becoming a doctor

[milkybarkid]

hi i'm in year 12 currently taking humanity subjects - history, geography etc and no sciences or maths. i've recently decided that i want to be a doctor. what do i do? i'm already a year in and not taking the right subjects. science isn't my strongest point but i got a double B in my GCSE's. it's what i want to do but do i have to retake a year? help!

[Buenchico]

Take a look here:
http://www.learndirect-advice.co.uk/helpwithyo urcareer/jobprofiles/category28/
(Click the GP, Hospital or Surgeon link, as appropriate).

You'll see that there is a way into medicine without starting with a science background but it involves taking a one year pre-medical course (which extends the basic training period from 5 years to 6 years). There's also a route into medicine by taking a 4 year course after first gaining a degree in another subject. (Note, however, that this should be a 'relevant' subject so you don't seem to be well placed for that route).

I suggest talking to someone at your school or college about the possible options. I note that you mentioned your science grades at GCSE but the key A-level subject which many universities require medical students to have is maths. I used to teach A-level maths and I warn you that it's tough. I've known many students who've gained A or A* grades at GCSE suddenly finding themselves struggling with the A-level syllabus. If you consider retaking a year at school/college (in order to qualify for the 5 year training course) you'll have to take maths. If you continue with your present studies (and try to take the 6 year route into medicine) you might be able to avoid the A-level maths syllabus.

The LearnDirect site suggests that an A and two Bs might get you a place at medical college. If you add in a gap year spent doing something like helping in an African hospital that might be true. Otherwise, I'd suggest that most medical schools would be looking for something like 3 As and a B. (Medicine is the second hardest course to access. Only vetinerary science is harder).

Good luck!

Chris

[Buenchico]

vetinerary? Oops!
Make that 'veterinary' :-)

Chris

[natty23]

I am a medic and maths is not essentail for medical school, chemistry is!!

I would suggest you either apply for the 6 year courses (i.e standard course but with a pre-med year to get you up to speed) that way you can continue with your current alevels.

or

complete this year, so you have some qualification and then start your year 12 again with a chemistry, biology and another subject you enoy.

chemistry is essential if you want to apply to a standard 5 year course. and biology will help you immensely in your first 2 years of the degree.

other essentials include lots of work experience - volunteer at hospitals, do care work and ask for experience shadowing hospital doctors (hard to organise) or GP's (call the gp directly) and boost your personal statement with lots of team like stuff, and things that show you're organised.

[natty23]

Remember, its not all about the subjects you do, you need to stand out as a person. a lot of medical schools seem to be more into 'touchy feely' stuff nowadays, so try to appear altruistic and into social issues. once you get an interview, its all about personality, so make sure something stands out in your personal statement.

also changing your alevels could work for the better, as it takes a lot for someone to change a thing like that - hence highlighting your new found passion for medicine! ;)

[Gef]

Up here in Scotland Chemistry is essential plus another from Maths, Physics and Biology although in many cases Biology is now preferred.