One of the most common medical school interview questions is, “Why do you want to be a doctor?” or “Why doctor?” This can often be a make-or-break question, especially if you are interviewing for a competitive medical program. Knowing how to answer this question effectively is essential, and this blog post will provide you with 8 sample answers that will help you nail this question.
Becoming a doctor is not a decision to be taken lightly. It is a career that requires much personal sacrifice, commitment, and passion. Medical school is rigorous, and the demands of practicing medicine can be taxing. However, it can be one of the most rewarding and fulfilling professions for those who choose to pursue a career in medicine. So, what motivates someone to want to become a doctor? Let’s explore.
Answering “Why Do You Want to Be a Doctor?”
Becoming a doctor is an incredibly rewarding and life-changing experience, and understandably, medical schools want to know why you’re interested in pursuing this career path. When answering this question, there are several key points you should consider:
- Talk about what inspires you most about being a physician. Share your motivations for becoming a doctor, such as wanting to help people, learning cutting-edge science and technology, or the diverse experiences you will get to have.
- Highlight any personal experiences that sparked your passion for medicine. Whether it was shadowing doctors in your community or talking with patients who shared their stories of recovery, all those moments have shaped your desire to become a doctor.
- Explain how this profession aligns with your skills and values. Being a physician demands determination, discipline, and compassion – illustrate how these qualities connect with your own talents and beliefs.
- Demonstrate your commitment by emphasizing your steps to prepare yourself for medical school. Discuss any volunteer work, research projects, or extracurricular activities demonstrating your diligence in achieving this dream career path.
By addressing these points when answering the question, “Why do you want to be a doctor?” you can form an impactful response that captures the sincere motives behind pursuing medicine as a profession.
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8 Sample Answers to Why do you want to be a doctor?
- Personal experience: If you had a unique experience that inspired you to become a doctor, share it with your interviewers. For example, suppose you had a sick family member, and you saw the difference the doctors made in their life. In that case, you can say, “My grandfather was diagnosed with cancer, and I saw how his doctors could help him and his family during this difficult time. This made me realize how much impact a doctor can have on someone’s life, and I want to be able to do the same for others.”
- Love for continuous learning: Medicine is constantly evolving, and if you have a passion for constant learning, this could be a great reason to become a doctor. You can say, “I am passionate about learning, and I believe that the medical profession is one where I can continuously learn and grow. As medicine is always evolving, I look forward to participating in this exciting and constantly evolving field.”
- Influenced by role models: If you have had a role model who was a doctor and inspired you to become one, it is perfectly acceptable to mention this. You can say, “Growing up, I was inspired by the stories of my family physicians and their positive impact on their patients’ lives. As I shadowed doctors in my community, I saw firsthand how physicians could utilize science and technology to make a difference in people’s lives. That experience has driven me to become a doctor to help others similarly.”
- A sense of purpose: Becoming a doctor can give you a unique purpose and satisfaction. If this resonates with you, explain it in your answer. For instance, you can say, “I am looking for a career where I can impact and bring meaning to my life. Medicine has always made me feel as though I have a purpose, and I am motivated to use my skills and knowledge to help people in need.”
- Intrinsic reward: Doctors can experience the intrinsic rewards of helping others. If you want to pursue medicine for this reason, share it with your interviewers. For example, you could say, “I have always been motivated by the intrinsic rewards of helping people, and I believe medicine will allow me to do this. With the opportunity to provide comfort, care, and relief to those in need, I am eager to become a physician and make a difference in others’ lives.”
- Admiration for science: If you appreciate the advances in science and technology, this could be a great reason to pursue a medical career. You can say, “I am fascinated by the advances in the medical field, and I want to be part of that progress. As a doctor, I will have the opportunity to learn more about these advancements and incorporate them into my practice to help my patients.”
- The uniqueness of the field: Finally, you can appeal to the uniqueness of medicine as a profession and explain why it stands out from other fields. For instance, you could say, “I have had experience in many different fields through internships and research studies, but something unique about medicine speaks to me personally. I am drawn to the complexity and challenge of medicine and the opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life. That is why I have chosen this profession.”
- Passion for challenges: Being a doctor comes with its fair share of challenges, and if you thrive on challenges, this could be an excellent reason to become a doctor. You can say, “I enjoy facing challenges, and I believe that becoming a doctor will allow me to use my skills to tackle these challenges to make a difference in people’s lives. I am excited to take on the challenges and grow as a physician.”
You can use these sample answers when asked why you want to be a doctor. Remember to keep your answer honest, personal, and tailored to your experiences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “Why do you want to be a doctor?” is a critical question you must answer effectively. The key is to be authentic and genuine in your response. Use one of these sample answers or combine a few to create a response that reflects your personal experience and passion for the profession. Remember, the goal is to convince the interviewer that you are a motivated and passionate individual committed to becoming a doctor to help others.