What to study to be a doctor?

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Reply 20

06shawm

Original post by FutureDoctorT

So in order to get into a good medical school i need to do Bio,chem, and maths A levels ?

all medical schools require chemistry at A level, and most require biology to at least AS level

Reply 21

ilickbatteries

Original post by FutureDoctorT

Hi, i am currently in year 10 and doing my gcse's i am alright with that but what i wanted to know was, what i need to study in college to go to medical school? and also how many years do i study in medical school and the training to be a doctor after that and them things ?????

Don't forget the handwriting test.

You have to be able to write a legible prescription on an FP10 form that clearly states the drug, form, dose, strength and quantity. This is why doctors have such good handwriting.

Oh wait, they can't write for ****.

Please, if you do become a doctor, whilst you're learning about bones and stuff, remember how to write so I'm not forever trying to translate your heiroglyphic handwriting into something that makes sense.

(edited 11 years ago)

Reply 22

FutureDoctorT

I cant wait to finish my GCSE'S then go off to sixthform and then MedSchool !!!!!!!!!!

Reply 23

AishaTara

Original post by FutureDoctorT

True, but i am not at that stage yet :smile:

i will eventually learn what to say ... i think

its not about 'learning what to say to impress them' its about understanding what the role of a doctor is and fully deciding if its for you. In three years youll thank me. People on here did the same to me, but im so glad they did. I started looking at other NHS options and then realised what was so special about medicine over them. The earlier you start the easier it is, trust me! I hear so many people say really silly things and then they wonder why they received a rejection. Interviewers will GRILL you if they think you dont sound genuine.

(edited 11 years ago)

Reply 24

AishaTara

Original post by FutureDoctorT

I cant wait to finish my GCSE'S then go off to sixthform and then MedSchool !!!!!!!!!!

haha honestly, the years go quick. I said the same in yr 10 and now im an old year 13 :P 5 months to go! :smile:

just work hard!

Reply 25

FutureDoctorT

Original post by AishaTara

Thats so true !

Reply 26

FutureDoctorT

Original post by AishaTara

haha honestly, the years go quick. I said the same in yr 10 and now im an old year 13 :P 5 months to go! :smile:

just work hard!

Is A Levels so different and hard compared to GCSE's ?

Reply 27

06shawm

have plenty of work experience and voluntary work! so important!

Reply 28

AishaTara

Original post by FutureDoctorT

Is A Levels so different and hard compared to GCSE's ?

haha yes! it is a step up, but I dont find them hard, just more tedious and ALOT of understanding not memorising
Just work from day 1 and youll be fine

Reply 29

meilegg

Original post by AishaTara

'Silly things'? Such as? I'm worried that if I'm lucky enough to get an interview I'll say something really stupid, even though I don't mean it and it'll ruin my chances.

Reply 30

AishaTara

Original post by meilegg

'Silly things'? Such as? I'm worried that if I'm lucky enough to get an interview I'll say something really stupid, even though I don't mean it and it'll ruin my chances.

well they dont prepare so when they get asked why medicine, they get grilled down to why not nursing and they cant answer
or they accidently say things like 'doctors are respected more' a massive no no.
or they'll just generally say something which is totally wrong! You have to be critically with every response -dont worry too much yet, but when writing your PS, think of how someone could 'attack your point'
if im still around, id be happy to help.
dw interviews arent that bad. Tbh, if you're a natural, you'll shine :wink:

dont worry until yr 13 about interviews.
I mucked up my last question so badly, but still got an offer (they asked talk about something youve read, and i talked about my w.e :redface:

)

Reply 31

coconut2456

Original post by FutureDoctorT

Is A Levels so different and hard compared to GCSE's ?

Depends really, overall I actually found GCSEs harder than A levels because I had to do well in subjects which I really wasn't that good at. On the other hand, it's true that A level is a pretty major step up in terms of content but since I was studying my strongest subjects I found it easier. If you're the same then you should be fine tbh.

As for medicine, don't have your heart set on it now honestly, be prepared to go into any other career but get some work experience in a hospital and see if it's right for you. If it really isn't right for you then don't try and force yourself to go into it because you will end up regretting it. On the other hand if you think it's the right career for you then work out why you think that is so and you'll have your answer to that standard "why medicine?" question.

Original post by meilegg

'Silly things'? Such as? I'm worried that if I'm lucky enough to get an interview I'll say something really stupid, even though I don't mean it and it'll ruin my chances.

Don't worry too much about the interviews, they're usually laid back. The interviewers understand how nervous everyone will be so they're not going to be your enemy. If your reasons for wanting to go into medicine are genuine then you'll be fine. Everyone has said some stupid things anyway :biggrin:

Reply 32

AishaTara

exactly ^^ supporting the point made above.
Be honest and genuineness. when I went for my interview, the guy doing a tour said that its best to be yourself. if you put on an act, they'll suss it out and grill you. Also, if they reject you they might be doing you a favour, as you may not be suited (just yet or at all) for their course, or for the Uni itself.
Give it your best and see where it takes you :smile:

Reply 33

Pendulum3

I have a sort of similar dilemma, I'm not doing so well in school and I want to become a Doctor/Nurse, but my test grades suggest that I won't even get to do AS Levels, so I have to start working hard, even my parents have asked me to think of a new career path, but anyways I'm just focusing on my GCSE. My school don't offer out work experience so what should I do, it does unrealistic however that I will be able to do it, but my father has suggested tuiton, but I don't want to waste his money, and plus it's far to expensive, £30 an hour :confused:

, so I'm going to start putting in the effort at home. I've picked, History , IT Computer Science, Resistant Material (Might drop it for Sociology) and Urdu (maybe drop it for french).

(edited 11 years ago)

Reply 34

cbrand493

Original post by Pendulum3

, so I'm going to start putting in the effort at home. I've picked, History , IT Computer Science, Resistant Material (Might drop it for Sociology) and Urdu (maybe drop it for french).

You won't get into med school with those AS choices. Sorry.

Reply 35

Pendulum3

Original post by cbrand493

You won't get into med school with those AS choices. Sorry.

This is what I thought, no need for apologies, I haven't been picked for triple science which is the biggest drop for me, maybe if I paid attention in school more.

Reply 36

AishaTara

Original post by Pendulum3

, so I'm going to start putting in the effort at home. I've picked, History , IT Computer Science, Resistant Material (Might drop it for Sociology) and Urdu (maybe drop it for french).

for medicine you need Bio, Chem (most med schools want them) and two others. If its your native language, it probs wont count, do psychology/sociology,
Alot of people do maths/physics - but dont do it if you dont like them
as long as u have bio/chem youre fine
you need AAA at A2
Also as high possible GCSEs
For nursing, your Alevel options are fine- a friend did health and social care, photography and business over 3 years and got into bucks new
if you dont get into sixthform, Medicine isn't an option unless you do btec sciences and then do an access course.

What are you predicted in your GCSEs subjects? if youre in year 9 still you have PLENTY of time to get them up to an A-A* grades!!! :smile:

Reply 37

Ronove

Original post by AishaTara

I'm pretty sure you need Biology to do nursing. My sister expressed a desire to do midwifery and it appears you need it for that, so I presume it's the same for nursing.

PS 'Old Year 13' - :rofl2:

Reply 38

RemiMarcelle

Original post by sweetcheeks2809

So 5/6 years at medical school/university.

2 years working as a Foundation doctor ... you're thinking about specializing at this point.
After foundation years you're working to specialise to become a GP or consultant. To become a GP, you spend about 4 years specialising.

Do you get to specialise in a certain subject? Like oncology etc

Posted from TSR Mobile

Reply 39

Ronove

Original post by RemiMarcelle

Do you get to specialise in a certain subject? Like oncology etc

Posted from TSR Mobile

Yes. Where the poster you replied to said 'GP or consultant', what they should have said was GP or a hospital doctor in a certain specialty. Consultant is just the highest rank of doctor in hospital and has nothing to do with which specialty they're in. Specialties include (for example) paediatrics, psychiatry, surgery.