SUGGESTED ANSWER FOR IMGs:

“Hello! I am originally from Indonesia, where my family has been farming for generations. While I did spend many days in the fields and was intrigued by agriculture, I was always more passionate about academics, especially science and technology. My parents recognized this passion early on and, despite our humble beginnings, they went to great lengths to support my dream, even taking out loans so I could attend medical school at University Hospital. By my third year there, I was certain that Internal Medicine was the path for me.

Life took an interesting turn when my husband was offered a position with Amazon, and we found ourselves relocating to the US. To familiarize myself with the healthcare system here, I began working as a medical scribe and assistant at Jacob’s Hospital in Michigan. Additionally, I’ve had the opportunity to gain clinical experience in various specialties across the country, from cardiology and family medicine to internal medicine and endocrinology in the form of US Clinical Experiences. Outside of the medical world, I’m quite an avid golfer. And when I’m not on the golf course, you’ll likely find me spending quality time with my husband and our adorable Corgi, Kokomo. It’s been quite the journey so far, and I’m excited for what the future holds!”

SUGGESTED ANSWER FOR AVERAGE US GRADUATE:

Hi! Growing up, medicine was always a part of the dinner table conversation – both my parents are emergency room nurses. Often times our family catch-ups happened during the brief overlaps of my parents’ shifts, one clocking out from a night shift while the other geared up for the day ahead. They had this incredible tag team going to take care of me and my two brothers.

During my undergrad at Penn State, I dove deep into biology, but it was my volunteer work as an EMS on weekends that truly ignited my passion for emergency medicine. That adrenaline, that immediacy – I just knew I wanted to be an emergency room physician. After four years of hard work as a premed I was fortunate to be accepted into Penn State Medical School and my time there only further cemented my dreams of becoming an ED physician. I was able to complete several acting internships in our large level 1 trauma center and at our surrounding community EDs. Now, here’s something you might find surprising: on weekends, I swap my stethoscope for turntables, spinning hip-hop and EDM tracks at local clubs in Hershey, PA. It’s my little escape! And when I’m not in the ER or behind the decks, you’ll probably find me on a hiking trail. One of my biggest dreams? To conquer Mount Kilimanjaro. Fingers crossed for that!”

SUGGESTED ANSWER FOR ELITE US GRADUATE:

“I hail from rural West Virginia, where my family has deep blue-collar roots in mining. My journey towards medicine began under unfortunate circumstances when, at the age of 7, my father sustained a spinal cord injury in a mining accident. The subsequent years spent in hospitals and rehab centers profoundly impacted me, especially when we lost him to complications later on. It was during these formative years that I felt a strong calling to become a healer. My undergraduate years were spent at WVU, majoring in neuroscience. The pivotal moment came when I had the opportunity to work under Dr. Brad Smith, who was researching stem cell therapies for spinal cord injuries. This hands-on experience underlined the vital role of translational research for me. My dedication to this field led me to the Medical Scientist Training Program at Washington University in St. Louis. It was there that I met and worked with Dr. Sandra Black, a distinguished neurosurgeon. Under her guidance, we explored the potential of gene editing in treating spinal cord injuries, a study that earned us a publication in Science. As I move forward, my aim is to merge my roles as a neurosurgeon and scientist, hoping to bring solace to families and patients alike who’ve suffered like mine did. Outside of the professional realm, I cherish my moments back home, especially during the fall when I can root for the WVU Mountaineers!”

SUGGESTED ANSWER FOR INTERNAL MEDICINE:

When I began my clinical rotations, I was exploring, trying to find that specialty that resonated with me. By the time I reached my third-year rotation in Internal Medicine, it was like a light bulb moment. The intellectual depth of the field immediately stood out. Diagnosing complex cases, piecing together clinical puzzles – that cerebral challenge was exactly what I was looking for.

But it wasn’t just the intellectual aspect. In Internal Medicine, the opportunity to foster long-term patient relationships was evident. I appreciated the central role an internist plays, collaborating with specialists, integrating their insights, and ensuring holistic patient care.

Also, the prospect of post-residency fellowships in Internal Medicine added another layer of appeal for me. The field’s adaptability, allowing for specialization based on evolving interests, seemed like a promising pathway for continuous growth.

SUGGESTED ANSWER FOR GENERAL SURGERY:

When I think about my journey towards surgery, I trace it back to my second year of medical school. I had the privilege of being part of an early exposure elective, and I was assigned to shadow Dr. Lisa Gerlach on the acute care surgery service. One experience from that time is etched into my memory: I recall evaluating a patient in the emergency department who was in agonizing pain. Their discomfort was distinctly out of proportion to the physical exam, and we soon discovered it was mesenteric ischemia. The immediacy of the situation, the rapid decision to go to the OR, and the meticulous procedure of a small bowel resection was, to put it simply, captivating.

But it wasn’t just the procedure. It was the blend of in-depth anatomical knowledge and the technical skill required that truly drew me in. And then, seeing that very patient, stable and recovering in the ICU the next morning? The gratification was almost instantaneous.

For me, general surgery offers a unique blend of intellectual challenge, technical precision, and tangible results. It’s where I see my skills, passion, and drive converging.