With the rapidly evolving political landscape in health care, medical schools are becoming more interested in applicants’ understanding of health policy and health care reform.
If you are getting ready to interview at a medical school, whether in a traditional interview or a multiple mini interview, brush up on your knowledge of health care reform and develop a strategy for answering questions that pertain to this topic.
[Learn to avoid three common mistakes during medical school interviews.]
U.S. Health Care System
During interviews, medical schools like to ask applicants about their view on the American health care system. An effective response to this question considers the system’s strengths and weaknesses. But to give this response, you will benefit from having a general understanding of the U.S. health care system.
— Strengths: America has the most advanced technologies and medical treatments and is at the forefront of medical research. The country is making contributions to the newest, cutting-edge cures in health care. In addition, wait times for accessing health care services in America are shorter than most other industrialized countries.
— Weaknesses: Not everyone in America has insurance coverage or sufficient access to health care. Although the country has advanced technologies and treatments, a large fraction of the population — namely those with no or limited insurance — can’t access these.
Furthermore, America spends more of its gross domestic product on health care than any other industrialized country but does not achieve better health outcomes than many countries that spend less on health care.
[Learn why medical school applicants need to understand public health issues.]
Health Care Reform
Medical schools may also inquire about your opinion of the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. In your response, take a balanced approach and comment on this legislation’s pros and cons. Avoid coming across as too strongly opinionated, and make sure you take a middle-of-the-road position.
— Pros: The ACA has increased insurance coverage for millions by making more people eligible for Medicaid, increasing private insurance coverage for employees, allowing young adults to stay on their parents’ insurance plans until the age of 26, preventing people with pre-existing health conditions from being denied health insurance and requiring individuals to purchase private health insurance or pay a fee.
The ACA also requires insurance plans to cover more preventive services, such as cancer screenings, which are meant to increase early detection of disease. This early detection is associated with greater survival and lower costs.
— Cons: While the ACA has covered millions more, not everyone receives coverage under this legislation, and many people in this country remain uninsured. Additionally, since the ACA provides financial help to some people who cannot afford to pay for health insurance and has increased the number of people covered under Medicaid, it can be costly for the government.
[Learn to master ethics questions in medical school interviews.]
Current Events
In addition to understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the health care system and the pros and cons of the ACA, prior to your interview, consider reviewing current events and gaining a general understanding of any major issues related to health care.
The Trump administration has tried on several occasions over the past year to repeal the ACA, but these efforts have not received sufficient votes in Congress and have been derailed.
In addition, Congress is considering eliminating the individual mandate that requires individuals to buy health insurance or pay a penalty.
Prepare for the Interview
As you prepare for medical school interviews, review the pointers above about the health care system and reform. If you have time, read the news to get the latest updates on discussions around health care.
The most important point to keep in mind as you prepare is that no one expects you to be a health policy expert. Do not go into the interview assuming that you need to know every detail about the U.S. health care system and health care reform.
As long as you have a general understanding and can demonstrate that you have thought about both sides of the issue, you will impress medical schools.
If you are asked to comment on the current state of American health care, the ACA or the current administration’s efforts to weaken the ACA, always start your answer by recognizing that no solution is perfect. Comment on the strengths and weaknesses of each and provide a measured opinion that shows that you are not one-sided.
Most, if not all, interviewers will respect you for asserting that you feel everyone should have access to health care. They should also respect you for making the case that American health care is expensive and that the U.S. needs to find ways to reduce medical costs.
But avoid stating or implying that you think the ACA or the administration’s efforts at repeal are a panacea that will solve all problems.
Do not be afraid to state your balanced opinion in the interview. As long as your ideas sound well thought out, your interviewers will be impressed, even if they do not personally agree with you.
More from U.S. News
Explore Disaster Training as a Prospective Medical Student
Plan Ahead as a Nontraditional Medical School Applicant
Hone Scientific Inquiry Skills for MCAT Success
Medical School Interviews May Cover Obamacare originally appeared on usnews.com
