Getting into Medicine & Dentistry Tuesday 3 May 2011 Alison Clay University Careers Service

Today’s session Issues to consider BEFORE applying How to apply Personal statement Tips & hints on work experience and meeting other essential criteria Interview stage Funding Sources of advice and information

Issues to consider BEFORE applying Careers wit Science and Medicine 27 February 2008 Issues to consider BEFORE applying Why do I want to be a …? Skills and qualities? Entry requirements inc. first degree and A-levels, entrance exams, international students Academic potential? Shadowing and work experience? Reflections are key Choice of HE institution inc. type of course & length Training / career development Costs and funding availability for courses Alison Clay, Careers Adviser University of Sheffield Careers Service

Course options 4-year accelerated course for graduates UG course (typically 5-years; few 6 years inc BSc) 6-year course inc. foundation year ‘0’ How it’s taught varies! PBL based on real life clinical experience Vs clearer split between theoretical studies and clinical practice. More details on UCAS website: www.ucas.com and individual medical / dental school websites

Applying for Medicine & Dentistry (1) Careers wit Science and Medicine 27 February 2008 Applying for Medicine & Dentistry (1) Online via UCAS: www.ucas.com Closing date for 2012 entry: 15 Oct ’11. 4 choices max. (NB: show focus) 2011 fee = £21 (£11 if only apply to one) Online FAQs / Tel helpline: 0871 468 0 468 Admissions tests? UKCAT, GAMSAT, BMAT. Date may be before UCAS deadline! Talk: 11.10am Thurs 5th May BLT1 Alison Clay, Careers Adviser University of Sheffield Careers Service

Applying for Medicine & Dentistry (2) Careers wit Science and Medicine 27 February 2008 Applying for Medicine & Dentistry (2) Research course content and teaching Talk to the admissions team, visit the School eg Open Day Strong personal statement vital Strong academic reference can really help Relevant supporting materials sent later – don’t overwhelm Additional application form? Alison Clay, Careers Adviser University of Sheffield Careers Service

Careers wit Science and Medicine 27 February 2008 A bit more detail…… Applications (personal statement) Interviews NB: Using Medicine at Sheffield as an example – similar principles apply to other Schools and for other courses (inc. dentistry)! Alison Clay, Careers Adviser University of Sheffield Careers Service

UCAS form: personal statement Careers wit Science and Medicine 27 February 2008 UCAS form: personal statement Academic achievements: knowledge & skills Motivation - why medicine and why now as a mature / graduate applicant? Commitment to medicine - evidence of understanding work of doctor & what’s happening in the profession Work experience & achievements in extra- curricular activities – how do these demonstrate your personal qualities (core qualities of a doctor) – REFLECTION IS KEY Clear and logical – good written communication. Show personality – first impressions last. Alison Clay, Careers Adviser University of Sheffield Careers Service

Careers wit Science and Medicine 27 February 2008 Personal qualities (1) Show you have core qualities of a good doctor Provide evidence of your: Good communication skills Concern for welfare of others Personal qualities of honesty, integrity and ability to recognise own limitations, self-motivation, working under pressure, etc Work in a team and leadership skills Highlight endeavour in non-academic areas Alison Clay, Careers Adviser University of Sheffield Careers Service

Careers wit Science and Medicine 27 February 2008 Personal qualities (2) Indicate your patient-focus: Show you understand that patient care is the primary duty of a doctor Demonstrate enthusiasm & commitment: Demonstrate personal research into what a career in medicine entails Evidence of attempts to experience the work of a doctor Read around the subject, know what’s happening in the profession and have an opinion about it! Alison Clay, Careers Adviser University of Sheffield Careers Service

Tips on work experience Careers wit Science and Medicine 27 February 2008 Tips on work experience Start by talking to your GP & other healthcare workers Obtain work (or shadowing) in hospitals or GP surgery, to talk to healthcare workers Talk to medical students & junior doctors as well as consultants ( eg try Med Soc) Voluntary work in the community eg STH, Volunteer Centre Sheffield, www.do-it.org.uk, etc – see Careers Service handout ‘Voluntary work for students’ www.careers.dept.shef.ac.uk/jobshop/pdf/parttime.pdf (un)paid work in residential homes or other caring environments like hospices: www.shef.ac.uk/careers/students/jobs plus own research Relate other work experience to profession Alison Clay, Careers Adviser University of Sheffield Careers Service

Participation is better than Observation

Interviews – the basics Careers wit Science and Medicine 27 February 2008 Interviews – the basics Check format – eg, panel interview (Sheffield), Multiple Mini Interviews (UEA), assessment days (Warwick) Be prepared – spend time researching and practising Dress the part - professional Create a good first impression Body language as well as articulation Try to relax and let your personality shine! UCAS personal statement may form basis for questions Alison Clay, Careers Adviser University of Sheffield Careers Service

Interviews – likely topic areas (1) Careers wit Science and Medicine 27 February 2008 Interviews – likely topic areas (1) Reason for wanting to be a doctor (motivation, enthusiasm, realism) Understanding of course and reasons for choosing this institution Degree studies and relevance Explore other qualities relevant to being a doctor inc. capacity to deal with stress Ability to communicate, express ideas clearly and follow a reasoned argument Ability to interact with/relate to others Alison Clay, Careers Adviser University of Sheffield Careers Service

Interviews – likely topic areas (2) Careers wit Science and Medicine 27 February 2008 Interviews – likely topic areas (2) Outside interests, sometimes in depth Previous work experience (hands-on caring plus other types) Matters of “medical interest”: History of medicine and medical breakthroughs Topical controversies and ethical issues NHS politics And ability to express an intelligent view on the above Alison Clay, Careers Adviser University of Sheffield Careers Service

Have you got the X-Factor? Articulate self-marketing Enthusiastic Convincing

Careers wit Science and Medicine 27 February 2008 Funding Dept of Health / NHS may give UK domiciled students: Tuition fee assistance and means-tested bursary s.t year of study and your situation. Student loans available. International students – try sources in home-country Institution’s own bursary system Charities and trusts (ask at Careers Service; see Prospects PG) Part-time work (if you have time!!!) Loans from banks, family or friends? Talk to the Student Advice Centre: www.shef.ac.uk/union/advice See if admissions teams can offer any suggestions Alison Clay, Careers Adviser University of Sheffield Careers Service

Medicine & Dentistry 5/6-Year UG courses funding Careers wit Science and Medicine 27 February 2008 Medicine & Dentistry 5/6-Year UG courses funding In Years 1 to 4 of training, English domiciled students responsible for own tuition fees and living costs, although may be able to apply for student loan. English domiciled students eligible for means-tested NHS bursary and help with tuition fees from 5th year of study. Also entitled to apply for reduced rate student loan from year 5. Students domiciled in other UK areas should contact the appropriate national authority for details. For more info: www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/Students/967.aspx Alison Clay, Careers Adviser University of Sheffield Careers Service

Medicine & Dentistry 4-Year ‘Fast-track’ funding In Year One, English domiciled students responsible for own tuition fees and living costs but should be entitled to apply for means-tested student loan. Students are eligible to apply for means-tested NHS bursaries and help with tuition fees from year two onwards. May also be eligible for a reduced rate student loan in years two, three and four to meet the balance of their living costs. Students domiciled in other UK areas should contact the appropriate national authority for details. Further information: www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/Students/967.aspx

Finding out more….. About the profession: About your ‘suitability’: Prospects website: www.prospects.ac.uk ‘Jobs & work experience’ / ‘Types of jobs’ Professional bodies like BMA & BDA (links from above website) Careers Service: occupations files, books, info sheets Talk to those in the profession, work shadow & obtain hands-on work experience Research into professional training About your ‘suitability’: Talk to a Careers Adviser, your tutor, family and friends, a practising professional, etc About the course: Talk to admissions tutors Talk to current students

Careers wit Science and Medicine 27 February 2008 www.careers.dept.shef.ac.uk/presentations/gettingmedicine/player.html Access Information sheets on: - Getting into Medicine as a Graduate: Key points - Getting into Dentistry as a Graduate: Key points - UCAS Personal Statements for Medicine or Dentistry - Preparing for Interviews at Medical or Dental School Alison Clay, Careers Adviser University of Sheffield Careers Service

Admissions tests for Medicine & Dentistry Careers wit Science and Medicine 27 February 2008 Admissions tests for Medicine & Dentistry 11.10am – 12 noon, Thursday 5 May Biology Lecture Theatre 1 Inc. UKCAT, GAMSAT & BMAT Alison Clay, Careers Adviser University of Sheffield Careers Service

Where to find us….. CAREERS SERVICE www.shef.ac.uk/careers 06/11/2018 Where to find us….. Careers Service - 388 Glossop Road (behind SU building) Open 9am - 5pm Mon to Fri (11am – 5pm Tues) CAREERS SERVICE Student Jobshop - Students’ Union Building Open 10am – 3pm Mon to Fri (11am – 3pm Tues) www.shef.ac.uk/careers www.sheffield.ac.uk/careers