Illuminis Posted September 25, 2009 Report Share Posted September 25, 2009 Hey guys, I'd like to make a little list of questions we are bound to be asked at our American interviews, and some possible responses. I'd appreciate all contributions to the list, and feel free to critique some of the responses! Why are you applying to an American medical school? Consider: a desire to study outside of Canada (i.e. broaden horizons, pursue the unfamiliar), something positive about the school/affiliated hospital/city/USA, Avoid: weaknesses in your application (i.e my MCAT WS score sucks...) Pros/Cons of socialized medicine Pros/Cons of private medicine Obama's healthcare reform Canadian vs American healthcare system Where you intend to practice Point of view on events in the Middle East (likely?) I'll add more after my classes! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keith_015 Posted September 25, 2009 Report Share Posted September 25, 2009 Illumnis, definitely a good thread to get going as insight for all of us. The movie Sicko can definitely give you a broad view of the differences. The whole movie is on Youtube in segments. Why are you applying to an American medical school? Consider: a desire to study outside of Canada (i.e. broaden horizons, pursue the unfamiliar), something positive about the school/affiliated hospital/city/USA, Avoid: weaknesses in your application (i.e my MCAT WS score sucks...) - I would focus not necessarily on US vs Canada, but the pros and cons of the schools and host communities themselves. Maybe some US schools offer something special that Canadian schools don't like more elective offerings or a rural program. - Maybe you want to do residency in the US or down the road want to become a citizen, and this could make it easier in the long run. - Maybe you believe the US would be more conducive to your studies Pros/Cons of socialized medicine - Access for all - Slower access to treatment - More misuse of system (ie. lonely seniors or fakers) - System relies solely on government spending, which can take huge cuts (ie Mulroney) Pros/Cons of private medicine - Faster access, less waiting - Treatment and diagnostics is limited by the size of your insurance policy - The uninsured and homeless are often out of luck - Private insurance rates are skyrocketing and eat a significant portion of income. They rose something like 5% through the recession. Obama's healthcare reform - Is a hard sell with the public: a lot of fear over losing the services people have access to now with their insurance. Likely will happen. - Will save Americans a ton of money from not having to buy insurance - Will give everyone access to healthcare and specialists on a level playing field - Hospitals will get back to the business of helping people instead of exploiting insurance plans for profits. Canadian vs American healthcare system - Obviously cost to the US people - US Gov't spends more per capita on health care than Canada. With private insurance added, quality should be better (but is it?). - The hard nosed business style of US hospitals prevents some from getting proper treatment - Canadians can get specialized treatment, but will just have to wait a longer time for it - More complicated procedures offered in the US. We sometimes see people cross the border for these treatments Where you intend to practice - Things can change over the years. Maybe you'll like the US area where you went to school. Maybe you are inflexible and will return to Canada to your home community. That is entirely up to you and your personality/preferences. Point of view on events in the Middle East (likely?) - I would hope not. If so, the thing to remember is that they are keeping terrorists off of US soil which in the end is a very good thing. Last thing we need in North America is a war or multitude of terrorist attacks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmitch8 Posted September 25, 2009 Report Share Posted September 25, 2009 Really good idea for a thread! I've put my contributions in italics. Why are you applying to an American medical school? Consider: a desire to study outside of Canada (i.e. broaden horizons, pursue the unfamiliar), something positive about the school/affiliated hospital/city/USA, Avoid: weaknesses in your application (i.e my MCAT WS score sucks...) - I would focus not necessarily on US vs Canada, but the pros and cons of the schools and host communities themselves. Maybe some US schools offer something special that Canadian schools don't like more elective offerings or a rural program. - Maybe you want to do residency in the US or down the road want to become a citizen, and this could make it easier in the long run. - Maybe you believe the US would be more conducive to your studies - I've had three US interviews so far and I haven't yet been asked "why apply in the US?". I find the interviews are much more focused on "Why exactly would you like to go to this school?". - If the question comes up, I would mention access to (generally) better research opportunities, (generally) more advanced learning hospitals (with more $$ for MRI machines, etc), more research funding, greater opportunities for specific specializations during your clerkship rotations - You have to look at each school on a case-by-case though, and be careful about what you are saying -- some schools don't have a research focus, some schools have specific rural opportunities, etc. Tailor your responses based on your interests and these school specific specialties. Pros/Cons of socialized medicine - Access for all - Slower access to treatment - More misuse of system (ie. lonely seniors or fakers) - System relies solely on government spending, which can take huge cuts (ie Mulroney) Pros/Cons of private medicine - Faster access, less waiting - Treatment and diagnostics is limited by the size of your insurance policy - The uninsured and homeless are often out of luck - Private insurance rates are skyrocketing and eat a significant portion of income. They rose something like 5% through the recession. Obama's healthcare reform - Is a hard sell with the public: a lot of fear over losing the services people have access to now with their insurance. Likely will happen. - Will save Americans a ton of money from not having to buy insurance - Will give everyone access to healthcare and specialists on a level playing field - Hospitals will get back to the business of helping people instead of exploiting insurance plans for profits. - Important to have an opinion! You can agree or disagree with the proposed reforms, but you should definitely state an opinion and not come across as being "wishy washy". Canadian vs American healthcare system - Obviously cost to the US people - US Gov't spends more per capita on health care than Canada. With private insurance added, quality should be better (but is it?). - The hard nosed business style of US hospitals prevents some from getting proper treatment - Canadians can get specialized treatment, but will just have to wait a longer time for it - More complicated procedures offered in the US. We sometimes see people cross the border for these treatments Where you intend to practice - Things can change over the years. Maybe you'll like the US area where you went to school. Maybe you are inflexible and will return to Canada to your home community. That is entirely up to you and your personality/preferences. - I think it's okay to be undecided on this. It came up during an interview and I basically said that it was a long way away and at this point I'm not predisposed to either. The interviewer seemed alright with that. Point of view on events in the Middle East (likely?) - I would hope not. If so, the thing to remember is that they are keeping terrorists off of US soil which in the end is a very good thing. Last thing we need in North America is a war or multitude of terrorist attacks. Tell me about yourself! - Not a Canadian specific question. But compared to the Canadian interview I did last year, these American interviews seem waay more interested in actually having a conversation and getting to know you. Be ready for open ended questions like these Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
c17h Posted September 25, 2009 Report Share Posted September 25, 2009 I put my responses in blue. Why are you applying to an American medical school? Consider: a desire to study outside of Canada (i.e. broaden horizons, pursue the unfamiliar), something positive about the school/affiliated hospital/city/USA, Avoid: weaknesses in your application (i.e my MCAT WS score sucks...) - I would focus not necessarily on US vs Canada, but the pros and cons of the schools and host communities themselves. Maybe some US schools offer something special that Canadian schools don't like more elective offerings or a rural program. - Maybe you want to do residency in the US or down the road want to become a citizen, and this could make it easier in the long run. - Maybe you believe the US would be more conducive to your studies - I've had three US interviews so far and I haven't yet been asked "why apply in the US?". I find the interviews are much more focused on "Why exactly would you like to go to this school?". - If the question comes up, I would mention access to (generally) better research opportunities, (generally) more advanced learning hospitals (with more $$ for MRI machines, etc), more research funding, greater opportunities for specific specializations during your clerkship rotations - You have to look at each school on a case-by-case though, and be careful about what you are saying -- some schools don't have a research focus, some schools have specific rural opportunities, etc. Tailor your responses based on your interests and these school specific specialties. In contrast to rmitch, I have been asked this question at all of my interviews. In addition to the responses above (e.g. research opportunities, research funding), I also pointed out more residency positions available, family ties (if you have family members in the US), ENJOYED living in the US (if you have lived in the US for a significant period of time in the past, then they'll probably like hearing that you liked living in their country) Pros/Cons of socialized medicine - Access for all - Slower access to treatment - More misuse of system (ie. lonely seniors or fakers) - System relies solely on government spending, which can take huge cuts (ie Mulroney) - Rationing of health care - if there are only 10 units of health care and 15 units are needed, how do we make up for the other 5 units? (my interviewer last week asked me this question) Pros/Cons of private medicine - Faster access, less waiting - Treatment and diagnostics is limited by the size of your insurance policy - The uninsured and homeless are often out of luck - Private insurance rates are skyrocketing and eat a significant portion of income. They rose something like 5% through the recession. Obama's healthcare reform - Is a hard sell with the public: a lot of fear over losing the services people have access to now with their insurance. Likely will happen. - Will save Americans a ton of money from not having to buy insurance - Will give everyone access to healthcare and specialists on a level playing field - Hospitals will get back to the business of helping people instead of exploiting insurance plans for profits. - Important to have an opinion! You can agree or disagree with the proposed reforms, but you should definitely state an opinion and not come across as being "wishy washy". - Cost/funding --> where will the US get money? ($1 trillion to fund for 10 years!) Canadian vs American healthcare system - Obviously cost to the US people - US Gov't spends more per capita on health care than Canada. With private insurance added, quality should be better (but is it?). - The hard nosed business style of US hospitals prevents some from getting proper treatment - Canadians can get specialized treatment, but will just have to wait a longer time for it - More complicated procedures offered in the US. We sometimes see people cross the border for these treatments Where you intend to practice - Things can change over the years. Maybe you'll like the US area where you went to school. Maybe you are inflexible and will return to Canada to your home community. That is entirely up to you and your personality/preferences. - I think it's okay to be undecided on this. It came up during an interview and I basically said that it was a long way away and at this point I'm not predisposed to either. The interviewer seemed alright with that. Point of view on events in the Middle East (likely?) - I would hope not. If so, the thing to remember is that they are keeping terrorists off of US soil which in the end is a very good thing. Last thing we need in North America is a war or multitude of terrorist attacks. Tell me about yourself! - Not a Canadian specific question. But compared to the Canadian interview I did last year, these American interviews seem waay more interested in actually having a conversation and getting to know you. Be ready for open ended questions like these - Agreed with rmitch... I have also been asked this question multiple times...have an answer ready for this question! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VTeight7 Posted September 25, 2009 Report Share Posted September 25, 2009 These are great responses, guys! I'm glad my proposed response for "why the US" is similar to what's stated here. Question: For my Wayne interview, would it be good to point out that the standard of living in Detroit is lower than Toronto, there are more disadvantaged people, and that this can be an advantage because I will get better practice working with disadvantaged people in an area with limited resources? Or, will this come off as insulting? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keith_015 Posted September 25, 2009 Report Share Posted September 25, 2009 These are great responses, guys! I'm glad my proposed response for "why the US" is similar to what's stated here. Question: For my Wayne interview, would it be good to point out that the standard of living in Detroit is lower than Toronto, there are more disadvantaged people, and that this can be an advantage because I will get better practice working with disadvantaged people in an area with limited resources? Or, will this come off as insulting? I wouldn't point that out as it does sound insulting. You can use this topic though saying there is great opportunity to work with people from a variety of backgrounds whether ethnic or socioeconomic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VTeight7 Posted September 25, 2009 Report Share Posted September 25, 2009 Thanks, keith_015. Yikes, I originally thought it was a good idea for an interview response - good thing I asked this in advance! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
c17h Posted September 25, 2009 Report Share Posted September 25, 2009 VTeight, I had my interview at Wayne this past week, and they are very proud that they serve an underserved and diverse community. If you have had experiences working with these types of populations, then definitely draw on these experiences...emphasize that you want to continue working with these types of populations and will have the opportunity to do so at Wayne State U. Like Keith said, don't mention the "standard of living".... that may be a little insulting. Good luck at your Wayne interview and feel free to PM me if you have any questions! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Illuminis Posted October 21, 2009 Author Report Share Posted October 21, 2009 Wow I kinda procrastinated updating this thread, my bad. I'll add some more suggestions: Why are you applying to an American medical school? - consider talking about a desire to study outside of Canada (i.e. broaden horizons, pursue the unfamiliar), something positive about the school/affiliated hospital/city/USA - avoid spilling weaknesses in your application (i.e my MCAT WS score sucks...) - I would focus not necessarily on US vs Canada, but the pros and cons of the schools and host communities themselves. Maybe some US schools offer something special that Canadian schools don't like more elective offerings or a rural program. - Maybe you want to do residency in the US or down the road want to become a citizen, and this could make it easier in the long run. - Maybe you believe the US would be more conducive to your studies - I've had three US interviews so far and I haven't yet been asked "why apply in the US?". I find the interviews are much more focused on "Why exactly would you like to go to this school?". - If the question comes up, I would mention access to (generally) better research opportunities, (generally) more advanced learning hospitals (with more $$ for MRI machines, etc), more research funding, greater opportunities for specific specializations during your clerkship rotations - You have to look at each school on a case-by-case though, and be careful about what you are saying -- some schools don't have a research focus, some schools have specific rural opportunities, etc. Tailor your responses based on your interests and these school specific specialties. - In contrast to rmitch, I have been asked this question at all of my interviews. In addition to the responses above (e.g. research opportunities, research funding), I also pointed out more residency positions available, family ties (if you have family members in the US), ENJOYED living in the US (if you have lived in the US for a significant period of time in the past, then they'll probably like hearing that you liked living in their country) Pros/Cons of socialized medicine - Access for all - Slower access to treatment - More misuse of system (ie. lonely seniors or fakers) - System relies solely on government spending, which can take huge cuts (ie Mulroney) - Rationing of health care - if there are only 10 units of health care and 15 units are needed, how do we make up for the other 5 units? (my interviewer last week asked me this question) - Though access may be slower, priority is flexible based on urgency and usually proves sufficient. - Health-care should be a right, not a privilege. Pros/Cons of private medicine - Faster access, less waiting - Treatment and diagnostics is limited by the size of your insurance policy - The uninsured and homeless are often out of luck - Private insurance rates are skyrocketing and eat a significant portion of income. They rose something like 5% through the recession. - As a doctor, there is more paperwork and financial matters to consider. Lots of time wasted which could've been spent on patients. - Turning down patients who cannot afford treatments... - Insurance company loopholes, shifting health care from performing an essential service to a matter of maximizing profits (Health care is managed as a business) Obama's healthcare reform - Is a hard sell with the public: a lot of fear over losing the services people have access to now with their insurance. Likely will happen. - Will save Americans a ton of money from not having to buy insurance - Will give everyone access to healthcare and specialists on a level playing field - Hospitals will get back to the business of helping people instead of exploiting insurance plans for profits. - Important to have an opinion! You can agree or disagree with the proposed reforms, but you should definitely state an opinion and not come across as being "wishy washy". - Cost/funding --> where will the US get money? ($1 trillion to fund for 10 years!) -May significantly decrease quality of care at the beginning, given that there's the same number of doctors, yet a sudden increase of over 40million patients. - But long-term benefits must be considered. How long can the current system go on for, with ever-increasing unemployment, health insurance cost rises, and national debt. Change is necessary, and the health care inflation must be stopped. Health care reform provides that chance. A government single-payer universal system will put the pressure on insurance companies to decrease their prices, and actually compete for customers based on the quality of their service. Canadian vs American healthcare system - Obviously cost to the US people - US Gov't spends more per capita on health care than Canada. With private insurance added, quality should be better (but is it?). - The hard nosed business style of US hospitals prevents some from getting proper treatment - Canadians can get specialized treatment, but will just have to wait a longer time for it - More complicated procedures offered in the US. We sometimes see people cross the border for these treatments Where you intend to practice - Things can change over the years. Maybe you'll like the US area where you went to school. Maybe you are inflexible and will return to Canada to your home community. That is entirely up to you and your personality/preferences. - I think it's okay to be undecided on this. It came up during an interview and I basically said that it was a long way away and at this point I'm not predisposed to either. The interviewer seemed alright with that. Tell me about yourself! - Not a Canadian specific question. But compared to the Canadian interview I did last year, these American interviews seem waay more interested in actually having a conversation and getting to know you. Be ready for open ended questions like these - Agreed with rmitch... I have also been asked this question multiple times...have an answer ready for this question! -Come up with a specific example for possible questions regarding your nature and experiences (i.e. greatest weakness/strength/achievement/failure, most significant experience with health care, etc.) - Should probably remember your primary/secondary application extremely well! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aqm Posted October 23, 2009 Report Share Posted October 23, 2009 awesome responses... quickly...anyone kno of the canadian interview questions are similar? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keith_015 Posted October 23, 2009 Report Share Posted October 23, 2009 awesome responses... quickly...anyone kno of the canadian interview questions are similar? A lot of Cdn schools have adopted the MMI format which you won't find in the US so they are much different. The US will interview you one on one about you (and possibly your open file). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UnderDog Posted November 15, 2009 Report Share Posted November 15, 2009 Anyone have more insight as to "Why USA vs Canada medicine"? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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