Medical School Interview Questions
Team work when it did not work out
- Group project in Math for Biological sciences - Freshman year, nobody was used to working in groups - impossible to meet at certain times, individuals not pulling their weight, and being hard to work with/incompliant - people had placed varying notions on the importance of coursework - ended up doing the whole project with the help of one other group member - could have handeld it better since I should have tried harder to reach out to others rather than just do a bulk of the work myself
How do you imagine the balance of research and clinical work in your future?
- iv been fairly heavily involved in research throughout high school and college - want to continue that to some degree - want to focus primarily on clinical work but want to be involved in clinical trials of novel therapies that are being developed - oncology is also very influenced by new research and therapies that are being developed so I will always have to stay up to date on the current practices regardless of if I work in a lab or not
What was the most stressful situation you ever faced? How did you handle it?
- knee surgery, stressful because crutches for 3-4 months, full class schedule, and I lost my favorite stress relieving activity (soccer), handled by finding other outlets and having friends and roommates help out with things around the house - mom's breast cancer especially since it was during medical school application season, keeping a sense of normalcy was most helpful and positive outlook
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
- oncologist at an academic center - want to partake in cancer research that focuses on using viral vectors - not sure geographically where - when it comes down to it I want to work in a place where I am best able to lessen the burden that this tough disease places on individuals and their families -want to have a family and kids - also want a dog (or dogs)
Tell me about a time when you had to compromise
- talk about taekwondo and how dad and I compromised that I could quit once I hit a certain belt but I also had to take up another hobby/activity so I chose guitar - also mention how most compromises kind of go unnoticed and are rather small acts to just help the days/relationships go more smoothly
Are you aware of any current controversies in the area of medical ethics? List and discuss some of these
A current controversy within the area of medical ethics is genetic testing to see if one has certain congenital diseases or predispositions for other diseases that may be alleviated with early treatment. Such testing has the ability to lengthen life and alleviate distress down the road if used in an ethical manner. The controversy arises when considering patient privacy. If such information becomes readily available insurers may not cover certain individuals, social stigma's may arise, and conflicts may arise among relatives. Another area of concern regarding this topic is embryonic genetic manipulation to ensure a "desirable" child.
Medicaid
A federal and state assistance program that pays for health care services for people who cannot afford them.
Medicare
A federal program of health insurance for persons 65 years of age and older
What travels have you taken and what exposure to other cultures have you had?
Although being born in the United States I am a Lebanese Citizen, have lived there for a number of years, and travel back every summer for multiple weeks. Lebanon being the diverse country that it is has exposed me to people of different mindsets, religions, and ethnicities. I have also taken a mission trip to riobamba Ecuador where I was able to help out in mobile clinics set up near various indigenous communities in the surrounding area.
Does your academic record reflect any major challenges? If so, what are they and why did they occur?
Although my academic record has not reflect any major challenges I do not believe this means that my academics have not been challenging. Certain courses such as organic chemistry have pushed me to study hours on end and has been a challenge to receive the grades I wanted. The first semester of my junior year was also challenging academically due to my limited mobility and rehab process I was undergoing for my knee. Not wanting to drop any classes, I was taking a full course load, I also was required to be in a passive motion machine for 8 hours a day. This machine forced me to be lying down. 8 hours a day is a lot of time especially during college. I was forced to do a majority of my studying lying down in bed.
If you are not a minority, how might you best meet the needs of a multiethnic, multicultural patient population?
Although my race places me in the majority race (caucasian) I still come from Lebanese ethnicity and have spent a large amount of time both in my youth and adulthood in Lebanon immersing myself in the culture. Lebanon being the melting pot that it is has exposed me to individuals of every imaginable race, religion, and belief. Seeing how such individuals interact and having some insight into the way the think will aid me in making what i think is in the best interest of the patient. I have also working in a research lab in which my focus was on creating a dissemination framework for hispanic and somali communities. Interacting with these communities has shown me the concerns that such groups face regarding healthcare and has given be the knowledge to be able to navigate and avoid issues that concern them. Lastly as part of Big Brothers Big Sisters my little is Native American and is involved within his tribes culture. I had never interacted with a member of a native american tribe but after spending the last two years with him I now have a better understanding of what this certain group faces regarding health inequities.
As a pre-med, what skills have you learned to help manage your time and relieve stress?
As a pre-med student I have become more receptive to the use of a planner or calendar to keep track of assignments or commitments. I have also gotten better at not procrastinating and cramming at the last second. Rather I now study for exams or begin to write papers weeks in advance. I also am a firm believer in taking breaks while studying. When I do not find breaks I find myself daydreaming and being less productive. It is important from time to time to get your mind off work and do something you enjoy. Lastly, I have found that when I am studying the topics I am thoroughly interested in I do not find myself stressed and having to force myself to do the work.
Can you think of any examples in our society when healthcare is a right? When is it a privilege? When is it not clear?
Currently in our society, healthcare is a right in emergency situations since hospitals are obliged to grant admission for patients in dire circumstances. Healthcare is a privilege for problems that do not impose an immediate threat to one's health such as certain elective surgeries such as the surgeries i received on my knee or my mothers reconstructive breast surgery.
Assume there are limited resources available and you must make decisions in a major emergency with a wide assortment of patients from all ages, backgrounds, and degree of injury. Assume also that there is no "right answer" to this question, only considered and unconsidered responses. Who would you direct to receive the treatment first and why.
Emergency rooms across the country utilize a triage system that asses urgency or severity based on patients injury or system. This system has been utilized for a reason and allows those who need care the most to be treated promptly. I would in almost all cases use this system so that those who are very ill can get the care they need.
What is the last book that you read?
Emperor of all Maladies by Siddartha Mukherjee - Wrote it per request of their patients so they better knew what they are up against - Gives detailed history of cancer and our fight against it - Starts of with leukemia research - Writes this while going through right after his oncology residency - Incorporates patient experience and the emotional/visceral effects cancer has to remind individuals of the real life impact this has on others and how it is more than just a physical illness
What do you do for fun?
Ever since I was a child I loved playing soccer so I would go play intramurals with my friends or just go shoot around if I had nobody to go with. After my surgery, I am not allowed to play soccer anymore so I have found more time to pursue other activities. Not being able to run for a while, I found myself inside cooking a lot. Overtime, this has become something I enjoy and is something that I am able to do with family or friends. I am also a social person so spending time with my friends is always fun for me.
Thinking of examples from your recent past, how would you assess your empathy and compassion?
For better or for worse, empathy is something one must learn through life experiences. My trip to Ecuador which showed me the dire circumstances some live in especially children and my mothers recent diagnosis of breast cancer showed me that empathy and compassion come from understanding. Interacting with the Ecudorian families that attended our mobile clinics and struggling through my mothers diagnosis has shown me how those on both sides of medicine feel. Due to these experiences I am now more compassionate and am able to extend feelings of empathy to those in similar situations.
HMO
Health Management Organization - Select a primary care physician - must stay within network and be referred by primary care - Pros: Costs less/less deductible Cons: must go through primary, extensive fees for out of network
Why did you decide to choose medicine and not some other field where you can help others, such as nursing, physical therapy, pharmacology, psychology, education, or social work?
I believe that as a physician you combine aspects from many other professions. You have the opportunity to apply research into clinical settings and see the beneficial impacts it has on patients. A medical career is also set in a stimulating environment that is full of challenges and twists and turns that keeps you on your feet. Physicans also have a role as educators since they are constantly keeping up to date with the newest information and translating that knowledge to patients whether that is how to care for themselves, more information about their disease, etc...
What do you believe to be some of the most pressing health issues today? Why?
I believe the most pressing health issue today is the inability for many to afford quality healthcare. At this point in my life I most certainly have only a basic understanding of this topic. It is concerning to me that millions of people in our country do not have access to healthcare due to insurance being to expensive or that one's deductible on their insurance is extremely high. The increasing price of good insurance is making healthcare available to only the upper stratification of people within our society. This is a problem since the bulk of our country is composed of middle class citizens. Healthcare should not be a privilege reserved for the upper class , but a right guaranteed to all.
What different feelings and issues might you experience with a terminally ill patient, as opposed to other patients?
I definitely feel that there would be a heightened sense of grief for not only the patient but for the family as well. Knowing your patient is crucial in times like these because you must approach situations differently for different patients. Some appreciate a direct honest approach while others might handle a more tactile approach. Regardless one must always present with empathy and kindness. In my eyes, it is also important to not create a sense of false hope. It is the sad reality, that despite the medical advancements and the patients resiliency some cancers are not curable. As a physician it is important to not instill ideas that are unachievable. This allows patients and caregivers to provide a comprehensive and well planned approach to end of life care and quality.
To what extent do you feel that you owe a debt to your fellow man? To what extent do you owe a debt to those less fortunate than yourself? Please explain.
I do not like to consider kind actions as a certain "debt" that I owe. I believe this forms the notion that good deeds are done only in recompense. In general I feel the need to help those who need help regardless of if they are more or less fortuntate
What books, films, or other media come to mind as having been particularly important to your sciences/non-sciences education?
The first book that comes to mind is one that I read for my history of medieval philosophy class called "The teacher" by Augustine. What struck me as profound in this work was that not only did Augustine explain his own views on education, but by reading the dialogue one was engaging in the form of learning that Augustine was teaching about. This has been important to both my science and non science education since he emphasizes that fact that students are their own teachers and must build on the information provided to them by others. This holds true in all areas of study since it is the students job to expand their knowledge and must not rely on instructors to do all the work for them.
In what manner and to what degree do you stay in touch with current events?
I try to stay in touch with current events to the best of my ability , but often fall off track during busy parts of the school year. When I am back home with my younger brother, I am well informed on current events since he is extremely passionate about our countries political state and national news. When away, I try to tune into certain news information sites at least once a day and at a minimum skim over the headlines to see if anything major had happened that day. I also to a certain extent try and keep up with current events in Lebanon using an online newspaper called "the daily star" or my cousins online political blog that he runs.
How would you feel about treating a patient who has tested positive for HIV?
I would feel the same treating a HIV positive patient as I would any other individual. Those diagnosed with HIV often have a stigma against them and as a physician part of my role is to ensure the patient that their diagnosis is not who they are. Also the precautions taken when handling HIV positive patients are taken with all other patients as well meaning that safety would not change.
Tell me about yourself
I'm from Rochester, MN which is home to the Mayo Clinic so I am familiar with the healthcare system especially since both my parents are physicians. Before my family lived in Rochester we lived in Lebanon until I was about 5 years old. So I am both fluent in Arabic and a Lebanese citizen. I also have a younger brother who I have become very close with over the years. (Ask if they have siblings) He is in large part why I have a strong passion for sports especially soccer since if you have a sibling you know how competitive things can get. Last year I had a couple knee surgeries that have forced me to quit playing soccer and other sports so Iv taken up weightlifting and also have a passion for cooking to fill up my spare time.
What will you do if you are not accepted to medical school this year? Have you an alternative career plan?
If I do not get accepted into medical school this application cycle I would like to find a volunteer organization that focuses on health disparities faced by refugees especially those from the middle east. I would also want to scribe at a medical institution and increase my clinical shadowing hours.
Affordable care act
Pros: children covered until at least 26 pre existing conditions are covered millions more are able to get insurance slows the rise in healthcare costs Cons: increased income tax for some others differed to just pay the fine instead of get health insurance pharmaceuticals may just charge consumers more for the extra fees they got
Preffered Provider Organization (PPO)
Pros: don't need to see primary care physician larger network may pay for out of network costs Cons: more expensive
3 most important qualities a doctor can have
1. Competence/knowledge 2. Empathy/Sympathy 3. Staying within area of expertise/ not overstepping their role
Team work when it worked out
-High school soccer senior year - Off to a very bad start, whole team was arguing, nobody had the same goals for the senior - The captains (such as myself) had a team meeting to discuss why were playing this season and what we wanted out of our last year of competitive soccer - once everyone was on the same page we went on to reach the state tournament quarterfinal game
How does humanities/philosophy play into your medical aspirations?
-contributes to the development of students' and practitioners' capacity to listen, interpret, and communicate - places more emphasis on the patient as a whole - keeps in mind foundational virtues such as empathy, fairness, etc... - Ethics courses: principles of healthcare - Develops critical and reflective thinking - some courses teach you to think outside of the box - novel ideas
How has your undergraduate research experience, if any, better prepared you for a medical career?
As an undergraduate I have been involved in three various research experiences I have learned different skills. After my freshman year I worked in a community based participatory research lab that implemented the thoughts and opinions of community members to formulate a dissemination framework for minority communities. This experience has taught me the importance of patient-physician communication and taught me how to manuever cultural differences that may arise. The second research experience was a more traditional "bench top" research at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. This experience has taught me to think creatively to circumvent problems and critically think in a scientific setting. Lastly, I am part of a behavioral pharmacology lab at creighton. Working in a lab during the school year has made me better at time management since I must balance classes and research. Time management and creative critical thinking especially in sensitive situations such as patient interactions are all crucial in the medical world.
What do you consider an important/the most important social problem facing the United States today and why?
At this point in time I believe the greatest social problem facing the United States is bipartisanism. In the current political climate discord between the extremes of the major parties has formed the illusion that the other group is the "enemy" which has caused turmoil and and in my opinion a lack of national congeniality. Understanding that a large majority of individuals within our country share the same beliefs and all want our nation to progress for the greater good of the country as a whole is crucial for ending some of the civil unrest our country faces.
How have you tried to achieve breadth in your undergraduate curriculum?
Attending Creighton University, a jesuit institution, has allowed me great flexibility in pursuing my academic interests. Due to it's strong science programs I have been able to major in biology and take classes that are of specific interest to me such as cell structure and function and a class centered around cancer biology. At the beginning of my journey at creighton I thought I wanted to become a psychology major, but quickly realized that I was more interested in the hard sciences. Creighton's curriculum allowed me to focus my interest in psychology and I was able to minor in neuropsychology. Being a part of the Honors College has also allowed me to enroll in special classes that are discussion based and mostly revolve around the humanities. After a few semesters of these classes I have found a passion for the humanities and have decided to minor in philosophy.
Do you have any family members or role models who are physicians?
Both my mother and father happen to be physicians as well as my role models. My father is an infectious disease consultant and my mother is a pediatric endocrinologist. They are my role models because they both pursued their passion for medicine during the civil war in Lebanon and came to the United States with next to nothing so that they would be able to practice here. There willingness to put in the effort and work especially through such turbulent times and coming to the US with nothing more than a dream definitely encourages me to put in the time and follow my dream.
How do you feel about euthanasia or medically assisted suicide?
I am not against medically assisted suicide but I believe that each case must be reviewed individually and euthanasia only considered when the patient is one mentally fit to make such a decision and diagnosed with a terminal illness.
Shortcomings
I believe my greatest shortcoming is that sometimes when school/life gets busy I forget to take time out of the day or week for myself and this builds up to a lot of stress. Recently, iv at least attempted to come home for an hour or so and just relax and unwind while im having dinner
How do you envision using your medical education?
I envision working at an academic institution as a specialist. As of now my interests include oncology and dermatology, but I am sure that will change a million times before I get to decide. The medical education I receive will allow me not only to tend to the short term needs of the patient, but to also better educate them so that return visits are minimized and that they better understand their disease.
If you had to choose between clinical and academic medicine as a profession, which would you pick? What do you feel you might lose by being forced to choose?
If I was forced to choose between the two I would go with clinical medicine. Although academic medicine is crucial and fascinating in its own right, I large part of why I want to become is due to patient interaction and the development of relationships between patient and physician which is something that would be compromised if I was primarily focused in the world of education or research. Also I believe that one of my greatest strengths is I am a people person and this skill set would not be put to use as much if I was doing bench top research for the majority of my time. Choosing between the two compromises my autonomy and would not allow me to pursue certain passions or interests that I may have. Doctors now a day often do not choose strictly between the two but balance their time between the two areas. I believe that the interplay between the two areas is crucial for translational science and if one was able to work in both areas this field would progress forward much more quickly.
Why do you want to become a doctor?
Living right down the street from the Mayo Clinic and having parents that both work in health care the only thing I have ever wanted to do was become a physician. When I was younger I never knew why I was so drawn to this line of work other than it was all I knew. Growing up and seeing loved ones and myself be treated for various illnesses I saw the positive impact the physician themselves were able to have both physically and emotionally. I also witnessed this first hand on my medlife trip when I could do nothing for a mute child to cure him but just spending time with him and showing him that somebody cares and a profound impact on him. Medicine is also attractive to me because it ties in multiple fields such as teaching, nursing, research, etc... Although one can have completely different skill sets than you or I they could still become a wonderful physician due to how encompassing of a field this is. To me this fact is absolutely awesome. I want to be able to integrate all my strengths and the strengths of others so that patients may benefit whether that be personally, physically, or in other areas such as education or research.
If you are a minority candidate, how do you feel your background uniquely prepares you to be, and will influence your role as, a physician?
N/A
If you are a woman, how has your gender impacted your decision to pursue a medical career?
N/A
If you are economically disadvantaged or have limited financial means, how has this adversity shaped you?
N/A
Biggest failure/mistake
Not learning to speak french when I was given the opportunity too Parents are tri langual could have learned from them whole family speaks french
What do you feel are the social responsibilities of a physician?
The role of physicians within communities is multi-faceted. Physicians should be heavily involved in public health issues affecting their communities. Designing policies and guidance on a population health level improves living standards. Example might include programs to promote vaccination, healthy eating, and physical activities to name a few. Physicians must also act as caregivers and healers in their community. In addition to delivering direct healthcare to members of their community, physicians must do so compassionately while taking into account the cultural and literacy factors of their patients and families. This would allow for an empathic and effective health care. Physicians are also educators. This would be educating the patients and their families on aspects pertaining to the prevention and management of on their illness. Lastly, as leaders, physicians are tasked with creating a safe and trusting environment in their health care institution. A comfortable environment facilitates a beneficial healthcare experience which ultimately enhances the community's wellbeing. The role of physicians in the community is encompassing and expands beyond the boundaries of science and direct patient care.
What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
Weakness: As an ACT prep tutor and bio lab TA I work with a lot of younger students who are looking for extra help with their academics. I often have a hard time saying no to these individuals. The number of extra hours I was putting in outside of what was required quickly built up and was not allowing me time to focus on my own work and academics. Strength: I am very personable and am emotionally intelligent. I believe these skills are absolutely crucial for physicians to have especially since healthcare is a patient oriented service and requires good and trusting communication between the provider and patient.
Why did you choose your undergraduate major?
When I began college I thought I wanted to major in Psychology. During high school I had taken a few psychology classes and was interested in the topic. My aunt who is a psychiatrist also got me interested in this specialty so I thought that a psychology major would be a good introduction to that. After my first couple semesters at college and taking more in depth biology courses I found myself more interested by cellular and molecular aspects of science rather than by psychology. I then switched my major to biology and focused on classes such as genetics, cell structure and function, and physiology. Pursuing a biology degree also allowed me to pursue interests in other fields such as philosophy since there was more overlap with pre-medical requirements.
What are some of the ethical issues that our society considers in regard to teenage pregnancy?
When teenage pregnancy occurs there are many issues that arise. Many feel that at such a young age a teenager is unable to provide the level of care that newborns require. Teen pregnancy is also correlated with drop out rates. This causes a vicious cycle since without a high school diploma it is increasingly difficult to find a job to provide. Ethically this is a concern because allowing an unemployed teenage mother to raise a child may not be in the child's best interests despite the need for it's biological mother.
