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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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: and individual medical / dental school websites

5. Applying for Medicine & Dentistry (1)
Careers wit Science and Medicine
27 February 2008
Applying for Medicine & Dentistry (1)
Online via UCAS:
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:
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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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, etc – see Careers Service handout ‘Voluntary work for students’
(un)paid work in residential homes or other caring environments like hospices: plus own research
Relate other work experience to profession
Alison Clay, Careers Adviser
University of Sheffield Careers Service

12. Participation
is better than
Observation

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

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

17. 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:
See if admissions teams can offer any suggestions
Alison Clay, Careers Adviser
University of Sheffield Careers Service

18. 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:
Alison Clay, Careers Adviser
University of Sheffield Careers Service

19. 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:

20. Finding out more….. About the profession: About your ‘suitability’:
Prospects website: ‘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

21. Careers wit Science and Medicine
27 February 2008
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

22. 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

23. Where to find us….. CAREERS SERVICE www.shef.ac.uk/careers
06/11/2018
Where to find us…..
Careers Service 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)