2014 Medicine Re-Applicants

I would advise that people with good academics and a good UKCAT to avoid applying for more than one PS heavy university. This is because it is so subjective. You may think you have a good PS and your teachers may agree along with any doctor that may have read it, but unless they have contacts on the admissions panel you can't be sure the admissions tutors will agree. If you love the medical school then gamble on one. But no more than one.


Posted from TSR Mobile

I would agree with this (although I gambled on two PS heavy unis and got lucky ).

Hi guys! I'm a medic reapplicant too. Ive applied for about 2 HCA jobs, 1 nursing assistant job, and a job as a assistant ward manager. I've just heard back from the nursing assistant job so far, and I have an assessment, and if I pass that, then an interview. I was wondering, do many people get called to assessments? Although I have been invited, are my chances low? Should I continue to apply for more jobs..

Hi! I'm also thinking of applying for post-graduate medicine either during the 2013/2014 and 2014/2015 academic year.

In terms of experience, I took a gap year during 2010/2011 and worked as a theatre support worker/auxiliary nurse for seven months. I have also shadowed a consultant in hepatology in 2011 and I'm also shadow him again during August/September. I've also volunteered as a junior mentor at a secondary school in Hackney and I'm currently trying to look for voluntary experience in a hospital environment.

In terms of my academics, I achieved A*AA in Maths, Chemistry and Biology. In addition, I've just finished the second year of my degree in Pharmacology last June and I'm also predicted a first.

Would it be wise for me to apply for graduate entry medicine during 2014 as I don't have much voluntary experience?

Where did you apply?


Posted from TSR Mobile

Most people get through to the assessments. The interview is the tricky bit because you appear young and inexperienced within that field, and that's the hardest barrier to overcome. Don't stop applying until they have confirmed that you have got the job.

I would agree with this (although I gambled on two PS heavy unis and got lucky ).

Which ones are PS heavy uni's and how do you tell

Check my sig.

Which ones are PS heavy uni's and how do you tell

What should I expect in the interview/ assesment?

The assessment is not hard. They will probably test you on numeracy and literacy, which doesn't get more difficult than foundation GCSE (Grade C-G). So don't worry about it. They may also ask you to demonstrate simple clinical skills such as taking blood pressure on a dummy or volunteer, or how to measure blood glucose levels.They will initially show you how to do it. Some may ask you to do a group discussion. What did they say in the invitation? I used Youtube tutorial videos for clinical skills, and it really isn't that hard if you know what to do.
You won't be expected to know how to take blood, use ECG's.

The interview isn't too bad. Just prepare for the common questions such as "Why HCA?", how have you demonstrated leadership, teamwork, communication, What does a HCA do, some ethical scenarios which require some common sense. Look up Infection Control, Patient Confidentiality and Equality & Diversity. Also refer to the person specification, which will be the qualities they'll assess you on during the interview.
)

Most people get through to the assessments. The interview is the tricky bit because you appear young and inexperienced within that field, and that's the hardest barrier to overcome. Don't stop applying until they have confirmed that you have got the job.



It would appear you do have lots of experience in a hospital or otherwise. In which case, don't worry too much about voluntary experience, you have always been productive - i.e. there are no huge obvious gaps. IMO Working as a HCA > volunteer work, as you get given the much more challenging jobs since you are getting paid for it. Overall, I see no reason why you don't have a very, very, very good chance of getting an offer (providing you apply strategically and get at least a 2.1 ). Obviously additional volunteer positions wouldn't hurt, but IMO you don't need it.

Thank you for replying! I feel a bit silly for applying for so many jobs.. If I look young am I likely not to get the job? I've done work experience at a hospital and volunteer at an Alzheimer's society..

Can you give me any tips on how to play my strengths?

guys after results day, say you get A* A* B or A* A B is there still a chance you'll be accepted into undergraduate medicine or would you have a better shot at resitting? then re applying

I dont know what a sig is so I just kind of went through your profile? Haha.

You're a healthcare assistant? That is so cool, I have an interview next week and am super nervous. With so many people applying, I'm just worried I'll look too young and inexperienced and won't stand a chance.
What should I expect in the interview/ assesment?
If you don't mind me asking which hospital do you work at, I'm in London too