lecome interview eap possible questions

***Why osteopathic medicine?***

Osteopathic medicine is an approach designed for physicians to treat the patient in their entirety. Rather than treating them for only their symptoms and ailments, DO’s take the initiative to understand their patients, and their lifestyles, while devising the best route for their medical care. The holistic approach associated with being a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine allows physicians to go above and beyond for their patients, fostering a medically focused environment based on inclusivity, integrity, and understanding.

***Strengths and Weaknesses?***

I am my biggest critic. Being extremely self critical is something that I often struggle with, pressuring myself to strive for perfection at the cost of my mental and physical well being. However, learning to appreciate my smallest flaws and looking ahead with a positive mindset is helping me to break from this bad habit. On the other hand, I take pride in my discipline, diligence and dedication to the projects and tasks I take on. These personality traits are a large part of the reason that I am successful as a student, leader, and person.

***How do med schools make primary care more appealing?***

Medical schools make primary care more appealing by emphasizing the fact that primary care is not just medicine, but also creating a positive environment for your patients to heal. Emphasis on the preventative medicine offered through primary care may encourage med students to pursue a career in this specialty.

***Med students have less empathy after med school than when they enter. Do you agree? How do we prevent this?***

While I do not think medical students exit medical school with less empathy, I think that preventing this must come from the stimulation of their passions for medicine. Encouraging hands on learning, experience and shadowing are all methods of keeping a medical student from feeling as if they are only learning through tests and textbooks. Active learning environments is a great way to build experience while also keeping their flame of motivation lit. This will remind med students that they are here to treat and help others, to support them through what may be their toughest moments, and provide quality medicine.

***Tell me about yourself.***

I am someone who is deeply connected to the fine arts. I am heavily involved in my school’s theater, band, choral, and art programs. Outside of that, I also enjoy architectural and natural photography, capturing the beauty of our planet while expressing my creativity. During my down time I can almost always be found with my nose in a book, and I read just about anything from literary classics to the newest works of science fiction.

***What does professionalism mean to you?***

To me professionalism means courtesy, respect, and uniform. It is an unwritten code of conduct that allows for people to have mature, deep conversations, and connect over different topics.

***Your greatest challenge?***

My greatest challenge was navigating through my school’s early college program. I was apart of the first cohort to have completed their associate degree in person, so it was a learning process for administration as well. As the first person in my family to attend an institution of higher education, approaching the processes required by colleges was incredibly daunting, and was a task I had to navigate through on my own. The experience made me more flexible and adaptable, allowing me to help guide the cohort after mine.

***What is success?***

Success is defined differently by every person. To me success is the feeling of satisfaction and gratitude when I complete a task, or reached one of my goals. It is not just measured by my academic activities, but also by my social and spiritual ones.

***What has been your favorite volunteering opportunity?***

My favorite volunteering opportunity has been my work with Englewood Hospital and Medical Center. As a courtesy desk volunteer I was fortunate to have spoken to a number of different people around the hospital from surgeons to discharged patients. I was able to contribute to our healthcare system by packaging Covid-19 tests, running samples to the labs, and providing patient hospitality. Englewood Hospital was a community full of people who thoroughly enjoyed their jobs, fostering an uplifting and positive environment for all.

***Where do you see yourself in 10 years?***

In ten years I will be entering my second year of neurosurgical residency. I will have graduated from Ramapo college with my bachelor of science in biology and from LECOM’s medical graduate program with Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine

***What trait makes a great physician?***

Empathy is the trait that makes a good physician great. Without the ability to put yourself in another person’s shoes, you are not able to provide complete emotional and physical support to your patient. One of the most important parts of being a doctor is caring for all of your patients needs, and this requires having this sense of sensitivity and understanding.

***What leadership roles have you held?***

As an active, diligent student in my community I have been tasked with overseeing a number of the activities I participate in. I am currently a drum majorette, flute section leader, field captain, and a flute/piccolo soloist in my high school band, I am also the president, and a soprano soloist, of my high school choir, as well as the vice president of our International Thespian Society troupe. In addition I am the vice-president of our art club, president of our environmental club, and head of our multicultural leadership group.

***Tell me about a time you made a lasting impact.***

My high school was never one to appreciate culture, diversity, and art. So when i was promoted to the head of our MCC leadership group, I took the initiative to change that. I designed an activity for us to do that was artsy, interactive, and knowledgeable. For our Diwali celebration, a group of MCC members and I drew a large mehndhi design on our school parking lot. It prompted people to ask to help, inquire about the holiday and culture, and even stop to take pictures. Through this we opened up the door for our school to appreciate a diverse perspective.

***Give an example of a time you resolved a conflict***

Conflict of interest between a band and a new band director can only spell trouble for their season. With the pace of rapid changes, high tension, disorganization, and our competition looming over our heads, we needed some semblance of structure. Our band had hit rock bottom, and we needed some spirit. I decided to step up, encouraging each other to work together, to be in step. I rallied the band together, bonding through our music, the freezing night games and sweaty practices.

***Does a multicultural approach to medicine work, or should physicians use a one-size-fits-all approach?*** 

Medicine requires a multicultural approach when treating a patient. Being able to treat a patient in a capacity that suits their needs is incredibly important when caring for others. A multicultural approach allows for physicians to be adept, knowledgeable, and understanding of the different groups of people, creating a comfortable and connective environment for the patient.

***How should physicians handle a non-compliant patient?***

Physicians may handle a non-compliant patient by attempting to establish a point of connection. In situations such as this, empathy is a vital tool that may help ease your patients agitation or anxiety, and show that you care about them as an individual. A point of connection can offer emotional support, and help them feel seen and heard.

***What is the biggest challenge facing healthcare today?***

The biggest challenge facing healthcare today is the lack of healthcare for a large number of people. Affordable healthcare, and quality medicine, is not something that is offered to everyone. Many of the challenges faced in healthcare come from this lack of care in impoverished communities and developing countries across the globe.

***How do you deal with a stressful situation?***

In a stressful situation, I like to step back from the problems at hand and reassess what I am doing. I like to look at the bigger picture, collect my thoughts, and proceed with a plan in mind. By stepping back, I can separate myself from the overwhelming feeling of anxiety, and comprehend the situation at hand.

***Why do you want to be a physician?*** 

I want to be a physician because I want to bridge the gap between diversity and health in medicine. Healthcare is not something that is afforded to all humans, and I want to change that in any way I can. As a physician I will be able to treat a number of different people, extending my reach into impoverished and developing communities. With my diligence I will be able to create an environment in which others may feel comfortable in, helping them to enhance the quality of their lives, all while providing medicine.

***Why LECOM?***

I believe LECOM is the right fit for me because it will provide me with the necessary challenges that will allow me to grow and flourish as a person, and as a doctor. LECOM’s emphasis on academic excellence, professionalism, and community service are all values that align with my own. Being apart of a community like LECOM’s will enable me to better care for my patients and improve their quality of life.