The ProspectiveDoctor Podcast

How to Showcase Your Personality during Medical School Interviews

Dr.Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Erika Aragona who is a double board-certified family physician in osteopathic and allopathic medicine. She also serves as a faculty member at the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine. Today Dr. Erkeda chats with Dr. Aragona about how to set yourself apart during medical school interviews and what students can do to advocate for women’s health.

[00:23] Dr. Aragona’s Medical Journey and Background
[02:58] Becoming Human in Patient Interactions
[04:40] Cultivate Passions Outside of Medicine
[07:26] Letting Your Personality Shine in Interviews
[16:41] Dr. Aragona’s Advocacy for Women’s Health
[20:25] How Can Students Advocate for Women’s Health?
[28:15] Best Advice that Dr. Aragona Has Received

Becoming Human in Patient Interactions

When we’re too engrossed in the clinical side of medicine, we sometimes forget to connect with patients. We also lose sight of our personal passions instead of making time for them. Being a physician or a student does not make up the whole of your identity. By embracing our other interests, we become better doctors too. Life outside of medicine grants new perspectives and helps us relate better to our patients.

How to Stand Out in Medical School Interviews

Test scores and relevant experiences are certainly important but it’s not the only thing medical schools look for. Admissions committees prefer well-rounded individuals who can showcase their personalities. Allow them to get to know you by talking about projects and experiences that matter to you, even if it’s not directly related to medicine. How did these opportunities help you develop skills and traits? Highlight strengths that you can utilize for your own and for your future patients’ benefits.

Making a Difference in Women’s Health

As a student, Dr. Aragona wasn’t fond of OGBYN. But when she became a mother herself, she finally understood what it meant to give birth and to raise children. She felt supported by other moms and wants to do the same for others. There is value in simply listening to women to make sure they feel heard while providing the support that they need.

Students who feel strongly about this cause can start small by joining organizations that support women. Whether it be an online group or a local community, students can actively participate. If there is no accessible organization, why not create one yourself? There is always a way to contribute, no matter how big or small.

Reach out to Dr. Erika Aragona by sending her a message through e-mail, Instagram, or TikTok. Do check out her website www.dr-erika.com.

Got questions, feedback, or suggestions? Send a message to Dr. Erkeda DeRouen’s Instagram or MedSchoolCoach’s Instagram.

Erkeda DeRouen

Dr. Erkeda DeRouen is a graduate of Hampton University with a B.S. in Biological Sciences, followed by completing medical school at the Boston University School of Medicine. She then completed residency at The University of Maryland Family and Community Medicine Program. After that, she worked at an underserved community health center, and currently is an Associate Medical Director of a telemedicine company. She recently became one of the first 1,000 lifestyle medicine certified physicians in the world! Her areas of interest include: health equity and eliminating health disparities, service of underserved populations, HIV management, transgender care, mentorship, and lifestyle medicine.

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