Aboriginal Interview

[Matt314]

Hi,

I wondering if anyone can give me details on the aboriginal interviews that uOttawa conducts. I am Metis and do volunteering with aboriginals but are they expecting me to spend my life as a doctor in reserves? Also what was the cutoff for aboriginals this year?

Any information would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

[future_doc]

I wondering if anyone can give me details on the aboriginal interviews that I expect that, if that question were to come up, you will definitely consider this b/c of your origins and wish to do something for positive for your people....

Probably, another poster will come forward with accurate information, but be flexible and prepared to answer such questions fully, just in case.

Good luck!

[Halcyon]

Originally Posted by Matt314

Hi,

I wondering if anyone can give me details on the aboriginal interviews that uOttawa conducts. I am Metis and do volunteering with aboriginals but are they expecting me to spend my life as a doctor in reserves? Also what was the cutoff for aboriginals this year?

Any information would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

Hey Matt314,

I would suggest emailing uOttawa directly. Explain that you are interested in applying to the Aboriginal stream and ask them to send info to you on the process.

And, no, I don't think anyone expects you to work on reserves; I believe it's more an issue of representation in the medical field.

Good luck!

[Matt314]

Well I emailed the university. I anyone was wondering what te answer was, here it is.

They told me that all you need is to be of aboriginal decent, and have proof. Thats it...I find that kinda insulting for anyone who is applying through normal means. In my opinion, you should at least need to show interest in the subject of aboriginal health and show that you care. I assume the interview check that...hopefully. If not anyone who is metis just by luck has an easy way in which isnt really fair.

Im still wainting for stats (gpa, # of applicants...) Anyone, let me know if you would like me to post that information when i get it.

[Julie]

I don't know if the interview pannel even knows if you applied through aboriginal stream or not. They might, but when I applied through CNFS a few years ago (a different program entirely, but with reserved seats like the aboriginal one), the pannel specifically instructed me not to tell them if I applied through CNFS or not.

[Matt314]

Wow thanks for the info Gorilla. I asked but didnt get very complete information.

@Julie: its a bit different in med, its actually a aboriginal tribe chief (who is a doctor I assume) that does the interview for the aboriginal stream. The process is quite different than the english/french/canadian forces.

[Julie]

Originally Posted by Matt314

@Julie: its a bit different in med, its actually a aboriginal tribe chief (who is a doctor I assume) that does the interview for the aboriginal stream. The process is quite different than the english/french/canadian forces.

Ah, good to know, and quite interesting!

[NicMB]

Hey Matt,
I'm of Metis descent as well, and I got accepted for one of the 8 aboriginal spaces at UOttawa this year.
I was only eligible to apply in the special category as my GPA was not high enough for regular category. My interview experience was a little interesting, as I was not aware of this until the last minute (applied to many schools and had trouble keeping the cut-offs straight). I went into the interview expecting to have to prove my bilingualism, and instead I was being asked questions about my hometown and my experiences with Aboriginal people.
Obviously, because of those confidentiality forms we sign at registration, I can't tell you what specific questions I was asked, but here's what I can tell you:
1. During the waiting period before the interview, no distinction was made to separate Aboriginal category from regular applicants. Everyone was called in individually, so I believe we were simply called in by a particular panel.
2. My interview panel was made up of a doctor, a 4th year medical student, and a community member. None of them stated whether they were of aboriginal descent, but I believe that they may all have been, and the community member definitely was.
3. The questions were 50/50 based on generic questions and questions specific to my application and ECs. I really appreciated this. I just had to remember to keep my answers to the generic questions short so they had more time to ask me personal questions.
4. As far as Aboriginal or Metis-directed questions, they revolved almost solely around my application info. I suppose if you didn't have any experience in rural communities, they might have to make up some questions, but it sounds like you would have something to talk about considering your ECs.
5. Obviously you might want to brush up on Aboriginal issues in your area. I'm from Manitoba, so lots of my examples came from my home town or downtown Winnipeg.
6. Shortly after I received my acceptance email, I received a personal phone call from a doctor at UOttawa. He offered to answer any of my questions, and to put me in touch with a 4th year Aboriginal student who could answer my questions, and an administrative person who could give me scholarship info. Everyone was really helpful.
Hope this helps you out!

[Matt314]

Awesome thanks alot NicMB!! And you to Fireball!! (though NicMB you mentioned you were only eligible for metis because of your GPA, if it would have been higher would you have applied through the normal stream?)

Thats really the kind of info I was trying to find out! My brother (when he wanted to get into med school, though he recently changed his mind) had told me the interview was done by an aboriginal chief. He had gotten his info from someone who got in through the aboriginal stream, but i'm guessing his understanding was a little off.

I'm an 3rd year engineering student (Software) and unfortunatly won't have completed the med prereqs for a little while, but I was really looking to see if I should concentrate my efforts in implicating myself with aboriginal issues rather than regular medschool stuff. This really gives me my answer! Thanks guys!

[NicMB]

Hey Matt. Yes, I would have preferred to compete in the regular stream of applicants if I had been able to. I looked at the number of Aboriginal applicants in past years, the number of seats available, and didn't feel I'd be competitive enough to make the 8 seats.
Your brother could have been right about an Aboriginal chief interviewing. Like I said earlier, no one introduced themselves to me beyond their name and role, no mention of ancestry.
As far as planning your ECs/employment around your application, it's up to you whether you want to tailor yourself toward the Aboriginal stream. I'm a big advocate for being original and doing whatever you want to do, not necessarily doing the typical pre-med stuff. But I know others would disagree.
Good luck with your next couple years. There's lots of schools that push the Aboriginal presence. eg. Calgary takes it into account, Ottawa has a separate stream, MANITOBA is practically a sure thing. PM me if you want info regarding the Aboriginal program at these schools (I interviewed at all and am attending Calgary) or if you want some ideas for volunteering.