Why did you select this individual to interview?

I have always known I wanted to pursue a career in the medical field.  I learned from a young age that this would require a lot of hard work.  However, I did not know what this really meant until I was in high school and college and saw what future medical students were doing to excel.  Not only did you need to get good grades in math, physics, and chemistry, but you also needed to have research, volunteer work, patient care hours, and more.  Luckily, I have an older brother who graduated from Ohio State with a degree in Biology, who just went through the process of applying to medical school. Although I plan to apply to PA school, he has still set a good example of hard work for me to follow that will help me to achieve my goals.

Describe the major responsibilities associated with their current role.

My brother, Danny, is currently working at a dermatologist office in Columbus as a Medical Assistant.  He has shown me an example of how to balance a busy schedule and prioritize.  As a Medical Assistant in dermatology, his responsibilities include efficiently recording and charting patient data, assisting in medical procedures and communicating biopsy and lab results with patients.  The job has helped him to prepare for what is to come in his future as a physician.

Discuss how the person prepared for this role, and if they provided you with any advice as what you might be able to do to prepare for a similar career.

Danny’s job as a Medical Assistant was very beneficial as he prepared for medical school and his future career.  Not only did he gain knowledge and experience in the medical field, but the schedule allowed him to continue taking courses and study for the MCAT when he was not working.  His advice is to put academics as your main priority but to also be sure to pursue extracurriculars in your desired field to make sure that this is the right career path for you.

Summarize any insights from the interview that might be helpful in your academic or career preparation.

All of Danny’s advice was very helpful.  Most importantly, he has shown me a good example of perseverance and determination.  These qualities are necessary in applying to competitive programs such as PA school or medical school.  I will definitely be following his example and be looking to get involved in more extracurriculars in addition to the ones I am already involved in.