1. Careers Advisors Open Day Dr Austen Spruce

2. Studying Medicine at Birmingham  Integrated course  Excellent clinical experiences – local  Immersed in research environment:  Opportunity for own research in:  Medical Sciences  Clinical Science  Population Sciences and Humanities

3. Entry requirements for medicine: Selection for interview

4. Medicine: Academic Profile  GCSEs:  Preference for A* in Science (all), Maths and English (Language or Literature)  Not possible to predict how many applicants with grade A in one subject will be considered  Overall GCSE performance may also be considered  International Baccalaureate – 36 pts  Biology and Chemistry at Higher Level  Core points not included in offer

5. Medicine: Academic Profile  AS-levels: used for selection  Final result at end of year 12 (not unit marks)  Expect that AAAA will be normal requirement  Certificated and non-certificated results required  Maths and Further Maths not considered separately  A2-levels:  Standard offer: A*AA (including Chemistry and Biology)  A* in any subject  No advantage with four A-levels

6. 5-Year Programme: Non-Academic Factors  Contextual data  Used to identify additional cohort of interviewees  Average school performance at GCSE and A-level  Thresholds defined for each measure (once applications are received)  If applicants meets threshold for either, requirements in relevant qualification relaxed (still competitive)  Separate, non-overlapping mechanism to the University’s widening participation scheme: Access to Birmingham  Evidence of motivation for medicine  Evidence of engagement with society

7. Selection for Medicine: The interview and getting the right work experience

8. Medicine: Work Experience  Evidence of commitment to a “public servant” role  Health care experience: Long-term; caring for vulnerable people  Paid work may also be relevant  Direct clinical observation not required  Not used to full advantage  Investigate the career  Information from news media

9. Medicine: The Interview  Multiple Mini-Interviews: 1-to-1 discussions  Six stations – 6 min at each  Assessed Characteristics and Format:  Communication – via role play with medicine student  Motivation and insight – work experience  Ability to understand and interpret data – presented with graph used in healthcare practice  Self-insight and reflection – in relation to own qualities and experiences  Ability to interpret and evaluate information – e.g. debate topic  Reasoning skills – including considering ethical scenario

10. Interactive Task  Role play  Year 4 medicine student  Very simple scenario  Candidate given scenario outside room (2 min) – same information inside also  Listening, questioning, engaging and responding appropriately1

11. Data Interpretation  Graph and introductory information provided outside room  Interpret a graph. The type of graph will be one that relates directly to healthcare practice.  Explain a numerical concept in simple, jargon-free language, as you will need to be able to explain such concepts to patients who may not have the same level of education as you.  Undertake basic arithmetic without a calculator, which is an essential skill for a doctor to avoid making serious mistakes.

12. Debate Task  Short introduction to a topic relevant to health care (outside and inside room)  Identify the relevant issues  Discuss these - highlight why this topic is subject to debate  Present arguments for possible courses of action

13. Motivation and Insight into Medicine  Discussion of specific aspects of work experience  In particular, the management of patients by professional healthcare workers  Able to relate experience to information about healthcare practice in the media

14. Ethics Task  Presented with a clinical situation that has obvious ethical aspects (information available outside and inside room)  Identify and discuss the ethical issues that may and may not be relevant to making a decision  Reach a decision on the best approach (no correct answer)

15. Dealing with Difficulty and Doing the Right Thing  Asked to think about own experiences  Given an ethical problem relating to being a student  Demonstrate personal qualities important for coping in a demanding career