Medical Malpractice

Any doctors or people who interview medical school applicants??

I will be applying for medicine as a graduate next year in London, England, and I was wondering if any doctors or admissions tutors etc could tell me if this work experience will help my application along well. I have worked with young people and children in my local community for 11 years in many ways, and I am looking into volunteering with Childline and also becoming a member of a prison members board which will involve helping to improve lives for female prisoners. I will also be applying for full time employment in the NHS once I complete my degree in Biological Sciences in May, perhaps as a HCA or something similar with lots of patient contact. I have done shadowing work experience before too, in 2 different hospitals. Does my experience sound sufficient enough for applying to a Graduate Entry medicine course? Could you please also add details of whether you are a doctor.student/interviewer etc, it'd be interesting for me to see where the advice is coming from, thanks

Public Comments

1. Your experience sounds amazing ... I didn't have nearly that amount, although I entered as an undergraduate ... It might be worthwhile getting some GP sessions in ... as well as the Hospital work ... just to give you a different perspective ... eg working in reception or shadowing a GP ... This will give you an all-rounder-type feel ... and given the current changes taking place in Primary Care and all the complex politics ongoing, it will give you something very current to talk about at an interview ... All the best hun x
2. Yes, it certainly does. However, you might like to get hold of a copy of 'Degree Course Offers 2007' by Brian Heap (or 2008 version if available yet) and turn to the 'Medicine' courses. There, you will find a section entitled 'Interview Questions' which will give loads of possible questions that you may be asked at interview. Also, a section entitled 'Reasons for Rejection.' Read it all carefully - remember the '5 P Principle' - 'Perfect Preparation Prevents Poor Performance.' They will want GOOD reasons for you wanting to become a doctor, evidence of a caring, ethical attitude to patients, ability to speak to patients in simple, plain language and evidence of cultural interests. They do NOT want science geeks. When did you last go to the theatre, to an art exhibition, what novel are you reading, sports, etc, etc. Be sure to look at the Prospectus for the university to which you are applying. Look at the CONTENT of each of the 5 years of the course. They WILL question you about your knowledge of their course. Not all courses are exactly the same. Do not be arrogant at the interview. Amazingly, many young men are arrogant. It will sink you. Good luck!