As a student applying to medical school, you are likely focused on maintaining a high GPA, achieving excellent test scores, earning letters of recommendation, and showcasing relevant experiences on your application. While these factors are certainly important, remember that medical schools are not solely interested in your academic achievements. They are seeking applicants who also possess strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and a genuine desire to help others. They want to see your humanity so they better understand what your bedside manner will be with your patients. Let's discuss how to prepare for showcasing these elements in your medical school applications.

Why Medical Schools Look Beyond Test Scores

Medical schools receive plenty of applications from academically qualified students, but that does not mean these students will make good doctors. Having a pleasant, empathetic bedside manner is as important to a successful medical career as one's knowledge of medicine. Patients are likelier to trust and feel comfortable with doctors who display empathy, understanding, and strong communication skills. These qualities lead to better patient outcomes and satisfaction and improved doctor-patient relationships. The key to standing out, then, is to ensure these qualities are inherent in your life and apparent in your application.

Developing Interpersonal Skills for Medical School

Obviously, developing empathy and bedside manner does not come from textbooks or exams. Here are a few practical ways to develop these skills:

• Volunteer and shadow. Volunteer at a hospital, a clinic, or a nursing home, and work with patients directly. Observe doctors and nurses as they interact with patients, and take note of what works well and what could be improved.
• Practice your communication skills. If you struggle with verbal or nonverbal communication, try taking some classes or workshops on public speaking. Practice speaking with diverse individuals or join clubs focused on improving communication skills. Focus on active listening, using open-ended questions, and delivering clear, concise messages.
• Reflect on your experiences. As you gather experience and practice your skills, consider keeping a journal or log of your interactions with patients or healthcare professionals. Reflect on what went well and what you can improve.

Be Yourself in Your Application

Finally, the best advice is to be yourself when trying to convey the human element in your application. While presenting an idealized version of yourself can be tempting, admissions committees are looking for authenticity. Share real-world stories, experiences, or reflections from your time spent in healthcare settings. Showcase your strengths, share your analysis of your personal evolution as a human, and acknowledge your areas of growth. By doing this, you can convey a stronger sense of your humanity and home in on why you're the right candidate for medical school.

At Vincent-Pope Tutoring, our experienced tutors understand what the medical schools are looking for in a candidate, so we take a whole-person approach to help you prepare. Contact us to learn more.