Young people choose to study medicine for a variety of reasons, often rooted in a desire to make a real difference in people’s lives, a fascination with biology and how the human body functions, or because of personal injury or illness which left a lasting impression upon them. Others choose the career because of the profession’s perceived prestige, higher salary and job security.
Competition for places at medical school is very fierce, and even achieving great A Level grades or gaining directly relevant work experience may not be enough to secure a coveted place at med school. Let’s have a look at what’s involved.
Things to consider when choosing a career in Medicine
Although there is considerable job satisfaction from helping others, being a doctor is highly stressful. There are times when you won’t be able to help and will be breaking bad news to relatives and patients, often after long hours and working nights, or you may be seeing a lot of patients in a day as a GP.
As with any other career, it is important to assess your strengths, skills, and personal qualities to ensure that you are the right person for the job. Skills required for a career in medicine include:
- Academic excellence as most universities require a minimum of three grade As in A Levels
- Strong scientific ability including a deep understanding of biological sciences
- Organisational skills and accurate reporting and administration
- People skills, such as empathy and the ability to build rapport
- Communication skills, including deep listening skills
- Ability to work in a team and potentially lead a team of professionals from other disciplines such as nurses
- Stress management, emotional intelligence and resilience
- Desire to learn and teach
Pathways into Medicine
Undergraduate Medicine Degree: Students typically apply to medical school directly after completing their A-levels (or equivalent qualifications such as the International Baccalaureate. A medical degree takes five to six years to complete and includes a combination of theoretical learning, practical skills development, and clinical placements.
Transfer to Medicine: It is sometimes possible to transfer from a related degree such as Biomedical Science at the end of the first year if the university has the capacity and if all students follow a common pathway.
Graduate Entry Medicine: This route offers a fast-track four-year medical degree option for those who have already completed a degree in a directly relevant degree.
Studying Medicine Abroad: Some students choose to study medicine at European universities or other international institutions. This can offer lower tuition fees, different entry requirements, and exposure to diverse healthcare systems. However, it’s essential to research accreditation and ensure the degree is recognised in the UK for future practice.
Foundation Medicine: Foundation medicine courses are designed for students who meet specific widening participation criteria, such as socio-economic background or educational disadvantage. These programmes typically add an additional preparatory year before transitioning into standard medical training, providing extra support and academic development.
Entry Requirements for Medicine
Most medical schools require A-Levels in both Chemistry and Biology and ideally an extra science subject, such as Physics, Maths or Psychology. However, there are different combinations of subjects you could theoretically take, including non-science subjects. They require GCSEs at a minimum of grade 6 in English, Maths and Sciences, but stress that successful applicants will typically achieve grades 7-9 at GCSE, including Maths and English.
The Application Process
Aptitude Tests: Before making an application for medical degrees, a prospective medical student must sit an aptitude test. The test most used by UK medical schools is the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT).
It is a two-hour, computer-based aptitude test that’s designed to help universities gauge whether a candidate has the attitude, mental ability and professionalism needed to thrive. Each section of the UCAT assesses different skills and mental abilities that doctors are required to have. These include problem-solving, communication, numerical skills, spatial awareness, integrity and empathy.
UCAT tests are only held at a designated testing centre, and applicants may only take it once per application cycle. It is important to prepare thoroughly for the test and use practice materials as the score will be assessed as part of the application.
Deadline dates: Applications to medical, dental and veterinary courses are through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (www.ucas.com), and applications are earlier than other degrees, usually in mid-October of year 13.
Non-clinical choice: Applicants can choose up to four Medical Schools on their UCAS form. The fifth choice is to apply for anything except medicine and will not prejudice the application to medicine in any way. It should be a course that would be of genuine interest, as it is a back-up in case they do not receive any offers to study medicine.
Many students use the fifth choice for a medicine-related degree. Common choices include biomedical sciences, biochemistry, pharmacy, psychology, chemistry, biology or an allied health profession course such as nursing.
Relevant Work Experience: Work experience is a good way for a young person to gauge whether a career in medicine is a suitable option. Gaining hands-on experience is vital also for a successful application to Med School. Ideally try to gain experience in a hospital setting, a GP surgery, as a volunteer with a healthcare provider, or as a paid member of staff in a care setting such as a nursing home.
It is recommended to keep a reflective journal during work experience to record what has been learned, as this will help to demonstrate and articulate on applications and in interviews how these experiences have influenced the decision to pursue a career in medicine, and that you have the personal growth, and self-awareness, to cope with the challenges and rewards of working in healthcare.
In summary...
Applying to medical school takes a lot of planning, dedication and resilience. Young people need to have strong academic abilities, key skills such as empathy and nuanced communication, and sector knowledge and insight developed through relevant work experience.
As parents, our guidance and encouragement play a crucial role in supporting our children. Applying to medicine is a competitive and arduous journey for our youngsters. We must be as supportive and encouraging as possible, yet aware that not all applicants will be successful and that we must help them find satisfying alternative pathways. For more advice and information, have a look at the resources below.
Guides on applying for Medicine
- www.ucas.com/explore/subjects/medicine
- www.themedicportal.com
- www.bma.org.uk/advice-and-support/studying-medicine
Aptitude test
General health careers
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