How to explain your non-traditional experiences during your medical school or residency interview

I periodically talk to premedical and medical students about getting into medical school or a competitive residency.

Some things I've noticed are 1) they are increasingly anxious and apprehensive about the process, 2) they are already tired of playing the application game, having done multiple volunteer, "research", and shadowing experiences, 3) more are taking a gap year after college, 4) most want to do something more than see patients during their careers, like entrepreneurship, 5) they are considering getting a master's degree in public health or business but question the cost/benefits given their already high student debt, 6) they are feeling the stress of endless overachieving, 7) they understand that sick care is a business and that if they do not understand the business of medicine, they have no business practicing medicine, 8) their generational persona is different, 9) they are interested in how others have pursued non-clinical careers, 10) they don't know where to find exit ramps

There are now two pathways to medical school: the "traditional way" and the non-traditional road less traveled.

The latter strategy, is, unfortunately, riskier. Here are some ways to overcome the objections and derisk yourself:

1. Learn to sell yourself
2. How To Use The Feel Felt Found Method To Handle Objections Like A Pro
3. Explain that you recognize how data literacy and data dexterity has impacted medicine and by doing that AI startup internship during your gap year has improved your competencies.
4. Point out that you were a biological sciences major, like the other 85% of accepted medical students, or a computer science or bioengineering major and that you have had multiple research project based experiences. Those experiences have opened your eyes to how AI and engineering can accelerate drug or medical device discovery, invention, development and commercialization that will get lifesaving treatments to patients faster.
5. Your gap year helped you build a growth mindset, the prelude to innovation

Gap year ideas: work where you have to build things with your hands, join the Ski Patrol or Fire/Rescue to become an EMT, get a customer service job

1. Your alternative non-medical experiences have brought your desire to practice medicine clearer and made you more purpose and value driven
2. You needed to fill the gaps in your education, training and development that were essential to career success but were unlikely to be taught during medical school, like personal financial planning and revenue cycle management given dropping physician payments
3. Don't be a bad rebel
4. Be honest, but tactful, when it comes to explaining how you can solve your customer's (the interviewer) problem. Just don't be too authentic.
5. Have Plan B
6. Highlight examples of how you get Sh#t done
7. Showcase your transferable skills

Here are the reasons why you should take the road less traveled.

There is a good chance that the person interviewing you wished they had done it at your stage of life.

Practice, practice, practice the new medical school and residency interview.

Good luck.

Arlen Meyers, MD, MBA is the President and CEO of the Society of Physician Entrepreneurs on Substack