Why do you want to be a doctor?

Question

I will be interviewing with medicals schools very soon and I know this will be a question that all of them will ask. I know my reasoning for wanting to become a doctor but I want to be able to phrase the answer in a way that will be more impressive.

Answer 1

First, and foremost, your answer must be honest. It must stem from the truth that made you consider this field. The following is a list of common answers and reasons why most people choose to become a doctor. Each reason is followed by a good way to phrase your answer based on the reason.

1. "I’ve wanted to be a doctor for as long as I can remember." Although it is awesome that you have had the same passion from childhood, you must approach this answer from an adult standpoint. It is not enough to have wanted this profession for so long. You need to explain why you continued desiring to become a doctor. What has kept you interested? What has kept you motivated? What have you learned, or researched, that makes you continue to have this passion? Another thing, think back at what made you decide this in the first place (i.e. a kindergarden thought, career day at school, etc.) then show, in detail, the happenings that made you continue to desire the medical field. You want to catch the person’s interest, not make them want to sleep.
2. A family member (parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, etc.) is a doctor. That’s great but what about them being a doctor really inspired you to become one? Make this personal. Admissions will not be thrilled if it seems you were forced into the medical field by a family member.
3. The treatment of your own illness, or a family member’s illness, could be the factor. Be sure to explain the details that made you desire this field because of the care you received, not the illness. This is a good “sub” reason. Do not let this be your main reason for getting into the field but elaborate how this enticed you further because of other reasons.
4. You have a deep desire to help others. This reason is a great “base” reason to become a doctor. You must elaborate how the medical field was chosen to help others. There are many careers that helping people is the main concern but why did you choose the medical field instead of a different career?
5. Science and Humanity. If your reason is the dualistic nature of medicine, explain each side. Explain what you have done, researched or seen that has interested you on the scientific side of medicine. Explain what you have done, researched or seen that has interested you on the humanity side of medicine. Explain why these are both important to you.

You can read more individual narratives on the reason why they want to be a doctor:

http://www.quora.com/Can-you-explain-what-made-you-want-to-be-a-doctor

Answer 2

Why do you want to be a doctor? For me, I used the short and dramatized answer of medicine being my calling in life. I voiced my desire in preschool and this desire has never wavered. I can only see myself in the medical field, and it has always been this way.

I was accepted to all but one medical school that I applied to, and interviewed at. It must have been a good answer, and it was completely honest.