How to Answer: Why do you want to pursue a career as a physician?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Residency job interview.
1. Why do you want to pursue a career as a physician?
How to Answer
In more recent years, motivation has been proven to be a vital component in the overall well-being of medical residents. Studies by organizations like the NIH have shown that additional drive and motivation better help residents overcome the grueling years of long hours and tireless work. By asking this question, the faculty of the program you are interviewing with are essentially looking to hear what is motivating you to pursue both their residency training and a future career as a physician. With no right or wrong answer here, the key to your response will be displaying your passion for medicine and helping others. As long as you reiterate that this motivation will keep you going on the most difficult days as a resident, you will be sure to sell your team of interviewers.
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022
Answer Example
"Having grown up in a home where helping our neighbors and community was instilled in me at a young age and finding passion and success in the sciences as my schooling progressed, a future in medicine was something I was thinking about as early as 6th grade. More exposure to research during my undergraduate years, and heading into medical school solidified the future plan for me. So my motivations to become a physician are to help individuals live healthier and more fulfilling lives and to use my scientific prowess to further medicine into the future. I see this program as a great opportunity to hone my clinical skills and be mentored by some very big names in the field here."
Written by Ryan Brunner on February 12th, 2022