As we recover from our big Thanksgiving celebrations, I recommend this recent short NYT piece by A.J. Jacobs on gratitude. It’s fun and reflective – just what the doctor ordered.
Blog Archives
It’s Not Personal
When I was in my second year of medical school, a third-year student came to speak to our class about being on the wards. He gave an animated talk about how important it was to recognize that when residents, attendings, or nurses hollered at us on on our clinical rotations, 99% of the time, it wasn’t personal. He likened the situation to Boston traffic – how drivers lean on their horns for little cause because they are simply frustrated about their days.
It’s not personal, he said.
I am saying the same to my clients. I’ve had applicants complain that faculty interviewers mixed them up with other candidates or were wholly unprepared – reading their applications for the first time during the interview itself. Remember: It’s not personal. This process is arduous and long, and most candidates, faculty, and program coordinators are tired and doing their best. When things are rough, give others the benefit of the doubt. It will help you get through this stressful process with your sanity intact.
Residency and Medical School Interviews: Moving Past Impostor Syndrome
First described by psychologists Drs. Suzanne Imes and Pauline Rose Clance in the 1970s, impostor phenomenon occurs among high achievers who cannot easily internalize their successes. They often externally attribute their accomplishments to luck and worry that others will eventually realize they are frauds.
Recognize this phenomenon of self-doubt?
You are not alone. Although many people suffer in silence (as they do not want to be revealed for what they perceive to be major deficiencies), the syndrome is quite common, especially in medical school. According to one 2016 study, almost a quarter of male medical students and nearly half of female students surveyed suffered with impostor syndrome. The phenomenon can be associated with depression, burn out, and anxiety.
The American Psychological Association offers a few tips for overcoming impostor syndrome including speaking to mentors, recognizing what you excel at, and talking to a professional if necessary. Here is a fun piece in Emergency Medicine News for more information.
Medical School and Residency Interviews – Power Posing
As medical school and residency interviews approach, I want to remind everyone about Amy Cuddy, the Harvard faculty member who speaks about the psychology of power, influence, and nonverbal communication. Her research shows that a “fake it until you make it” philosophy and “power posing” practices improve your performance in interviews. Cuddy’s TED talk has been viewed over 48 million times.
Pre-Meds (and Others): Don’t Make a Promise you Simply Cannot Keep
My mom told me an interesting story recently: She is a retired lawyer – not in medicine – but her anecdote resonated with me:
Years ago, a legal job applicant indicated on his resume that he spoke two languages, in addition to English. Unplanned, the interviewer to whom the candidate was assigned also spoke those languages and proceeded to speak to him in those languages during the interview, only to find that the candidate spoke both poorly at best.
As you can imagine, the applicant was not hired.
I frequently see applicants indicate on their curriculum vitae or their AMCASes that they speak languages fluently. If you do speak a language in addition to English, good for you and great for your candidacy. However, if you indicate that you are fluent, please be ready for your faculty interviewer to conduct your entire medical school interview in that language if s/he pleases.
Dr. Finkel is a graduate of Stanford University and Harvard Medical School. On completing her residency at Harvard, she was asked to
stay on as faculty at Harvard Medical School and spent five years teaching at the world-renowned Massachusetts General Hospital.
She was appointed to the Assistant Residency Director position for the Harvard Affiliated
Emergency Medicine Residency where she reviewed countless applications, personal statements and resumes. Read more
