Gap year and Medicine

So in the past, a gap year was never even a discussion. But the more competitive I see the medicine route is, the more it comes to mind. With knowledge that I would prefer to go abroad to somewhere like the USA, Japan or maybe even New Zealand, where would you suggest to go and what should I be doing to ensure I get an offer the second time around I apply?

Reply 1

TSR Hippocrates

Hey there, thanks for posting a question in the Medicine forum. :biggrin:

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The "Which Medical School Should I Apply To?" Uberthread
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Reply 2

bee2018

Original post by KitCat13

This is a tricky question to answer, because I have 0 experience doing medicine abroad. However, I do many people who have gone onto study abroad (mostly EU countries like Poland, Bulgaria and Romania). If you do decide to go down this route ensure the degree is approved by the GMC - I believe they have a list on their website. But be aware that you'll need to take the PLAB exam to practice in the UK as a doctor and you'll be competing with other international medics as well. Having said this, if after taking a gap year you haven't got an offer yet, going abroad to study medicine is not a bad idea if you think this will suit you. I also know of people who have taken 2 gap years to get an offer to study medicine in the UK! It depends on you essentially and how much time you can invest in this career. Medicine is more of a journey than a race. I hope that helps.

Reply 3

circusqueen

Hi, some good advice above on applying for med overseas.

It's true that med is competitive, and often it's a 2 or 3 cycle journey. Often not planned in advance. Ie unsuccessful first cycle or successful but don't get the grades. So this is a different thing to specifically planning a gap year in order to travel (which sounds amazing!)

Here are some links to previous threads which might be of interest. This kinda mashes together this thread with the other ones you have so apologies if a bit muddled.

https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=7445297#post99186599

https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=7430467#post99040710

and a long one to prove its possible. Open the spoilers to read !!

https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=7209108

Good luck.

Reply 4

momomo1234

Hi, I’m studying abroad in Georgia, currently a third year medic. Let me know if you have any questions :smile:

Reply 5

KitCat13

Original post by momomo1234

Hi, I’m studying abroad in Georgia, currently a third year medic. Let me know if you have any questions :smile:

What kind of preparation work or research did you do before deciding to move to Georgia?

Reply 6

momomo1234

Just went through an agency, they sorted most of it for me.

Reply 7

S.Jav23

Original post by momomo1234

Just went through an agency, they sorted most of it for me.

hey there, is the university you're studying at accredited and do you need to learn their language beforehand?

Reply 8

Rohan007best

Original post by momomo1234

Just went through an agency, they sorted most of it for me.

hi how much in total do u pay a year for uni fees, accommodation food etc if u don't mind me asking and how do u fund ur studies?

Reply 9

momomo1234

Original post by S.Jav23

hey there, is the university you're studying at accredited and do you need to learn their language beforehand?

Yeah it’s accredited and no they teach the language on the course. Contact the agency, they’ll help you with most of the questions better than I can. Think they’re called MedentEurope on insta

Reply 10

momomo1234

Original post by Rohan007best

hi how much in total do u pay a year for uni fees, accommodation food etc if u don't mind me asking and how do u fund ur studies?

About 5.2k a year, accom is around £300pm & I work in the summer, and parents help me fund. I went through Medenteurope.com - most of my friends did too, they help you find accom for your budget so ur not worrying about any of that.