VCOM Interview Practice Questions

Questions and Answers

Tell me about yourself?

My name is Brittany and I grew up in Spartanburg, SC, then moved to Virginia Beach, VA. I attended ODU for my BS, worked as a pharmacy tech, and enrolled in the 2-year medical master's program at EVMS. I'm currently shadowing Dr. Mazzurco at a retirement home.

Why are you interested in medicine?

I am inspired by community health, particularly the prevention of chronic diseases through understanding common medications and focusing on primary care.

What experiences do you have in a medical or clinical setting?

I have shadowed 3 MD physicians, volunteered as a child life specialist, and coordinated volunteer events for my class.

What aspects of your life make you a good candidate for medical school?

My upbringing in a low-income family has taught me humility and gratitude for the support I've received, motivating me to give back through healthcare. Signup and view all the answers

What do you think will be the biggest challenge for you in medical school?

Developing efficient study habits, focusing on high yield concepts rather than getting lost in details. Signup and view all the answers

What hesitations do you have about joining the medical profession?

The responsibility physicians have in making significant decisions for their patients. Signup and view all the answers

Tell me about an experience you've had working on a team?

As a pharmacy technician, I played the role of team coordinator, ensuring effective communication among team members. Signup and view all the answers

What do you think is the most pressing issue in healthcare today?

Pricing. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?

Medicare is for individuals 65 and older or with severe disabilities, while Medicaid is for low-income individuals, including children and those with disabilities. Signup and view all the answers

How do you spend your free time?

I like to catch up with my family and friends. Signup and view all the answers

Why should we select you for our class?

I believe I can contribute positively to the class with my diverse experiences and dedication to patient care. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Personal Background

Brittany is from Spartanburg, SC, and moved to Virginia Beach, VA, due to her father's Navy enlistment.
Earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Old Dominion University (ODU) while working as a pharmacy technician.

Medical Aspirations

Inspired to pursue medicine due to a passion for community health and experiences with maintenance medications.
Enrolled in a Medical Master’s program at Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS) to enhance medical knowledge and competitive application standing.
Identifies a desire to focus on primary care and public health, aiming to prevent chronic diseases.

Clinical Experience

Shadowed multiple physicians: Dr. Moss (allergist), Dr. Spiegel (psychiatrist), and Dr. Mazzurco (geriatrician).
Volunteered as a child life specialist at CHKD, helping children adjust to hospital settings.
Coordinated volunteer events, including cooking at Ronald McDonald House and participating in a fundraising gala for educational programs.

Personal Qualities

Grew up in a low-income family, instilling humility and appreciation for community support systems.
Believes in giving back through mentorship and community service, aligning with the values of VCOM.

Challenges and Growth

Experienced initial difficulty forming effective study habits in medical courses but adapted by focusing on high-yield concepts.
Emphasizes learning from mistakes and taking responsibility, sharing an experience with a prescription error and corrective actions taken.

Stress Management

Deals with stress by identifying triggers, exercising to release endorphins, and seeking support from friends and family.
Practices positive thinking to combat negative thoughts.

Key Medical Concepts

Lean time bias: Situations where early identification of a disease without symptoms appears to increase survival rates.
Length time bias: The phenomenon where less aggressive diseases are overrepresented in screened populations.

Healthcare Issues

High costs associated with medical screening can deter patients from seeking care.
Identifies pricing as a pressing issue in healthcare today.

Future Plans

Plans to retake the MCAT to strengthen medical school application if not accepted initially.
Committed to focusing on public health education, regardless of changes in healthcare systems like universal coverage.

Medicare vs. Medicaid

Medicare: Federal program for individuals 65+ or with severe disabilities, regardless of income.
Medicaid: Joint state and federal program for low-income individuals, including younger people with disabilities.

Teamwork and Leadership

In a pharmacy technician role, served as a team coordinator to enhance communication and ensure equitable workload distribution among team members.

Reflections on Mentors

Dr. Moss emphasized the importance of avoiding unnecessary testing to prevent emotional and financial burdens on patients.
Dr. Spiegel provided insights into the complexities of mental health, reinforcing the desire to focus on preventive care.
Dr. Mazzurco highlighted the value of patient and family communication, inspiring a commitment to public health education.

Volunteer Work at ODU

Participated in vector ecology lab, assisting with research and public education on tick-borne diseases as part of ODU’s Tick Surveillance Project.

Description

Prepare for your VCOM interviews with this set of flashcards focusing on common questions and answers. Each card is designed to help you articulate your background and experience effectively, ensuring you stand out in your interview. Get ready to showcase your journey and aspirations in the field of medicine.