What appeals to you about Medicine?

​Now, this is one of those questions that can be worded a million different ways but your answer may essentially be the same every time. Your answer to this may also be applicable to 'Why Medicine?' or 'What interests you about medicine?'.

It is important here to give a few key features of medicine that, to keep it simple, appeal to you. Make your reasons for them personal - why did this particular aspect of medicine entice you specifically? Giving evidence for why you're confident that this degree is something you will enjoy, means the interviewer is more likely to believe you and trust that you know what you're signing up for! Acknowledging these aspects of medicine and demonstrating that they mean something to you using personal experiences, makes your passion and commitment to medicine more relatable and convincing.

Some aspects of a medical career that might appeal to you include

• Helping people and making a meaningful impact through patient care and/or medical research
• The intellectually stimulating and multifaceted nature of the job, including teamwork and problem-solving
• How the positives and rewarding aspects of medicine outweigh the challenges

You may want to note some potential challenges of a career in medicine here and how you would cope with them, if you have not already been asked 'What doesn't appeal to you about Medicine?'. Understanding the diverse and dynamic challenges of being a doctor shows the interviewer that you have a realistic perspective and resilience, which are essential qualities in the medical field. They are looking for a candidate that is somewhat prepared for the demands of the profession and committed to long-term learning in Medicine.

Things to AVOID

• Career advancement
• Respect
• Wage

Focusing on these aspects as your main reasons for applying to Medical school is not what any interviewer wants to hear. If these are your priorities, an interviewer will think maybe this isn't the career for you. You should have altruistic motivations and a dedication to patient care over personal gain.

Suggested Structure for This Question

• Begin with your core motivation for pursuing medicine?
  • Open with a heartfelt reason that captures your commitment to patient care and your desire to make a meaningful impact, tying it to a specific aspect of medicine that resonates with you.
  • "What draws me to medicine is the opportunity to make a real difference in people's lives. I am deeply motivated by the idea of being able to provide care and support to individuals during some of their most challenging moments, knowing that my work can have a lasting impact on their health and well-being."
• Highlight the intellectually stimulating nature of medicine
  • Emphasise the appeal of medicine's dynamic nature, problem-solving challenges, and intellectual depth, connecting it to your personal interests or strengths.
  • "I am also excited by the intellectually stimulating nature of medicine. The field constantly challenges doctors to diagnose complex conditions, collaborate with colleagues, and adapt to new medical knowledge. My curiosity and love for science drive me toward a career where I can continuously learn, solve problems, and refine my skills. Medicine offers precisely that dynamic, ever-evolving environment."
• Discuss the multifaceted aspects of teamwork and collaboration
  • Show an appreciation for the teamwork that medicine involves and how working with others to provide comprehensive patient care appeals to you.
  • "Another aspect of medicine that I find appealing is the strong emphasis on teamwork. I believe that the collaborative nature of medicine, where doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals work together, is key to providing holistic patient care. I've always enjoyed working in teams, and I'm inspired by the idea of being part of a collaborative community, all focused on the shared goal of improving patient health."
• Acknowledge the challenges and demonstrate resilience
  • Show that you understand the demands and challenges of medicine, and are prepared to face them with resilience and determination.
  • "While I'm drawn to the rewarding aspects of medicine, I also recognize the challenges that come with the career, from the long hours to the emotional demands of patient care. However, I believe that these challenges would strengthen my resilience and commitment to continuous improvement. I've learned from past experiences that I thrive in demanding environments and am prepared to embrace these challenges to grow as a compassionate, skilled doctor."
• Conclude with a statement of long-term commitment
  • Wrap up by affirming that your motivations are rooted in altruistic goals and that you are genuinely committed to a lifelong career in medicine.
  • "Overall, medicine appeals to me because it allows me to blend my passion for science with my desire to help people in a meaningful, lasting way. I am committed to this path not only for the rewarding aspects but also because I understand and am prepared for the challenges that come with it. I truly believe this is where I am meant to make my contribution."

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