The Graduate Entry Medicine course

Dear prospective GEM students, Some of you are considering leaving successful careers to go back to university and retrain; for others this was always the goal but it has taken a little longer than anticipated. Whatever your situation, graduate entry medicine is a somewhat gruelling but very rewarding experience. This short post outlines the application …

A day in the life of a medical student

– 6.30am – Time to start the day. It’s an early start because I’m on placement today at a GP surgery. I make some breakfast and get ready to head out. – 7.20am – I get the bus to the GP surgery at West Bridgford. I’ve also done placements at Queen’s Medical Centre and King’s …

Writing the Personal Statement for medical school applications

Personal statement writing is one of the most difficult and tedious tasks that you must undertake as part of your application to medical school. Written in first person, the personal statement is a compulsory 4000 character essay (including spaces) which must reflect what you have done to present your interest and determination towards the medical …

A foundation for life, not just a degree

I was stumped. I wanted to study at higher education (HE) but knew nothing about university lifestyle apart from the rather active nightlife, and dissertations being the bane of every students’ existence. Hardly mind-blowing stuff. So, it’s no wonder when a guy from an under-achieving comprehensive school in South London said, ‘I want to read …

When Things Don’t Go To Plan… A Levels Result Day

With results day coming up, tensions can be running high, and the sense of trepidation might seem unbearable.  While I wish you the best of luck, it would be unwise to not approach the day with a sober sense of caution and sensible preparation.   You must consider well in advance what you plan to …

How to utilize your summer holidays before Year 13

Hey! I’ve currently just finished my 2nd year of medicine. Three years ago, I was stressing about applying for medicine. There were so many questions; Where to apply? What entrance exams to sit? And not to forget, which “relevant” extra-curricular activities to do? The application process is, in short, daunting. Balancing an application to medical …

Interviews *Cue dramatic music*

February… Peak of winter and interview season! Some of you must be preparing anxiously for your upcoming interviews. I had my interview for Nottingham in the middle of February. The wait before the interview was full of panicked preparation. It didn’t help that I was quite clueless about MMIs but fret not, here’s a breakdown of what …

Regional GP work experience scheme

A total of 20 aspiring doctors took part in a Health Education England-funded GP work experience scheme targeted at year 12 students across Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Lincolnshire. The aim of this initiative is to improve access to medicine for students from less advantaged backgrounds in the East Midlands. Eligibility to this scheme was designed to align with the …

Work experience opportunity

Medicine Work Experience Week Applications are OPEN! Having work experience before applying to medical school is essential; due to the competitive nature of the application process, it’s impossible to get a place without it. Securing placements can be tricky, especially for students who don’t have relatives who are doctors which therefore puts them at a …

The wait for university offers…

If you’re still waiting for university offers, have a re-read of Fern’s great advice on how to stay positive! My name is Fern Buller and, in some sort of miracle, I am now a second year medical student at Nottingham. This past year has been the most amazing experience; I have loved almost every moment …