Comments on: Introduction to “The #1 Factor” Interview Advice Column http://studentdoctor.net/2006/12/introduction-to-the-1-factor-interview-advice-column/ A nonprofit educational organization Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:12:52 -0500 hourly 1 By: Daniel Williams, MD http://studentdoctor.net/2006/12/introduction-to-the-1-factor-interview-advice-column/#comment-12 Daniel Williams, MD Sat, 18 Oct 2008 23:11:57 +0000 http://studentdoctor.net/blog/2006/12/01/introduction-to-the-1-factor-interview-advice-column/#comment-12 Just wanted to actually answer the questions being asked in these comments... SKIRTS VS. PANTS: It really doesn't matter as long as it's not a short skirt. Both can look very professional. Keep in mind that you will do quite a bit of walking on interview day so painfully tall heels are obviously a bad idea from what I've seen at the end of interview days. Judge for yourself what suit you look best in, ladies. There is no hard-and-fast rule here. WHY DO YOU WANT TO BE A DOCTOR: This is an involved question that has answers as varied as the people reading this post. I actually podcast and wrote a FREE eBook related to this subject at MedicalMastery.com. In short, make a list of these topics in a brainstorm format - what are the highlights of your life? the low points? what do you like the most and least? what type of medicine do you want to practice? did you have an experience that got you interested in medicine? if so, describe it. In summary, the essay and interviews are personal interviews - grades don't matter here. They want to hear who you REALLY are as a person. Just wanted to actually answer the questions being asked in these comments…

SKIRTS VS. PANTS: It really doesn’t matter as long as it’s not a short skirt. Both can look very professional. Keep in mind that you will do quite a bit of walking on interview day so painfully tall heels are obviously a bad idea from what I’ve seen at the end of interview days. Judge for yourself what suit you look best in, ladies. There is no hard-and-fast rule here.

WHY DO YOU WANT TO BE A DOCTOR: This is an involved question that has answers as varied as the people reading this post. I actually podcast and wrote a FREE eBook related to this subject at MedicalMastery.com. In short, make a list of these topics in a brainstorm format – what are the highlights of your life? the low points? what do you like the most and least? what type of medicine do you want to practice? did you have an experience that got you interested in medicine? if so, describe it.

In summary, the essay and interviews are personal interviews – grades don’t matter here. They want to hear who you REALLY are as a person.

]]> By: Ana Brown http://studentdoctor.net/2006/12/introduction-to-the-1-factor-interview-advice-column/#comment-11 Ana Brown Fri, 05 Sep 2008 13:30:05 +0000 http://studentdoctor.net/blog/2006/12/01/introduction-to-the-1-factor-interview-advice-column/#comment-11 Is this the school on hunting park Is this the school on hunting park

]]> By: Thalia http://studentdoctor.net/2006/12/introduction-to-the-1-factor-interview-advice-column/#comment-10 Thalia Tue, 11 Mar 2008 23:07:50 +0000 http://studentdoctor.net/blog/2006/12/01/introduction-to-the-1-factor-interview-advice-column/#comment-10 I'm also wondering how to put a spin on the question of, "Why do you want to be a doctor?". I know I have it in me to be a great doctor, and I know why I want to be a doctor. I want to help people, and I like exploring the concept of medicine and the physiological process of the body. I like having relationships with people and I want to get to know them so I can help them when they cannot help themselves. All the answers I have though seem so cliche. What's a unique way to put a spin on this question and truly make me stand out from the crowd? Thanks, Thalia Douglas I’m also wondering how to put a spin on the question of, “Why do you want to be a doctor?”.
I know I have it in me to be a great doctor, and I know why I want to be a doctor. I want to help people, and I like exploring the concept of medicine and the physiological process of the body. I like having relationships with people and I want to get to know them so I can help them when they cannot help themselves. All the answers I have though seem so cliche. What’s a unique way to put a spin on this question and truly make me stand out from the crowd?
Thanks, Thalia Douglas

]]> By: Anonymous http://studentdoctor.net/2006/12/introduction-to-the-1-factor-interview-advice-column/#comment-9 Anonymous Sun, 09 Mar 2008 03:05:14 +0000 http://studentdoctor.net/blog/2006/12/01/introduction-to-the-1-factor-interview-advice-column/#comment-9 Pants and non-high heels. Dress up as a professional. Remember Medicine is not business. The admission office is not looking for sexy. If you look clean you are all set in the appearance department! Let your intelligence lead the rest of your way!! Pants and non-high heels. Dress up as a professional. Remember Medicine is not business. The admission office is not looking for sexy. If you look clean you are all set in the appearance department! Let your intelligence lead the rest of your way!!

]]> By: Christine http://studentdoctor.net/2006/12/introduction-to-the-1-factor-interview-advice-column/#comment-8 Christine Tue, 12 Feb 2008 16:36:11 +0000 http://studentdoctor.net/blog/2006/12/01/introduction-to-the-1-factor-interview-advice-column/#comment-8 Tyler, I was having the same dilemma about the "I want to help people" answer. And then one of the doctors I work with gave me a good piece of advice: You have to love the science and the detective work of medicine, because when you're having a bad day, you sometimes just don't give a damn about helping people. So that's what I'm going to say (minus the last part, of course). I have my interview in a few days, so I'll see how it goes. And I have the clothes question, too. Tyler, I was having the same dilemma about the “I want to help people” answer. And then one of the doctors I work with gave me a good piece of advice: You have to love the science and the detective work of medicine, because when you’re having a bad day, you sometimes just don’t give a damn about helping people. So that’s what I’m going to say (minus the last part, of course). I have my interview in a few days, so I’ll see how it goes.
And I have the clothes question, too.

]]> By: Audrey http://studentdoctor.net/2006/12/introduction-to-the-1-factor-interview-advice-column/#comment-7 Audrey Thu, 31 Jan 2008 19:05:39 +0000 http://studentdoctor.net/blog/2006/12/01/introduction-to-the-1-factor-interview-advice-column/#comment-7 I am also wondering the answer on the proper attire? Pants of Skirt? Low Heels or Flats? thanks I am also wondering the answer on the proper attire? Pants of Skirt? Low Heels or Flats?

thanks

]]> By: Tyler http://studentdoctor.net/2006/12/introduction-to-the-1-factor-interview-advice-column/#comment-6 Tyler Fri, 11 Jan 2008 15:43:52 +0000 http://studentdoctor.net/blog/2006/12/01/introduction-to-the-1-factor-interview-advice-column/#comment-6 During my interview I am having trouble with the most basic question: Why do you want to be a doctor? Of course I want to help people, and thats the truth, but EVERONE under the sun uses that as a backup answer if he or she gets too nervous to think. How can I but a spin on it to make it my own and not sound so cliche? Thanks. During my interview I am having trouble with the most basic question: Why do you want to be a doctor? Of course I want to help people, and thats the truth, but EVERONE under the sun uses that as a backup answer if he or she gets too nervous to think. How can I but a spin on it to make it my own and not sound so cliche? Thanks.

]]> By: Elizabeth http://studentdoctor.net/2006/12/introduction-to-the-1-factor-interview-advice-column/#comment-3 Elizabeth Fri, 28 Dec 2007 02:37:50 +0000 http://studentdoctor.net/blog/2006/12/01/introduction-to-the-1-factor-interview-advice-column/#comment-3 i also need help with the pants or skirt question i also need help with the pants or skirt question

]]> By: stephanie http://studentdoctor.net/2006/12/introduction-to-the-1-factor-interview-advice-column/#comment-4 stephanie Tue, 25 Dec 2007 06:55:20 +0000 http://studentdoctor.net/blog/2006/12/01/introduction-to-the-1-factor-interview-advice-column/#comment-4 whats the answer to the skirt or pants question? im having problems with that myself. whats the answer to the skirt or pants question? im having problems with that myself.

]]> By: Sarah Khorsand http://studentdoctor.net/2006/12/introduction-to-the-1-factor-interview-advice-column/#comment-5 Sarah Khorsand Wed, 21 Nov 2007 00:25:46 +0000 http://studentdoctor.net/blog/2006/12/01/introduction-to-the-1-factor-interview-advice-column/#comment-5 Pants or skirts for women, and does it matter? What is the first thing you notice about a candidate? How much of the application should I speak to in an open-file interview? Thank you so much! Pants or skirts for women, and does it matter?

What is the first thing you notice about a candidate?

How much of the application should I speak to in an open-file interview?

Thank you so much!

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