Dreaded for some, interview day is the day to shine. I especially enjoy interviews for a couple reasons. For one, I like to talk about myself. Anyone who knows me well will smile/groan/roll their eyes at this remark. But it's not my fault. Every since I first learned to talk, I've liked hearing the sound of my own voice (so I blame my parents?). More importantly, however, I genuinely like the people who interview me (usually). They are the ones that have made it. It's just like having a conversation with the future. Accomplished in their field, they are willing to take the time to help pick out the next crop of physicians. So interview day is my day to show them that I'm ready.So pick me!
Duke's interview, however, is notorious for being difficult. I read plenty of horror stories where students were asked, "What's the capital of Mozambique?" or "Tell me everything you know about oxygen free radicals." These questions are aimed at seeing how you handle stress. Duke is known for throwing ethical dilemmas at you, and it is your job to take sides instantly, effectively, and be ready to back up your arguments. In other words, you gotta be quick on their feet. There is an "alpha" interviewer, who is trying to unearth and assess your academic curiosity, and a "beta" interviewer, who wants to find out who you are as a person.
Needless to say, I prepared extra hard for this interview. I read the New York Times A section for three days prior, reviewed everything there was to know about Duke Medical School (with questions ready), reread my application, and studied my prior research. I met with two Duke MDs - Dr. Christine Marx and Dr. Allan Friedman, Ted Kennedy's neurosurgeon - the day before to get any tips I could. I was told that I needed to know and understand my research cold. Duke's focus is on academic life and research, so I better show that I'm not another student that did research to "check it off." I did it and loved it, and I learned many things from it (all of which just happen to be true!). I started writing a proposal to fix the US Health Care system (something I'm still working on, of course - it's not easy apparently). And I read all I could on CNN.com about the latest health care news. After much reading, I felt ready for the big day.
Of course, the interviews went nothing like expected. Dr. Yee and the 4th year student were excited and welcoming. I was asked, "Why do you want to be a physician?" "Why Duke?" "What do you do for fun?" There were no ethical dilemmas or trick questions. It was much more relaxing and fun. There were no questions about my research (although I studied those organic mechanisms and was ready for anything). And most importantly, no questions about state or nation's capitals. Good thing I didn't put too much emphasis on geography while I was studying in Hawaii!
I met amazing students, talked with Philip Lehman (interviewer and MD/MPP candidate), ate a chicken salad wrap (my favorite), and looked striking in a suit. Now the waiting begins. I loved Duke, and I love their dual degree research oriented programs, so I'm praying for an acceptance. Funny, I never thought I'd want to be a blue devil. Don't take me out of the will yet Dad; I'm still a Carolina Boy at heart!
The caption of the picture above should read, "I told you not to call me on vacation. Just take 2 aspirin and call me in the morning!" Thanks Dad for the quote. It's a What About Bob type reference.
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