‘Aspiring to Medicine, Dentistry or Veterinary Science’ Dr Rachel Hogg

In pairs share what you already know about? Personal Qualities Career Options Qualifications needed For the course you’re aspiring to ……..

Qualities Intellectual Aptitude Motivation Dedication Stamina Compassion Manual Dexterity

Career Options Postgraduate vocational training Registration with professional bodies: GMC, GDC, RCVS Speciality training Continuing Professional Development

Now in pairs consider Different courses Work experience Personal statement Interview What you might know about……

The ‘Complete University Guide’ UNISTATS webiste Open Days Talking to students and lecturers Events and activities advertised on RO website

Which course? Look for teaching methods you think suit you e.g. for medicine - Predominately PBL (problem based learning) - Traditional lecture/seminar based teaching - Integrated PBL and traditional teaching Facilities Research Opportunities to intercalate

How is teaching delivered? First 2 years predominately science-based, with some clinical experience: communication skills and clinical skills teaching Teaching mainly lab work, seminars/tutorials, dissection, computer-based.

Clinical environment Years 3-5 increased clinical teaching, through attachments to different specialities in hospital and community More self-directed learning

10 Also consider the general student experience and facilities

Application & Admissions Tests There is an earlier deadline 15 October for all Medicine/Dental and Veterinary courses (same as Oxford and Cambridge) You can apply for a maximum of four Med/Vet/Dent courses plus one other subject. UKCAT (UK Clinical Aptitude Test) Many medical and dental schools require - check website hour test in 5 parts: verbal, quantitative, abstract, decision, judgement Registration opens 1 st May 2015 and closes 22 nd Sept 2015 Testing is from 1 st July to 6 th Oct 2015 For e.g. cost £65 (July/Aug) if taken earlier or £80 if later, there is a bursary.

BMAT (Biomedical Admissions Test) Fewer medical, vet schools and biomedical science courses 2 hour test – 3 sections, on skills and knowledge already have: MCQs, short answers and an essay healthcare/bmat/about-bmat/ healthcare/bmat/about-bmat/ 2015 registration from 1 st Sept to 1st October (standard fees)– then exam taken on one date 4 th Nov 2015 and results 25th Nov. £44 ( Additional late fees up to 15 th Oct) bursary available YOU NEED TO CHECK DATES AND ORGANISE

What are Universities looking for? Academic standard Insight into the career options and long postgraduate training Breadth of experience and interest Realism Balanced temperament Altruistic nature Maturity

Personal statements A realistic interest Informed about the career Demonstrated commitment to helping others/work experience Demonstrated a wide range of interests Contributed to school/college/community activities A range of personal achievements CHECK INDIVIDUAL ADMISSION STATEMENTS

Non Academic Personal Achievement ‘I am really proud that I…….’ Could be: Musical, dramatic, sporting Challenge Organisational Learning something new Charity Job related Responsibilities/ contributions ‘I lead/ care for/ coach/ train/teach……..’

Relevant Experience Show informed and committed Ideally gained over a year before application. Quality of experience – e.g. demonstrate what you’ve learnt and gained from it (not just the quantity) For Medicine and Dentistry e.g. sitting-in during a GP surgery or Dental surgery, observations in hospital, can be a challenge So, also consider: meetings with professionals and related caring experience e.g. work experience in an old people's home, community & voluntary work, or other work in a hospital setting.

How much? Specified by Vet School for e.g. at Bristol (other Vet schools will be different) Vet 4 or more weeks at more than 1 practice Animal 4 or more weeks at a good mix of places E.g. horse, dairy, cat, dog, beef, sheep, wildlife, zoo, laboratory, abattoir

Interviews Check if traditional interview or Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI) or both How informed you are about the course and career What have you learnt form work experience Reasons for wanting to study Medicine/Dentistry/Vet Science Awareness of current developments Ability to communicate Self-confidence, enthusiasm and determination Ability to cope with stress Understanding of ethical issues Practical tasks e.g. manual dexterity for Dentistry

Top Tips for Interviews Thoroughly research the course Dress smartly Focus on your communication skills Enthusiasm as well as knowledge If one MMI station or part of interview doesn’t go so well, don’t dwell keep going! Prepare and practice answering the kinds of questions you might expect, and ask for feedback on your answers

Good luck! Any questions?