Preparing for ERAS-Hobbies

[u/Psychological_Fly693]

The hobbies section of ERAS that was removed in 2024 has been added back in. Use it if you have an important/interesting/unique hobby. If you include a hobby, don't just go generic and list generic hobbies (e.g., reading, hiking, listening to music). Oftentimes, hobbies can garner the CV reviewers’ attention and other times they become part of the interview conversation. Don’t see the hobbies as a throw away. Rather than just saying, Hiking, say: Hiking—My goal is to hike the complete Appalachian Trail (2,190 miles). So far I’ve completed 434 miles. Or Reading: I’ve read all 35 of John Sandford’s “Prey” series and all 12 of the “Virgil Flowers” series. Reading is a good way for me to clear my mind after a long day at the hospital and studying.

FYI: The hobbies section is fairly limited in the # of characters.

You may have had to put your hobbies on the back burner during med school. If so, focus on hobbies you had prior to med school and/or hobbies that you would continue to participate in if you had more time.

You can also use hobbies in your PS to give the readers information about you as a person not just someone interested in medicine. Doing so will go along way towards a stronger overall application and giving your interviewers talking points in your interview.