Hello, I just graduated from a top 20 university in the U.S., as an international student. My degrees were Neuroscience (B.S.) and Economics (B.A.). I have been interested in studying medicine in the UK, and possibly living there in the long term.
I have searched online that the following UK medical schools accept non-EU internationals for graduate entry program:
Queen Mary’s University of London
Imperial College School of Medicine
King’s College London, School of Medicine
Nottingham
Oxford University
My graduating cumulative GPA was 3.75, with science 3.83 science GPA (math, chemistry, biology, physics). Would UK schools care about the difference?
Biomedical Research:
I have done research in three different labs. First two were both in short-term. I mainly learned many techniques in different research fields. In my third lab, I have been consistently working for 1 year so far, with about 15-20hrs/week. I also have one co-author publication from this lab. I will continue working here until medical school.
Volunteers:
Hospital volunteer escorting patient for 1 year (150 hrs).
Hospital volunteer playing with pediatric patients for 1 year (~120hrs) ongoing
ECs:
Leadership positions in two student organizations
Undergraduate clinical research associate assisting various clinical research in the field of Epidemiology, Neurology, and Clinical Research Center.
Work:
Since this June, I have been working in clinical research (Ophthalmology) as a lead unmasked technician. I prepare the drug being administered and monitor the treatment process, which is usually done by a physician. From this job, I get a lot more patient interaction, and feel very excited for my patients who are receiving a promising treatment that is not available elsewhere.
Reference Letter:
I am confident that my letter writers would write me a strong letter as I know them pretty well personally.
English Skills:
English is not my first language, but I am proficient enough to communicate in various settings including class discussion, in the clinic, in research, and in socials. I have seen a significant improvement in my English skills within the 4 years I studied in the US.
I have thought about U.S. medical schools before. However, due to the competitiveness and my foreign status, I have a lot more restrictions getting in one. Also, I would love to study/live in the UK, which is a very different environment with great medical education.
My questions:
1.Do I have any chance to study medicine in the UK? I have not taken A-level or IB. I am planning to take the UKCAT in September 2016, and BMAT in November 2016.
2.Is it possible for non-EU internationals to get residency (surgical specialty) after medical school?
3.Is research also a focus for medical professionals in the UK?