Tips for second year Medical Students

Second year is a bit of a hazy blur, but at my medical school it is another academic year.
I enjoyed it more than first year, as we started covering clinical conditions and pathology, and there felt like there was a light at the end of the tunnel to all the biochemistry!

Second year is the last year where you still have free time, as soon as the clinical years start you have 9-5 placement and extra work on top of that. In second year I probably had 20 hours a week and still plenty of afternoons off.

So essentially second year is your last time to play! Make the most of it.

• Make the most of your free time: this is the last year where you have a lot of free time for societies/ sports etc, obviously you can do these things in the later years! It's just a bit more stressful. So make the most of opportunities.

• Start thinking about your future career: Attend all the free talks with pizza and Consultants, these are valuable opportunities to think about what you might want to do. Start thinking about how you might bulk our your CV and applications, attend training courses and taster events, get involved with research projects over Summer or during term time. You may even want to think about entering some essay prize competitions, https://www.rsm.ac.uk/prizes-awards/students.aspx, that link provides a fairly comprehensive list of competitions available to medical students and trainees, but check individual speciality websites encase they have more. 

• Get into good working habits: In first year you might have/ probably got away with doing the minimum amount of work and cramming at the end. But this will have to change as you go on (sadly). In second year we had more exams and anatomy spot tests, as well some ridiculously large modules (I'm talking 100 hours + lecture time), which made me considerably more organised. Trial and test you own methods, from mind maps to a4 posters, but here are some pretty fail safe tips:

1. Attend everything - I cannot stress this enough. This may the only time you are taught certain material, you have access to world class lecturers and clinicians, use this, it is such a privilege. 
2. Make good notes at the time - pay attention, there is no point slogging into Uni and spending 5 hours with one head phone in, you might as well have just stayed in bed. If you make good notes at the time, even if you never review the material, it's there as a fail safe for revision time. Much less stressful than desperately calling in favours a week before the exam to get notes!
3. Review your notes - that being said, reviewing your work will mean you retain it for much longer. This is a pretty open ended one, a 'review' could be anything from reading them again at the end of the week, to making A3 posters you stick around your bedroom wall. A lot of medics have a liking for writing and re-writing their notes... this could possibly be argued as an exercise in procrastination, but for many it works well. Others teach the material to themselves, make mind maps, flashcards etc. There's many ways to review and retain information, find one that works for you. I personally try and summarise/ teach the lecture back to myself, review the weeks information on a Sunday, and then do colourful A4 revision posters around exam time. 
4. Slow and steady wins the race - the oldest advice is often the best advice! If you do work little and often, it feels much more manageable, and come deadline/ exam time, you should hopefully feel more confident. There's many ways to do this, some people treat Uni as a 9-5 and fill breaks with hour long work sessions, others blitz it all out on a Sunday afternoon, and some do a few hours in the evening Monday to Friday, and take the weekend as a complete break. You will know when is best for you, think about what times of day you work best, when you have priorities (i.e. sports training, volunteering), and how long it normally takes you to complete things. If you put away some hours now, trust me, exams and deadlines become infinitely less stressful, it means on the wards you will actually know things, and generally your life will be considerably easier. 

• Enjoy yourself: Make the most of your medic and non-medic friends. Soon the non-medics will be graduating, and in clinical years you see much much less of your medic friends, as you're all off on different placements across your County. Have loads of fun and make the most of every opportunity, medical school really is great. 

I hope this has been slightly useful, I was going to add in a point about textbooks, but I generally feel that the people who want to buy loads of text books will do, and the people who were never going to, never will, despite the endless advice about asking older years and checking out the library, who can resist that heavy book deal at Blackwell's. 

Till next time.

Coming back!

Wow it has been a long time!

I still get regular emails from comments on my GSCE-related posts with the usual 'I'm doing 16 GSCE's and 4 early A-Levels can I get into Oxford?' but sadly they didn't inspire me much to reply (I'm sure the information is already there...).
I passed 2nd and 3rd year and am intercalating next year, however I will start uploading posts again on surviving the academic and clinical years, and whether or not to intercalate!

Thank you to anyone who still uses/ reads this blog.

Wannabe (and closer to being) Doctor

First year of Medicine tips

Well it has been pretty great, from the stress of almost missing my first exam, to the high of being in my first surgery.

I have made some amazing friends, mainly in my halls, with their wonderful eclectic mix of personalities, medics are fab, and definitely fun to go out with, but I ended up spending a lot more time with my halls friends rather then becoming a "medic-medic" and closing off my friendship group.

Tips for anyone starting Medicine in a few weeks (or University generally):

• I have been through two freshers, and I promise you that talking to everyone you meet, regardless if they are/ aren't like your "bessie mates from home" will help you no end. You will make friends with people you never thought you would, and will ultimately find some beautiful gems of people. 
• Work out that "study-party" balance later in October. Use the first few weeks to make friends; go to every event, attend all the society tasters, take up that invitation for coffee or to go Irish dancing, you really don't need to be working hard at this point I promise. 
• Medicine is actually a lot more work then most degrees. Lecturers and course leaders will drum this into you, you will attend numerous talks on looking after your mental health and stress, but no-one really listens until Summer term when you are trapped in lectures and revision and everyone else is done and frolicking in the sun. Don't resent it, we have a guaranteed job at the end of this, the quicker you accept you have to work harder and longer then everyone else, the quicker you stop complaining about it and people won't be annoyed at you. Look after other medics, get your work done, and try to not compare timetables with a History of Art student. 
• Attendance is important. I know this better than most as I had to spend part of August stuck in a village GP due to missing placement. ATTEND MY GOD ATTEND. It makes sure you get to know everyone on your course,  feel psychologically involved, and it is a lot less stressful round exam time if you have a complete set of notes... I know it will be tempting to skip lectures, and sleep in, especially if you are on the routine and habits of an Arts student, but you are not an Arts student and you will be responsible for serious decisions and responsibilities soon. So man/ woman up, set a lot of alarms around your room, and you'll get use to it petal I promise. 
• Try not to get too stressed. You are doing enough work and you were good enough to get in. If you attend most things, complete the work that's requested of you (keen beans do extra and there is no shame in that but also not much necessity) you will be fine. Medics are notoriously stress pots, but try your very best to not fall into this - you know the drill, eat healthy, exercise, have outside activities, make lists and get help when you need it.

Ultimately, you will have a fantastic time, I know I did.

Universities resit policies for medicine

WRITTEN SUMMER 2012 - ALWAYS CHECK POLICIES
Good evening,
I hope everyone's exams are going well / have gone well (depending on where you are in your life) and that you feel confident you've got the grades you need.

I realise this post comes with some unfortunate timing as it is exam results day tomorrow, but I'm seriously rooting for everybody to have got the grades they need to get in, and if you miss them, well that's a post for tomorrow I suppose.

Universities policies on re-sits change quite frequently, for example, Sheffield used to be well known as a "resit University" and changed this status due to the high number of resit applications they received. So if you are reading this after 2012 and it hasn't been updated, check for yourself.

Let's begin!

Aberdeen: does not accept resit applicants.
Barts: does not accept resit applicants.
Birmingham: accepts resit applications when there have been extenuating circumstances, and the required grades have been narrowly missed. However they will not accept applications from people who have been previously rejected. I don't know if this means that only people who have previously been offered a place can apply, or anyone who hasn't previously applied...
Brighton: accept resit applicants. The applicant must have only narrowly missed one grade, and must have achieved at least a B. You've got to get an A* in the re-sat subject.
Cardiff: accept resit applicants. You must have achieved at least a B in Biology to apply.
Dundee: does not accept resit applicants.
Durham: does not accept resit applicants.
UEA: accept resit applicants. You must have achieved BBB or ABC. If you resit all 3 A-Levels you need to get A*AA, if just re-sitting one subject, you must achieve an A* in it.
Edinburgh: accepts resit applicants who have extenuating circumstances, however you must provide evidence of these circumstances before you apply in the next UCAS cycle.
Glasgow: accepts resit applicants who have extenuating circumstances, and have narrowly missed a grade, however you must provide evidence of these circumstances before you apply in the next UCAS cycle.
Hull York: accepts resit applicants who have extenuating circumstances with documented evidence.
Imperial: accepts resit applicants who have previously had an offer from Imperial, and who have acceptable extenuating circumstances to explain missing their grades, these circumstances must be included in the referee statement and the candidate should write directly to the school. You have to achieve at least CCC, and be predicted AAA in WINTER exams (not Summer!).
Keele: only accepts applications from re-sitters who have already achieved their re-sit grades (essentially you can't apply till the year after).
Kings: I couldn't actually find the information! If anyone knows please comment below and I will edit it in.
Lancaster: accepts resit applicants. You have to meet their minimum GCSE requirements and discuss it in your personal statement.
Leeds: accepts resit applications from people who have previously held an offer from Leeds, and have well documented extenuating circumstances. You must provide the information and contact the admissions office before applying in the next UCAS cycle.
Leicester: do not accept resit applicants. However they MIGHT accept a resit candidate who has previously held an offer and has strong mitigating circumstances (always worth asking if you fit this criteria!)
Liverpool: resit applicants CAN be considered. You must reflect about re-sitting on your personal statement, and meet the GCSE grades.
Manchester: considers resit applications, however candidates must perform very well at interview to be considered for a place, play to your strong suits if you know you are good / bad at interviews.
Newcastle: does not accept resit applicants.
Oxford: re-sit applicants considered with extenuating circumstances and evidence given.
Peninsula: accepts resit applications, you must have achieved AAB in the first sitting.
Sheffield: resit applicants not accepted.
Southampton: resit applications are considered, you must reflect on your personal statement.
St Andrews: consider resit applicants with extenuating circumstances, you must send evidence to the admissions office before the next UCAS cycle.
St. Georges: resit applicants not accepted.

To some this up, for those of you without extenuating circumstances, and only missing one grade, you can apply to:

• Brighton
• Cardiff
• UEA
• Keele (in a year)
• Lancaster
• Liverpool
• Manchester
• Peninsula 
• Southampton

I hope this has been helpful. I probably won't  be able to answer many questions on the subject, so anyone with queries is best of contacting admissions offices.

Good good good luck with exam results tomorrow, all the best! 

A-Level requirements for Medicine

UPDATED: 08/05/2012

Hola chicas!

It's been a while since I've done an application friendly post, so here is a post all about the A-levels and grades required by Universities, enjoy my darlings.
Note: Essentially no Universities accept General Studies or Critical Thinking as an A-level, and most Universities require Chemistry A-Level. Any exceptions to this rule will be underlined below.

Some general tid-bits:

• Take A-Level Chemistry, unless you are okay with a slightly restricted choice.
• Avoid taking subjects with similar content (Maths/Further Maths, Biology/Human Biology, Biology/Sports Science) because Universities seem to disregard the extra subject slightly.
• Research my friends! 

Aberdeen: AAA in 2 years of study. Chemistry + one of Bio, Maths or Physics.
Barts&London: Possibly the only University not requiring A-level Chemistry! AAAb in 2 years of study. Your A-Levels much include one of Chemistry or Biology. If Chemistry or Biology are dropped at AS, you must have achieved at least a B in them. Further Maths is not accepted if A-Level Maths has been taken.
Birmingham: AAA or A*AA (must be predicted AAA)You need Chemistry and another science. If you third A-Level is an Arts subject, or if you are doing Psychology, Sports or PE with Biology, you must have achieved AAAA at AS.General Studies
Brighton and Sussex: AAA including Chemistry and Biology . However they "reserve the right to make alternative offers where appropriate".
Bristol:  AAA or A*AB in Chemistry and one other lab based science subject (I'm guessing this excludes Maths). These should be completed in 2 years. Biology and sports, Biology and PE, and Maths and Further Maths are not accepted.
Cambridge: A*AA, most applicants (97%) have 3 or more sciences to A-Level. It is stated on the website that applicants with only 2 science A-Levels have a much lower success rate (21%).
Cardiff: Does not require A-Level Chemistry. AAAc including 2 science subjects. If Chemistry or Biology are only taken to AS, you must achieve an A in them.
Dundee: AAA including Chemistry and one other science, taken in 2 years and at first sitting.
Durham: Does not require A-Level Chemistry. AAA including Biology or Chemistry. Biology and Chemistry must be A at AS.
East Anglia (Norwich Medical School): Does not require A-Level Chemistry. AAAb which must include Biology.
Edinburgh: AAAb including Chemistry and another science, completed at first sitting. Biology AS is required. For both AS and A-Level, only one of Maths and Further Maths will be considered.
Glasgow: AAA including Chemistry + one other science subject. If Biology is not taken to A-Level, you must achieve an A at AS. Maths and Further Maths are not considered separate subjects.
Hull-York: AAAb including Biology and Chemistry, must be taken in a single sitting (you must be predicted AAB to be considered). A-levels taken in Y11 and earlier will not be accepted. If you take an A-Level in Y12, you will still be expected to take 3 A-Levels in Y13. Further Maths is not accepted.
Imperial: AAAb including Chemistry and/OR Biology with one other science. If you are offering 4 A-Levels, the would be AAAC. If Biology is dropped it must have had at AS grade B. Vocational subjects are excluded.
Keele: Does not require A-Level Chemistry. AAAb or A*ABb including Chemistry and / or Biology, with another science subject and another rigorous subject. Only one subject from Maths and Further Maths will be considered, along with only one subject from these combinations; Biology/Human Biology and PE. They have a massive list of subjects which aren't accepted on their website. It basically covers vocational and applied subjects.
Kings College London: Does not require A-Level Chemistry. AAAb or AAaab including Chemistry or Biology, if one of these subjects is not taken to A-Level, it must be taken to AS.
Lancaster: AAAb including Chemistry AND Biology. Only one subject out of the combination from Maths and Further Maths are considered. The extended project can sometimes be used to replace a 4th A-Level.
Leeds: AAA including Chemistry. A 4th A-Level is not seen as an advantage.
Leicester: AAA including Chemistry. You must study 4 AS levels including Biology and Chemistry. Taking 4 A-Levels is no advantage, and only one of Maths and Further Maths is considered in the offer.
Liverpool:  AAAb including Chemistry AND Biology. General studies and Critical Thinking can be considered as a 4th subject.
Manchester: AAA including Chemistry and another science. It is expected that you take 4 AS-Levels, however if your school only lets you take 3, if you contact the Medical school and provide evidence, your application will still be considered.
Newcastle: Does not require A-Level Chemistry. AAA including Chemistry and/or Biology. If only one offered at AS, must be achieved at A grade.
Nottingham: AAA including Biology AND Chemistry. 3rd A-Level can be any academic subject.
Oxford: A*AA including Chemistry and another science. If you take more than 3 A-Levels you may have an offer including these, you cannot drop theses extra A-Levels after application.
Peninsula: A*AAc-AAAc including Chemistry and Biology or Physics.
Queens Belfast: AAAa including Chemistry and another science. If not offered at A2, AS Biology must be offered at grade B.
Sheffield: AAA including Chemistry and another science subject.
Southampton: AAA including Chemistry and Biology. If Chemistry or Biology are not taken to A2, they must be achieved to A grade at AS (this is a bit confusing on their website, you may want to check it). Subjects with similar material may not be considered in the offer: maths/further maths, biology/sports science.
St. Andrews: AAA including Chemistry and another science. Only one of Maths and Further Maths will be considered as a 3rd subject.
St. Georges: AAAb including Chemistry and Biology.
UCL: AAA including Chemistry and Biology. General studies and critical thinking are only available as a 4th A-Level subject. Applicants who offer a contrasting subject will be given some preference, such as a language or art rather than a traditional science subject.

Good luck with choosing! I will do a post on resit policies soon.

A2 results 8th March 2012

I GOT AN A!

I GOT A FUCKING A!!

I AM NOW DEFINITELY GOING OFF TO STUDY MEDICINE IN SEPTEMBER

YAYAYAYAYYAYAYAY.

(Back story for blog stumblers: I am a medicine re-applicant and re-sat chem5 in February - already have an offer so just needed an A in Chemistry, now as long as I get my GCSE certificates etc off I should definitely be attending med school this September, but as a medic this time)

I really hope everyone has the grades they wanted / needed today, and good luck people with interviews and those still waiting.

Never give up bambinis!

Week in the life of a biomed student

For anyone stumbling across this blog who actually wants to do Biomed, or for medics thinking of accepting a reserve offer, here is a week in my life (well Monday til Wednesday anyways).

We don't have a set timetable (very annoyingly) so this is by no means representative.

Monday

Morning: The usual 9am start with a presentation tutorial - 4 hours sitting through everyone nervously giving presentations on lab techniques such as immunofluorescence, PCR and electrophoresis. Very boring - I think the more technical side of this degree is the worst aspect for a wannabe doctor.

Afternoon: An essay is due at 2pm, this means fighting for a computer in the med school / harassing your medic friends for their computers as all the biomed students bumble about trying to print their essays last minute.

Evening: 5pm finish after some cardiovascular lectures. I cannot work at all back in halls because of all the distractions so I (in a weird moment of keenness) stayed at med school til 7:30pm working. A lot of people do this, especially students in their clinical years.

Go back to halls and eat / socialise / spend too long on the internet.

Tuesday

Morning: 9am start (as per) this is term has been really bad for them, I can count the number of later starts on one hand. Lectures on an infection module we're doing at the moment - it's pretty interesting stuff and I'm enjoying it. But once you're getting to the third lecture in a row it's pretty hard to keep your eyes open, this is where pod-casts come in. Us students love pod-casts.

Afternoon: A few periods free, because we're at med school 9-4 most days, everyone on the course is really good friends, or at least amicable, so frees tend to be spent socialising. Had a 2 hour practical - I strongly dislike practicals, it's like a slap in the face that you are doing a course designed to make you a researcher. But this isn't just me, no-one seems to like practicals? Maybe we're all too lazy / don't understand what's going enough to appreciate them.

Evening: Food, kayaking training, socialise in the bar underneath my halls, SLEEEEEEPPPPPP. I promise you that despite all the 9am starts, you do not learn to go to bed before 3am like all your Humanities friends, most people solve this problem with the wonderful concept of afternoon naps. University campus' are actually pretty dead places 4-6pm.

Wednesday

Morning: Lectures on gene mutations - kind of like A-Level but a bit harder, and highlighting how many lies they told you :) You experience this feeling a lot.
Afternoon: 9-1 lectures on a Wednesday and then FREE AFTERNOON YAY. I spend my time training for sports and then volunteering at an elderly peoples home. It was an open day today so there was lots of negotiating between crowds of fresh faced school children and anxious parents.

Evening: Was once again super kee-heen and spent a few slow hours in med school working; I sometimes don't know why I bother when it's so likely I'll be leaving, but I guess it will give me a head start next year. Then back to halls, food, and pre-drinking / getting ready for SPORTS NIGHT. I'm pretty sure this is universal around UK universities - Wednesday is sports night, everyone who does any kind of sport, gets dressed up and goes out.

Cool beans! Have fun weeks everyone and good luck for applicants