Four Of The Top 25 Deadly Mistakes Candidates Make
That Ruin Medical School Interviews
And How to Avoid Them

You have some medical school interviews coming up and I'm sure you've checked out www.studentdoctor.net, read interview instructional articles on the web, spoken to friends who have had medical school interviews, or who are in medical school, and even met with your school counselor to ask how medical school interviews are run. This is all good due diligence. As a medical school interview coach of many years, most clients who come to me have done all the above, yet they are still harboring many dangerous ways of thinking about their upcoming medical school interviews. These incorrect thoughts cause all sorts of troubles for them when they prepare to interview, and in the actual interview.

I want you to read this article carefully and understand that what appears to be common sense or obvious about medical school interviewing is often quite counterintuitive. I designed this so you can easily see the incorrect thought, why it is a problem (and how this is perceived to be undesirable by the interviewer) and most importantly, what you can do to PREVENT this from happening.

Let's get underway!



1. THE DEADLY MISTAKE IN THINKING: "When the interviewer asks me about what I would do in some obtuse, unusual medical scenario, I'll tell them I would call the Attending or the Chief of Staff and defer to them."
   
   WHY THIS IS A PROBLEM: This shows you are avoiding taking responsibility and are afraid to make a decision. Being a physician is all about leadership and courage in making the tough decisions.
   
   HOW TO AVOID IT: Saying you would get a consult with key staff members is smart. But you need to accept responsibility for the situation. Say what you would do, and why, and stand by that reasoning. Show that you welcome the responsibility of being a physician.
   
   
2. THE DEADLY MISTAKE IN THINKING: "If the interviewer asks me what specialty I am considering, and why, I'll say dermatology because their schedule is more controllable, they have fewer emergencies, and they can make good money with cosmetic procedures and products."
   
   WHY THIS IS A PROBLEM: You gave an honest answer. And these facts are true. Unfortunately, if your answer focuses primarily on YOU, and what YOU will get out of medicine, the interviewer will see you as self-serving, and as not having the patient's interests as your primary focus.
   
   HOW TO AVOID IT: You can honestly state the specialty you prefer, but give reasons that are more altruistic or professional. Such reasons may include that you admired a doctor in that specialty who helped you and your family, or that it is an under-served specialty, or that the doctor you shadowed really got you excited about their specialty, or that you like the fast-paced, eclectic nature of it (being a hospitalist, or emergency room physician for example).
   
   
3. THE DEADLY MISTAKE IN THINKING: "Since my parents and relatives are in the medical field, I'll play that up, and that should impress the interviewer."
   
   WHY THIS IS A PROBLEM: Letting the interviewer know that you come from a medical or health profession family does help, but it's not enough. The interviewer may even view your attitude as arrogant, flip, or see you as feeling entitled.
   
   HOW TO AVOID IT: Certainly mention this fact, but don't make it a central point as a "given" that being a legacy proves you also can be a physician. Instead, talk about how you have discussed the medical world with your parents for years, and how this gives you a deep level of understanding of what you will be going into, and has allowed you to really eliminate any lingering doubts about medicine you may have had otherwise.
   
   
4. THE DEADLY MISTAKE IN THINKING: "I'll tell the interviewer that since I did so well in undergraduate school, medical school should be fine if I just stay focused."
   
   WHY THIS IS A PROBLEM: The interviewer is thinking you really don't get it. Medical school is FAR more challenging than undergraduate school, and many smart people have trouble if they don't adjust.
   
   HOW TO AVOID IT: Tell the interviewer that you will make any and all necessary sacrifices to succeed in medical school. You'll cut back on social, sport and travel activities. You will hire a specialist in medical school study success to help you set up a smart study system. You will apply yourself like never before and you are determined to succeed.