Oregon State University does not have a medical school. However, if you are referring to Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) School of Medicine, here are some sample secondary essay prompts for the 2023-2024 application cycle, along with guidance on how to approach each prompt.
OHSU School of Medicine Secondary Essay Prompts for 2023-2024
Prompt 1: What experience have you had that has given you insight into the patients you hope to eventually serve? (1500 characters)
Guidance:
- Personal Experience: Highlight specific experiences that provided you with insight into patient care.
- Reflection: Discuss what you learned from these experiences and how they have influenced your desire to serve specific patient populations.
- Connection to Career Goals: Explain how these insights will shape your future medical career.
Sample Answer: “During my time volunteering at a community health clinic, I worked closely with underserved populations, many of whom faced significant barriers to accessing healthcare. One particular experience that stands out involved assisting a patient with limited English proficiency who was struggling to understand her treatment plan for diabetes. I worked with a medical interpreter to ensure she comprehended her care instructions, and this interaction underscored the importance of cultural competence and effective communication in patient care. This experience deepened my commitment to serving diverse communities and motivated me to pursue a career in primary care, where I can advocate for patients and help bridge gaps in healthcare access.”
Prompt 2: What will be your greatest challenge in becoming a physician? (1500 characters)
Guidance:
- Honesty: Be honest about potential challenges you anticipate facing.
- Self-Awareness: Demonstrate self-awareness and an understanding of the demands of a medical career.
- Overcoming Challenges: Explain how you plan to address and overcome these challenges.
Sample Answer: “My greatest challenge in becoming a physician will be managing the emotional toll of patient care, particularly in dealing with terminal illnesses and end-of-life situations. Throughout my clinical experiences, I have encountered patients and families facing devastating diagnoses, and I have often struggled with feelings of helplessness and grief. To address this challenge, I am committed to developing strong coping strategies and seeking support from mentors and colleagues. I believe that participating in debriefing sessions, pursuing mindfulness practices, and staying connected with a support network will help me maintain my emotional resilience and continue providing compassionate care to my patients.”
Prompt 3: Describe a time when you did not receive what you felt you deserved, and how you handled the situation. (1500 characters)
Guidance:
- Context: Provide context for the situation, explaining what happened and why you felt you deserved a different outcome.
- Response: Focus on how you handled the situation, demonstrating maturity and professionalism.
- Lessons Learned: Highlight what you learned from the experience and how it has influenced your personal growth.
Sample Answer: “During my undergraduate studies, I worked tirelessly on a research project, contributing significant hours and effort. When the project was published, my name was omitted from the list of authors, which I felt was an oversight given my contributions. Instead of reacting with frustration, I chose to address the situation calmly by discussing my concerns with the lead researcher. This conversation led to a constructive dialogue about authorship criteria and recognition in academia. Although the publication could not be amended, the experience taught me the importance of advocating for myself and communicating effectively. It also reinforced my commitment to maintaining integrity and professionalism in all my endeavors.”
Prompt 4: Discuss a time when you collaborated with others to achieve a common goal. What did you learn from the experience? (1500 characters)
Guidance:
- Teamwork: Highlight an example of effective teamwork and collaboration.
- Role and Contribution: Describe your role in the group and how you contributed to achieving the goal.
- Skills and Lessons: Discuss the skills you developed and the lessons you learned from the experience.
Sample Answer: “As a member of my university’s pre-medical society, I co-led a project aimed at increasing health literacy in the local community. Our team organized a series of health workshops covering topics such as nutrition, exercise, and chronic disease management. My role involved coordinating with local healthcare professionals to serve as guest speakers and ensuring that our materials were accessible to diverse audiences. Through this experience, I learned the value of effective communication, organization, and the importance of leveraging each team member’s strengths. Collaborating towards a common goal reinforced my belief in the power of teamwork in achieving meaningful impact and prepared me for the collaborative nature of medical practice.”
Prompt 5: Please provide any additional information you believe is important in the evaluation of your application. (1500 characters)
Guidance:
- Use Wisely: Use this space to address any gaps, weaknesses, or unique aspects of your application.
- Additional Information: Highlight any additional experiences or qualifications not covered in other parts of your application.
- Personal Insights: Provide personal insights or reflections that might strengthen your application.
Sample Answer: “One aspect of my journey that I would like to highlight is my commitment to mental health advocacy. Having a close family member who struggled with mental illness, I became acutely aware of the stigma and challenges associated with mental health conditions. This motivated me to volunteer with a local mental health organization, where I facilitated support groups and organized awareness campaigns. These experiences have not only deepened my understanding of mental health issues but have also reinforced my commitment to advocating for holistic, patient-centered care. I am dedicated to integrating mental health awareness into my future medical practice and contributing to a healthcare system that prioritizes mental wellness alongside physical health.”
These sample prompts and responses should provide a solid foundation for crafting your secondary essays for OHSU School of Medicine. Good luck with your application!
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