Our Interview With Dr. David S. Feldman

Inspira Advantage interviewed Dr. David S. Feldman, a Pediatric Orthopedic and Spinal Deformity surgeon. He is the Associate Director of the Paley Institute and leader of the Spine Deformity Center and Hip Pain Center. Previously, he served as Chief of Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery and a professor of Orthopedic Surgery and pediatrics at NYU Langone Medical Center/NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases.

What motivated you to pursue a career in medicine? 

Love of science, my personality, and childhood life experiences.

What do you wish you had known about the medical school application process before you applied? 

I wish I had know that one can be more prepared than I was for what medical schools were looking for. I did it alone.

What was the biggest challenge that caught you off guard when you sat down to write the MCAT?

The concentration to study for it.

How much work experience did you gain before applying to medical school? What opportunities did you pursue, and what helped you the most during the application process?

I did basic scientific research as well as clinical work in an ER. The thing that helped me most was just being honest that medicine is truly a calling.

Did you have any setbacks or rejections during the med school admissions process, and what did you learn from those experiences?

Few, but yes, and unfortunately one has to be aware of who is interviewing and what they want to hear and what they want to be asked.  They may not want to hear the truth about their program nor be asked about it.

What led you to specialize in Pediatric orthopedic surgyer? What advice would you give to someone looking to pursue your specialty? 

It should be a true passion and love of children and surgery.

If someone wants to start their own practice, what does that path look like after finishing medical school?

All is contingent on what and where, but availability, affability, and, in the end, ability are the first three components. 

What advice would you give to someone who’s looking to start their practice today?

Understand the need and economics of where you are and what you do. Also, as in most new jobs, you will be working long hours in the beginning.

Inspira Advantage is proud to interview experts like Dr. David S. Feldman to help future doctors understand the challenges and rewards of a medical career. Learn more about how our experts can help you get into medical school today.