The “Why Medicine?” Question

You know it’s coming - and you need to have an answer ready to go.

As we mentioned on the main page, there are really only three ways to go wrong with this question:

1. Being too structured and rehearsed.

2. Not being genuine.

3. Trying to spin an overly intricate or “impressive” story that ends up confusing both you and the interviewer.

Avoid those pitfalls, and you’ll be absolutely fine.

This question often comes right at the start of your interview - and in a panel interview, you don’t get a second chance at a first impression, so it’s worth getting it right. (In MMIs, you’ll get about ten first impressions - so the pressure’s a little lighter!)

What interviewers are really looking for

Ultimately, they’re after a concise, genuine reason for wanting to become a doctor. It’s surprisingly easy to tell who truly wants to study medicine and who doesn’t.

Universities are looking for enthusiasm and for good reason. Medicine isn’t just a degree; it’s a massive investment of time, energy, and money. While you’ll pay your tuition fees over the 5–6 years, your training actually costs the university (and government) around £250,000 per student.

That’s because medical education isn’t like most other courses with a couple of lectures a week and plenty of self-study. You’ll be in almost every day - hours of lectures, clinical placements, simulated patients, specialist supervision, hospital accommodation, travel expenses up and down the country… the list goes on. So, when interviewers say they’re looking for commitment, they really mean it. They need to know you’re not just applying because it “sounds good” - but because you’re genuinely driven to do this. If a student drops out halfway through, and yes it happens and is often the right thing for them, it’s a lost investment for the medical school.

So… what should you say?

The truth.

A strong answer usually blends a love of human interaction - meeting and helping people - with a love of science and lifelong learning. A great answer goes a step further: it reflects on why those things matter to you.

Think back to a moment that sparked your interest - maybe the first time you helped someone and felt that spark of purpose, or perhaps the helplessness you felt when a loved one was ill and you wished you could do more.

Some applicants these days talk about the pandemic - seeing night after night of coverage from ICU wards, which inspired a sense of responsibility and motivation to make a difference. If that genuinely resonates with you, that’s great - but whatever you say, it has to be real.

Because here’s the truth: after interviewing hundreds of candidates, you can always tell when someone’s not being genuine. You don’t need a perfect story - just an honest one, delivered with sincerity and enthusiasm.

“My motivation to study medicine really solidified during the pandemic. Watching doctors and healthcare teams work under such pressure — not just treating illness but supporting patients and families through incredibly difficult times — made me realise how vital that mix of science, leadership, and humanity is. I started volunteering with a local community health project during that time, which showed me the impact that education and small interventions can have on people’s wellbeing. I’m drawn to medicine because it’s a field that never stands still — it’s about adapting, learning, and improving, while still focusing on human connection. That blend of constant scientific progress and personal impact is what makes me want to be a doctor.”