Rodman · Answer

"Radiologists use cutting-edge technology to image complex human anatomy within the context of clinical findings. It is the perfect blend of anatomy, technology, and medicine. Nearly every specialty depends on imaging to guide patient care, and I love using my skillset to diagnose diseases."

Dr. Yumeen · Answer

"Through my clinical experiences and working with my mentors in dermatology, I am drawn to dermatology as a visual specialty, which involves using visual clues along with patient history to come to a diagnosis. I love that dermatology is a broad specialty involving everything from complex medical diseases to common pediatric conditions. I also enjoy that there is a procedural aspect to dermatology, as I have seen dermatologists perform many procedures day-to-day, including biopsies and excisions. Most importantly, I am drawn to dermatology as a field that can greatly improve patients' quality of life."

Dr. Smith · Answer

"I think Emergency Medicine is a perfect fit for me because I like the fast-paced, high-stakes atmosphere of the Emergency Department. I like the idea of treating people from all different walks of life and patient populations and getting to experience the most exciting aspects of all specialties. On top of all that, I think that Emergency Medicine attracts people with personalities that are outgoing, curious, and willing to think outside of the box, and I find that I like being around those types of people in a working environment."

Anonymous User · Answer

"When I was in 3rd year of medical school, I was exposed to a different specialty in which neurology stood out. I still remember when I was posted in the ER there was one patient who presented with symptoms of brainstem stroke popularly known as Weber syndrome. On the basis of clinical history and examination, the attending was able to locate the site of the lesion and I got fascinated with that. I felt like he was trying to solve the puzzle. This event acted as a trigger event for me to develop an interest in this field.

This specialty also gives us the opportunity to create long and impactful relationships with patients. I used to hear stories from my mentor about how they were following the patient for a long time some over 50 years. So this type of relationship I was not able to see in the other specialty.

The third reason is the scarcity of neurologists in my country. If you try to find a cardiologist you can find many but that is not of neurology. There is a huge burden of neurological disease back in my country but the patient are not getting appropriate and timely care. So through neurology, I will be able to bring meaningful impact to my society."

Anonymous User · Answer

"I am a physician who received training during the HIV era, and presently, I am witnessing a significant epidemiological shift where cardiovascular conditions are emerging as the primary cause of morbidity and mortality. Given this dual challenge, I firmly believe that being an internist is the most valuable and impactful role one can have in healthcare."

Anonymous User · Answer

"I am a resident in a rural but busy hospital in the emergency department, however, I have been in General Surgery for about 4 years before. I am career-driven and have achieved being the first doctor in my family despite my financial and social struggles. At the hospital, I have been described as helpful, easygoing, and reliable by my peers. In my personal life, I love spending time with my family and friends, playing with my dog, fishing, watching movies, and trying new things. After many hurdles in my life, I am finally able to pursue my lifelong dream of IM residency in the US and I thank you for the opportunity to do so at…residency program"

Anonymous User · Answer

"Everything about emergency medicine attracts me: the fast-paced, atmosphere (organized chaos) and getting to experience the most exciting aspect of all specialties. I work as an emergency nurse, I am also part of the critical care team, and I am used to working under a lot of pressure. I take care of super sick patients daily and I can think and act fast. I am conscious that the care received in the emergency room can make a difference between life and death."

Anonymous User · Answer

"During rotations, while every specialty of medicine had aspects I appreciated, Family Medicine sparked my interest because of its versatility. I enjoy the unique opportunity to practice various branches of medicine and to treat a wide range of patients.
The ability to address preventive care, acute issues, chronic conditions, and even some procedures, but in particular being the initial point of contact in the patient’s healthcare journey. Seeing how lives can be saved when a knowledgeable and caring physician identifies and manages severe conditions early on is fulfilling.
I believe in the importance of continuity of care and the opportunity to create a rapport. You get to know people well, it allows you to build long-lasting relationships with patients; when a bond forms, you can educate patients on healthy habits or medication compliance to reduce disease complications, and you know that you are helping them not only stay alive but to improve the quality of their lives.
I was always amazed to hear stories from my attendings about how they followed the patient for 20 years; this type of relationship I am looking for with my patients."

Why are you choosing to match into this particular specialty?

How to Answer: Why are you choosing to match into this particular specialty?

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

8. Why are you choosing to match into this particular specialty?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

How to Answer

Answer Example

Internal Medicine Example

Family Medicine Example

Radiology Example

Dermatology Example

Emergency Medicine Example

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback