• Question: What tips would you give to people who want to be a doctor

    Asked by Nova to Christie, Dan, David, Dawn, Sian on 15 Jun 2016.
    • Photo: Christie Waddington

      Christie Waddington answered on 15 Jun 2016:

      Applications for medicine are becoming more and more competitive so you need to make your personal statement noticeable. Immediately, I would say get some work experience. Ask your local GP practice and local hospital, who should be able to help. For UCAS applications, this shows you are dedicated to the career. If you can, try and do some charity or volunteer work to show your caring side such as volunteering at a caring home.
      Typically, universities ask for A levels in Biology and Chemistry as a minimum and you’ll most likely need A/A* at A level, mainly because of the number of applicants they get!
      Lastly, put in a hobby outside of medicine/school work – any sports/hobbies? They’ll be looking for well-rounded individuals!
      Hope that helps!

    • Photo: Dawn Lau

      Dawn Lau answered on 15 Jun 2016:

      I think the most important thing, in addition to getting good A levels, is getting work experience. Try to ask around – family, friends, local GP clinic, local hospitals – and see if anyone knows where you can get some work experience. It doesn’t have to just consist of following doctors around (shadowing). Because lots of people who apply for medicine already have work experience, you should try and do some volunteering work as well. It would be great to get experience of caring for people, such as volunteering at an elderly home, or at a soup kitchen for the homeless, etc.

      But don’t just dedicate all your time to volunteering and studying – admissions tutors also look for people who aren’t just straight A* students! If you have any interests or passions, it’s a good time to cultivate them. For example, being in a hobby club shows commitment and dedication to an activity and exposes you to different types of people. Good luck!

    • Photo: David Robertson

      David Robertson answered on 15 Jun 2016:

      Two good answers already from Dawn and Christie. The only thing I would add is you have to be very good with people, some of whom are grumpy and ill, so the volunteering is really important to see if this is really for you.

    • Photo: Sian Thomas

      Sian Thomas answered on 17 Jun 2016:

      Work hard and speak to people who are already in the role!

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