[Unobstructed Views]

I've wanted to go into medicine for the past couple of years, and its something I really am passionate about.
But I just came back from a month long trip abroad, and now I don't know whether I actually want to apply this year, or even ever.

Keep telling myself that I would be just as happy taking a gap year, earning money and going travelling. After that, I could pursue a career in a branch of science, and just get research jobs abroad.

But I still do want to be a doctor, but the spark just isn't as big as it was before. I considered taking a gap year and applying for 2014 entry, but then people keep saying I should apply this year anyway, because its so competitive, so I would be increasing my chance of getting accepted.

Just don't know what to do, and the application deadline is getting nearer and nearer.

It'd be great if someone who has been in this position could help, and give some advice. I know its me who has to make the final decision, but I'd just like to hear more points of view, especially from those who had taken gap years or travelled or whatever.

Cheers

[nexttime]

Is it easy to get research jobs abroad? Easier than being a medic abroad?

You can apply this year for deferred entry, so still have that gap year.

There are holidays whilst at uni, particularly the long summers, which can be used for travelling. That is the approach i took. You've also got your elective.

EDIT: You can also take gap years within your career - after FY2 is a very common time.

[Anna1988]

Well, in order to be a "serious" researcher in any science field, you would need to do your BSc followed by PhD (some also do a Master's) and further to that, many researchers also have post-doctorals so really it's not a shorter or easier route. You would be able to work abroad as a doctor, of course subject to exams and further study depending on where you want to go (US and Canada being quite difficult whereas third world countries are less strict and you can do more sooner) but yes it wouldn't be practical to take huge amounts of time off during your training. There are also opportunities for electives and volunteering abroad if you do medicine, depends on how much travelling you want to be doing. So it should really come down to your deciding whether you want to be a doctor or researcher and don't go into either without making sure first as they both require lots of commitment. Best of luck either way though :-)

[Helloworld_95]

defer your application, there are a few uni's which prefer reapplicants (Peninsula guarantees interviews iirc so Exeter and Plymouth should too.), and providing you get the grades first time round no uni will hold your application to a lower standard.

The extra year will allow you to think harder about whether medicine is for you, get some extra work experience, save up some money and go travelling, so I'd say go for it.