Carabiner Posted March 5, 2009 Report Share Posted March 5, 2009 So I'm a long-time lurker on this site, and there's been this question that's been going around in my brain for a long time that I've never quite been able to bring up, as I'm wary about possible flames. But I'm taking a breath and going to go for it: Many of my ECs are race, gender, and sexuality-related. I'm involved with a number of queer/GLBT outreach organizations in my city. I also do sex-ed outreach with teenagers, and sexual assault workshops with college students. I have a job at my uni lab relating to research in genital pain in women. Ultimately, I really feel strongly about the medical marginalization of people with non-normative genders and/or sexualities. I don't want to get into too much more detail, so to stay anonymous, but I'm looking for advice: To all you wise people on the boards (particularly to med students), is there a possibility that my involvement and interest in human sexuality/gender advocacy issues is a liability? So much of what I've read and seen is that medicine is still a pretty conservative profession, and I'm unsure of how much to reveal in interviews. I'm proud of my volunteer work and my interests, and I'd love to integrate my experiences into medical practice, but I'm unsure of how this would be perceived by interviewers. To be honest, I'm even a little nervous posting on this board, even though I know my nervousness is stupid. Any advice you have would be really appreciated! Thank you! PS: Sorry the content of this post isn't as titillating as the title of the thread. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmorelan Posted March 5, 2009 Report Share Posted March 5, 2009 So I'm a long-time lurker on this site, and there's been this question that's been going around in my brain for a long time that I've never quite been able to bring up, as I'm wary about possible flames. But I'm taking a breath and going to go for it: Many of my ECs are race, gender, and sexuality-related. I'm involved with a number of queer/GLBT outreach organizations in my city. I also do sex-ed outreach with teenagers, and sexual assault workshops with college students. I have a job at my uni lab relating to research in genital pain in women. Ultimately, I really feel strongly about the medical marginalization of people with non-normative genders and/or sexualities. I don't want to get into too much more detail, so to stay anonymous, but I'm looking for advice: To all you wise people on the boards (particularly to med students), is there a possibility that my involvement and interest in human sexuality/gender advocacy issues is a liability? So much of what I've read and seen is that medicine is still a pretty conservative profession, and I'm unsure of how much to reveal in interviews. I'm proud of my volunteer work and my interests, and I'd love to integrate my experiences into medical practice, but I'm unsure of how this would be perceived by interviewers. To be honest, I'm even a little nervous posting on this board, even though I know my nervousness is stupid. Any advice you have would be really appreciated! Thank you! PS: Sorry the content of this post isn't as titillating as the title of the thread. You involvement is demonstrating of the top of my head four things that they are really looking for in doctors. It sounds like it is a powerful advantage to your application rather than a disadvantage! Running down our friend the recognized roles are acting as an advocate, educator, communicator, and an expert in a particular area...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamer Posted March 5, 2009 Report Share Posted March 5, 2009 This thread isn't about porn. How disappointing Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RandomGuy Posted March 5, 2009 Report Share Posted March 5, 2009 Well, we all know what the answer should be, or what we want it to be, and by and large I can't see you being discriminated against for these activities. Of course, by their nature biases and prejudice are rather covert, and perhaps even subconscious. But this is really one of those "be yourself" situations, I think - don't suppress activities that you are proud of, and that demonstrate your character. One note might be that details regarding your own sexuality cannot be asked during the interview, but discussing your GLBT involvement might be "opening the door" to that topic. I could see the interviewers moving the conversation away from that area to avoid breaking this rule, even. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewfieMike Posted March 5, 2009 Report Share Posted March 5, 2009 This thread isn't about porn. How disappointing Haha the EXACT reason I was drawn to the title All seriousness though, I don't see what would be problematic about describing your interests in this field. If I were an adcom member this would really stand out to me as maturity. I am also a strong supporter of partaking in EC's out if interest even if they are uncommon. I think it will help you standout. As an example, I spend time with my volunteer hours on an acute care psychiatric ward (the kind of place that requires a key to get in and a key to get out). A lot of people don't feel comfortable exploring this side of humanity, but again I think it reflects maturity and responsibility. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lostintime Posted March 5, 2009 Report Share Posted March 5, 2009 You would hope that medical students, community members, and doctors would not be discriminative. But then again, you never know. I sincerely hope that people aren't though. I would still mention it, especially if it's an important part of your life. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
youngdad Posted March 5, 2009 Report Share Posted March 5, 2009 I doubt being interested in such issues would hamper your chances at med school. However, if you came across as judgmental, pushy, or as having your own agenda it will definitely raise eyebrows. I think this goes for religious and family views as well. Your post does not come across that way at all. You seem to understand how your experiences and your beliefs have shaped who you are and your view of the world. You do not seem pushy or self righteous. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Atreides Posted March 5, 2009 Report Share Posted March 5, 2009 I do not believe it would be negatively viewed on interviews as it shows compassion and adovocacy, which are both important factors in medicine. Secondly, several members of my class and the year ahead of me were interested and very involved in similar issues and it was not viewed poorly at all. In fact, there are groups in our medical school that are dedicated to GLBT issues and sexuality. Secondly, if the interview committee did discriminate based on these issues would you really want to attend that school for four years? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wolvenstar Posted March 5, 2009 Report Share Posted March 5, 2009 All of this is still shows you are trying to reach out to the community and give back. The fact that the areas of interest for you relate to sexuality and gender/sexual orientation issues, is minor. I mean if you were putting in your ECs promotion of swinger organizations, a few admissions people would be wondering what that brought to the table but the stuff you have been doing sounds fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
switcheroo Posted March 5, 2009 Report Share Posted March 5, 2009 I think the work you do is admirable. It fills a need that not many people are willing to meet due to their own discomfort with any issue regarding sex/sexuality. You have nothing to worry about, and in fact much to be proud of. I think you have every reason to go into your interview proud of what you've done and the positive contributions you've made. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jochi1543 Posted March 5, 2009 Report Share Posted March 5, 2009 This thread isn't about porn. How disappointing x2. *sigh* Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wolvenstar Posted March 5, 2009 Report Share Posted March 5, 2009 So just throwing it out there, but what do you think the reaction of the admins would be if your EC's included work in the porn industry? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jochi1543 Posted March 5, 2009 Report Share Posted March 5, 2009 So just throwing it out there, but what do you think the reaction of the admins would be if your EC's included work in the porn industry? Eons ago (back on EZBoard), a girl asked if she should put her work as a stripper on the resume. Almost all of us, obviously, said no. It ended up with her saying we're all closed-minded, that she's got a much better life than any of us thanks to her stripping (her own condo and all) and that she was gonna do it anyway.... Wonder how it turned out for her. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewfieMike Posted March 6, 2009 Report Share Posted March 6, 2009 haha this is so sad but all I can picture is a stripper routine starting with a full set of scrubs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carabiner Posted March 7, 2009 Author Report Share Posted March 7, 2009 Thanks everyone for the responses. They've really helped me gather my own thoughts about how to present my ECs. Originally Posted by Jamer This thread isn't about porn. How disappointing If you're really that desperate, I suppose I can PM you some links. It's better that pm101 stays PG-13 rated. Secondly, several members of my class and the year ahead of me were interested and very involved in similar issues and it was not viewed poorly at all. In fact, there are groups in our medical school that are dedicated to GLBT issues and sexuality.This is actually quite reassuring, thanks! If there's nothing like that in the med schools I (hopefully!) get into, hopefully the atmosphere would at least be open to such groups.Eons ago (back on EZBoard), a girl asked if she should put her work as a stripper on the resume. Almost all of us, obviously, said no. It ended up with her saying we're all closed-minded, that she's got a much better life than any of us thanks to her stripping (her own condo and all) and that she was gonna do it anyway.... Wonder how it turned out for her. well, I guess it depends on how she spun it. If she said she was in a "dance troupe" that required tons of acrobatic strength, agility, and mental endurance, and that she did her own original choreography, I'd say she still had a pretty good shot! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kathryn Posted March 8, 2009 Report Share Posted March 8, 2009 I'm a volunteer administrator for a website/forum dedicated to the rights of sex workers. Mostly exotic dancers, but we have a few porn girls and escorts on there too. I haven't interviewed at a school, but I DID mention it on a resume for a social work job. I got an interview and I'm sure they'll ask about it. It's my opinion that any kind of activity that shows your tolerance and acceptance of marginalized demographics would look great on you, especially for a career that demands impartiality. Good for you! After all, your doctor is supposed to be your safe haven. Nobody should ever feel they couldn't be completely honest with one because they're afraid. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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