Stacy Said:

Becoming a (medical) doctor (UK)?

We Answered:

hi i started med school at age 25 with a degree in nursing , no alevels and really crap gcse (b, c,c,c,c,c,d,e,f,f), sheffield is where i am and they love mature students you should speak to mr Raftery SUB dean for admissions, sheffield medical school just google for the adress (if your interested) you may need to do the pre med year it will depend on what level your at as far as sciences.... i would not recommend you try for graduate entry (4 yr course) very competitive
but basically med school for 5/6 years, foundation f1, f2 2years, then you specialise (eg medicine/surgery) and work up through senior posts to consultant, can take from 8-15 years depending on your skill and speciality..... if you are interesed in doing medicine write to all the med schools explaining your current academic situation(cv) and say why you want to be a doctor, on my course there is a 42 yr old who was an IT consultant who decided at age 37 that he wanted to work with people and was interested in the management and treatment of diseases...good luck..

Rhonda Said:

is a podiatrist/podiatrist surgeon classed as a doctor? uk only?

We Answered:

In the USA, yes
In the UK, no

Frank Said:

Hold on!! Doesn't the Sikh 'Indian' Prime Minister seem to sympathise with Muslim Doctors in UK bomb plot?

We Answered:

I dont think any person sympathises with the bomb plots/

Sandra Said:

Possible work experience to become a doctor....? (UK)?

We Answered:

Hey Richard,

You really need to research it well... It may be that actually Oxford isn't for you, and despite the reputation, another university may suit your needs better. As you are probably aware, places at medical school are somewhat limited anyway, especially at places like Oxford.

Within the NHS, a doctor is the same as any other doctor, usually regardless of the institution at which the degree was obtained. You might want to go onto a doctor forum and ask the same question though, but I am pretty sure that you would be considered as everybody else when applying for a junior doctor position.

DoE is a good award to have under your belt at any level, because it shows that you are able to work as part of a team, be organized and that you are commited to something. Obviously silver and gold are looked upon more favourably but just having bronze would put you one step ahead of someone who hadn't done DofE at all.

You are still fairly young, and at 15/16 you may find that you have problems undertaking work experiance in the medical field. You would be best getting a part time job and sticking to it, to show commitment. It is possible to get some work experiance in local hospices, nursing homes and hospitals, although these are few and far between. Write to places that are local to you, such as hospitals and nursing homes, to see if they have any voulenteering oppourtunities, although you may find that you have to be at least 16. (If you are not already!)

But anyway, good for you for aiming high, and I hope you achieve your goals. Be level headed and when it comes to your UCAS application, make sure that you write a bloody brilliant personal statement (It would be worth searching the internet for other Oxford applicants. Oxford are known for selecting a certain 'type' of person..but no copying! Otherwise you could be fined or all your choices will be canceled!)

Look around at other Medical Schools. There are lots out there, and you need to pick ones that are right for YOU as a person, not because you THINK you should be going there.

Good Luck :)

Charlie x

Travis Said:

Advice on Becoming a Doctor (UK and US)?

We Answered:

First you need to decide if you definately want to be a doctor.

It is extremely rewarding, you get to interact with lots of different people, you use problem solving skills, and you use all the skills you learn in everyday life.

BUT, it can be stressful and as you have already mentioned the competition levels are high, and now students really need to convince the interview panel why they want a career in medicine.

I personally could not imagine doing anything else, but the choice is yours.

In RE: to US vs UK, it is competitive in US as well and remember most candidates in US are expected to do a form of basic medical degree before being accepted onto a medical degree, and the studying is a long one, and I dont know how well you understand international health models, but the US do not use a NHS system and do turn people away based on financial reasons, and I know I could not look in the mirror if we practice that way in Britain, so you need to consider that as well.

I advice you look at university prospectives to look at admission criteria, try to get work experience at a GP practice or in hospital. There are books available e.g. How to get into medical school, just type it in amazon. And just talk to different people.

Remember medicine as a career is hard but extremely rewarding, and to be honest with you once you qualify you dont really have to worry too much about money.

hope this has been helpful, I wish you all the best.