How To Become A Doctor: Recent Episodes
Becoming A Doctor
A Medic Mentor podcast hosted by two medical students, all about what life as a medical student is really like.
We'll talk about the day to day activities medical students get up to, as well as offering insight into frequently forgotten aspects of becoming a doctor. Expect to hear discussions of current affairs, personal anecdotes and top tips along the way!
Let us know what you think, follow us @howtobecomeadr on Instagram and tweet us at @MedicMentor1 using the hashtag #becomingadoctor.
Get ready for an exciting episode! Join us as Afrida chats with the brilliant Shreeja and Alice about being a Medical Student in Aberdeen. From tips to acing the application process to learning about what student life is really like, we delve into everything in this jam-packed episode!
Prepare to be inspired! In our latest podcast episode, we sit down with Krish and the incredible Ben Hammond to unravel his journey – from intercalating in MSci Novel Emerging Medical Technology Evaluation and Development to diving into the world of his PhD. Join us as Ben shares the thrilling chapters of his academic adventure, exploring the intersection of innovation and healthcare.
The Foundation Programme series is back with the latest episode, featuring Medic Mentor superstar Dr Sylvia Manimaran, UCL Alumnus and current FY1 Doctor in the Essex, Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire (EBH) Deanery (a.k.a. East of England). Tune in for top tips about how to rank hospital rotations, whether surgical jobs are worth the 'extra' pounds on payday and the magical sleeping pods that are found in some doctor's mess rooms...
Our intercalation series is back with another episode!
Join Hannah as she talks to Cam McIntosh about what it's like to intercalate in Medical Education at Nottingham!
This episode delves deep into Cam's very own experience with transitioning from Medicine at Bristol to Medical Education at Nottingham. Learn more about the course, the application process and top tips to make the most out of an intercalation.
Whether you are thinking about intercalating as part of a medicine degree, already on your intercalation journey or just interested in what this pathway into a medical career holds. This episode is definitely worth a listen!
Welcome back to our foundation series! Join us as we welcome Dr Gazet back to the podcast to talk about all things London. If you're wondering what it is like to work in one of the most competitive deaneries in the UK then this is an episode for you. Join us as we talk about commuting, flat hunting and all things London. We hope you enjoy the episode and make sure you follow @MarianneDoesMedicine on Instagram!
Join Hannah and Mez (for the first time) as they have a chat with Elisha about what it's like to study Biomed Engineering. This is a really exciting episode as we get to explore the world of medical technology and what it's like to take a step away from medicine. Elisha also talks about some exciting opportunities in the course such as presenting at national conferences and how to make the most of some time away from medicine. Hope you all enjoy the episode and don't miss Afrida too much :)
Not to be missed! In this episode Dr. Gazet talks about her FY1 experiences and shares valuable advice and resources for new FY1 doctors starting soon in August. An extremely useful episode for those about to start the foundation programme or anyone curious about what it's like to work as a foundation doctor. You can find her on instagram (@mariannedoesmedicine) for more resources and excellent content!
Welcome back to our intercalation series!
Join Afrida as she talks to Cathy Dominic, a finalist at Barts & the London and an incoming AFP doctor about what it's like to externally intercalate at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. Learn more about the application process for an intercalated masters degree in Infectious Diseases here!
Find out about dissertation topics, publishing research and lab work as well as top tips from any aspiring applicants.
We are back! In this episode Dr Logan will be talking about his experiences as a foundation doctor working in the Peninsula Deanery and what he has done since the foundation programme.
Welcome back to our intercalation series!
Join Afrida as she talks to Dr Cherry Jain about what it's like to study Neuroscience at Barts and learn more about the application process for this intercalation!
Find out about dissertation topics, publishing primary research and lab work as well as top tips from an FY1 doctor & Barts graduate.
Listen in to this episode as Dr Nicholl-Pierson and Dr Baldwin share their experiences of working as junior doctors in Scotland. Enjoy and stay tuned for further episodes about the foundation programme!
Welcome back to our intercalation series!
Join Afrida as she talks to Marsioleda about what it's like to study cardiovascular sciences at Imperial as an external student and learn more about the application process intercalating at Imperial as an external student.
Find out more about lab-based research and what it's like learning to work in a non-clinical environment. Marsioleda discusses her experience working in a lab as well as her top tips for group projects, dissertations and starting at a new university.
In this episode Dr Boal shares her experiences of working as a junior doctor within West Yorkshire. She also talks about life after the foundation years, future career options and what you can do during F3/F4 years. Enjoy and stay tuned for further episodes about the foundation programme !
Join Afrida as she talks to Sid about his experience intercalating at Barts in laparoscopic surgery.
This is a great episode if you're interested in any kind of surgical intercalation as Sid talks about his experience with the course as Barts including managing theory and practical work including training in some surgical skills.
He also talks about his experience applying for similar courses at different universities and how he found learning to work independently with some dissertation tips.
We are very excited to be launching our first Foundation Programme series episode. In this episode Dr. Dion Manning shares her valuable insight into life as a junior doctor in Cardiff and also explains the differences between the normal foundation programme application and the SFP application processes. Look out for upcoming episodes with interviews from doctors who are working or have worked as junior doctors in different parts of the UK.
Ever considered a career gastroenterology or just want to find out more? Then this is the episode for you, join Lucy as she speaks to Dr Ratcliffe- previous chair of the British Society of Gastroenterology Trainees committee about her experiences of working as a gastroenterologist and clinical research fellow looking into Barrett's Oeseophagus.
Our very first intercalated masters episode! Tune in to hear Wahaj, a fourth-year medical student at Barts talk all about his iMSc (distinction) in Critical Care and share some great tips on how to make the most of a year away from medical school.
Wahaj is interested in cardiothoracic surgery, and has published a book chapter as well as over 10 peer-reviewed articles in various cardiovascular journals. He has also presented his work at multiple national conferences.
Wahaj is the regional lead for London, for the British Undergraduate Cardiovascular Association.
Join Ciara and Vickey as they speak with GOSH registrar Dr Menzies about her journey and experiences of working as a clinical geneticist.
Recently introduced, the Remote Medicine iBSc explores the challenges of providing medical care in remote environments and unique challenges in supporting medical space exploration! Listen to Afrida in conversation with KCL medical student Jasmine to learn about what an iBSc in this area entails and whether it’s all you’ve been looking for!
Join Ciara as she speaks with emergency medicine consultant and Vice President of the RCEM, Dr Boyle about the inner workings of life in A&E.
Paediatrics is a specialty I hear medical students wanting to pursue all the time. This was me until I realised kids and unwell kids are two completely different stories so now I’m not too sure! Listen to Afrida in conversation with UCL medical student Mithila to learn about what an iBSc in this area entails and whether it’s all you’ve been looking for!
Join Lucy as she speaks with GOSH consultant Dr Reema Nandi about the ups and downs of working as a paediatric anaesthetic!
Do you know what a SSC is? Join Lucy as she speaks with Rebecca about her choice of SSC - incredibly interesting and definitely an unconventional one from what I’ve seen!
Join Lucy as she speaks with Mr Ishtiaq Ahmed about about his experiences and insight as a cardiothoracic surgeon!
Why psychology? Why not psychology? Join Afrida as she speaks with Alex about the ins and outs of intercalating in psychology at UCL. Is it really as cool as it seems from the outside? Spoiler alert: yes! What more could you want?
Join Lucy as she speaks with GOSH paediatric neuroradiologist Dr D’Arco about his experiences in this specialty!
Join Afrida as she speaks with final year Cardiff medical student, Zoe Hinchcliffe, all about her last year intercalating in EPIC.
What happens when paediatrics and neurosurgery come together to form one of the hundreds of subspecialties in medicine? Join Afrida & Lucy as they speak with Mr Dominic Thompson, your port of call for all things paediatric neurosurgery!
So you’ve heard the word ‘intercalation’ floating around and want to know more about how it works at medical school. Join Afrida as she launches our Insights into Intercalation series, and speaks with Sylvia all about the what, how, and why of her chosen intercalation. Let’s get clinical! 🩺
Ethics is a huge topic in medicine but can often overshadow the social context and determinants of health. In this episode, Afrida talks to Dr Carol Brayne about how inequalities in society can perpetuate inequalities in health.
In this episode, Ciara and Lucy talk to Lauren and Emma about life as a GP trainee and their work as healthcare leadership fellows.
Have you ever thought about what ENT actually entails? Join Ruqayyah as she chats with Dr Arun all about his career and experience in the specialty.
Family and medicine - are the two mutually exclusive? Can you ever really have both without sacrificing parts of the other? Listen now to find out how Dr Lauren-Jane has balanced life as a junior doctor and aspiring surgeon with being a mum!
Join Afrida and Ruqayyah as they chat with Dr Rajan, the infamous TikTok doctor you are bound to have seen on your feed, all about his journey and experience as a surgeon and content creator!
Interested in working with children? Listen now to find out all about the specialty of paediatrics from Dr Kiran Rahim, or themunchingmedic on Instagram!
Join Ciara and Lucy as they interview Dr Lucy Pollock, a geriatrician and author of "The Book about Getting Older" - a must read for all aspiring medical students! Listen now to find out all about the care of the elderly in an ageing population and what makes this specialty stand out!
The skin is the largest organ in the body so it makes sense there is an entire specialty devoted to its care, right? But did you think it would be one of the most competitive? Find out more about dermatology with Dr Beibei Du-Harper, a dermatologist who is taking instagram by storm with her incredible insight into all things dermatology!
Join Lucy and Ciara as they interview Caroline Fryar about the field of medicolegal medicine! Medico-legal work is an attractive option for doctors either seeking to diversify their practice, take a career break or leave clinical medicine altogether. With the number of legal processes involving the NHS increasing every year, it is a rapidly evolving and exciting area to work in. Listen now to find out more!
Are you interested in a career in anaesthetics? Do you think anaesthetics is only about surgery? Well, think again! Make sure to listen to this episode to find out more about anaesthetics and intensive care from the President of the Royal College of Anaesthetists (RCOA), Professor Ravi Mahajan.
Are men better suited to be surgeons? Are women too 'weak' and 'emotional' to be a good surgeon? Do most surgeons come from privileged backgrounds? Does a career in surgery require massive personal sacrifice? Most importantly: how can we change this narrative? These are just a selection of questions posed to us by Year 9-13 students on a recent virtual work experience programme. To answer these questions (aka bust some of these myths), Ciara and Lucy are joined by Ms Stella Vig and Ms Victoria Pegna, both council members at the Royal College of Surgeons of England and members of the Women In Surgery Forum. In today's episode, published on International Women's Day, we explore the current situation regarding women in surgery, bust perpetuated stereotypes surrounding a career in surgery and discuss what is to come in the future of surgery. Links:
Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howtobecomeadr/?hl=en-gb Ms Stella Vig: @svig2 on Twitter Ms Victoria Pegna: @VictoriaPegna on Twitter Ciara: @ciarai33 on Twitter
In this episode, Ciara and Lucy interview Dr Kishan Bodalia about life as a foundation doctor. Have you ever wondered what happens in the last year of medical school and how you make the transition from medical student to doctor? Learn all about this and more in this episode!
In this episode, Afrida and Ciara talk to Dr Rob Verrecchia about the role of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF, also known as Doctors Without Borders) and field of global medicine. Listen to find out more about what life is like working as a doctor in conflict and disaster zones and how you can foster your interest in global health medicine!
In this episode, Ciara and Lucy interview Brigadier Tim Hodgetts and his experience working in military emergency medicine and treating the victims of conflict in Northern Ireland, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan. Learn all about the pathway to becoming a military doctor and how you can get involved in medical school and beyond!
In this episode, Ciara and Afrida interview Dr Natasha Azzopardi-Muscat from the World Health Organisation (WHO) to explore the role of the WHO and field of global medicine.
In this episode, Ciara and Lucy interview Professor Neil Mortenson about his role as the president of the Royal College of Surgeons. Learn all about his career progression in colorectal surgery and within the RCS, and how the society can support you in your application to medical school.
In this episode, Ciara and Lucy discuss what it actually means to be professional as a medical student and doctor, especially on social media. Joined by Kim Tolley, the GMC Regional Liaison Adviser for South London, GMC, the episode breaks down the key guidance from the GMC to help you answer those tricky UCAT, SJT and interview questions!
In this second part, Ciara and Lucy continue to uncover the fundamental principles behind ethical scenarios with their two incredible guests - Kim (nurse and GMC regional advisor) and Lauren (doctor and clinical leadership fellow). Listen now to learn a step-by-step approach of how to tackle common ethical scenarios using evidence, a balanced argument and compassion.
The General Medical Council (GMC) is a key organisation working to protect patient safety and support medical education and practice across the UK. In this episode, Ciara and Lucy talk to Kim Tolley (a Nurse and the GMC's Regional Liaison Adviser for South London) and Dr Lauren Wogan about the core documents underlying ethical decision making in clinical practice and how to use these principles in example scenarios from the UCAT, MMI interviews and SJT questions. Make sure to pause the video to have a go at answering them first yourself before we talk through the key points and give you the steps to answer them yourselves and ace your ethical decision making!
In this episode, Lucy and Ciara have a chat with Dr Alex George about more than just the journey through medicine, the many up and downs and the importance of mental health and well-being. Listen to find out how and why Dr Alex decided to pursue A&E and why you can too! This episode will leave you excited about a future as a healthcare professional and confident that there is nothing wrong with failures along the way or with deciding to do something new and different alongside being a doctor.
In this episode, Lucy and Ciara chat with Dr Sara Kayat to discuss the many hats she wears as a GP, This Morning's resident doctor and new mum. You'll be sure to finish this episode feeling inspired as Dr Kayat shares what she loves about being a doctor. Listen to find out how Dr Kayat juggles her many roles and how she got into General Practice and TV 'doctoring' as we call it in the episode (and what that actually entails)! Make sure to leave any comments for Dr Kayat on the post for this episode on Instagram @howtobecomeadr.
In this episode, Lucy and Ciara interview Dr Sarah Bailey (aka The Gym Medic) to discuss her role as a GP trainee and sports medic. Find out how Dr Bailey juggles her many roles, how she got into sports medicine (and what that actually entails), and some top tips on how to get into sports medicine! Make sure to leave any comments for Dr Bailey on the post for this episode on Instagram @howtobecomeadr.
You can find Dr Bailey on Instagram @TheGymMedic
In this episode, Lucy and Ciara interview Dr Anita Mitra (@gynaegeek on Instagram) to discuss her role as a specialty trainee in obs&gynae. Find out all about what working and researching in obstetrics and gynaecology is really like and get some top tips on how to make the most of your placements on the ward! Make sure to leave any comments for Dr Mitra on the post for this episode on Instagram @howtobecomeadr.
BRAND NEW SPECIALTY SERIES
In this episode, Ciara and Lucy interview Andrew Goddard, the President of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP). Make sure to listen now to find out what the RCP does, how Professor Goddard's career in gastroenterology progressed to allow him to become President of the RCP and how you can get involved with the organisation!
In this episode, Lucy talks to Helen and Hong-And from The Kings Fund about NHS Structure - one of the key areas of knowledge you need to ace for your interviews. They will discuss all the hot topics including:
- What is the NHS
- Integration of physical and mental health
- Social prescribing
- Division between social care and NHS care provision
- Health inequalities and social determinants of health - the realisation that your health outcomes are not only determined by your access to healthcare
- The future of integrated healthcare systems
- NHS spending review and funding
- NHS Brexit
- Impact of coronavirus on NHS funding
Everything you need to know to smash your medical school interview!
Check out this episode to find out about:
⭐️ the 3 types of interview: MMI, panel & group
⭐️ tips to ace each type of interview
⭐️ who your interviewers will be & how to get into the mindset of an interviewer
⭐️ general tips & tricks on how to prepare (particularly with virtual interviews!)
⭐️ how to create your own mock questions
⭐️ how you can stand out as a candidate & secure that place!
Be sure to follow us on Instagram @howtobecomeadr
In this Open Pod episode, Ciara and Lucy interview Nat from Keele University. Keele is an integrated course with an optional intercalation year. The A Level entry requirements for 2021 entry are AAA, and the UCAT score will be used in conjunction with GCSEs to rank applicants for invite to interview. Their UCAT cut off for 2021 entry is 2280 but this is looked at in conjunction with their roles and responsibilities form to determine who will be invited for interview. Listen to this episode to hear all about how students really find the course and get some top tips on how to get in! Comment any questions for Nat on her post on Instagram @howtobecomeadr!
In this Open Pod episode, Ciara and Lucy interview Mary from the University of Sheffield. Sheffield is a traditional course with an optional intercalation year. The A Level entry requirements for 2021 entry are AAA to include Chemistry or Biology and one other science (Maths, Physics, Biology/Human Biology or Psychology), and candidates must achieve a score of 2420/3600 or more in their UCAT to be given further consideration. The SJT is only considered for applicants invited to attend a MMI. You must also meet their minimum GCSE requirements. Listen to this episode to hear all about how students really find the course and get some top tips on how to get in! Comment any questions for Mary on her post on Instagram @howtobecomeadr!
In this Open Pod episode, Ciara and Lucy interview Yordi from the University of Plymouth. Plymouth is an integrated course with an optional intercalation year. The A Level entry requirements for 2021 entry are AAA, and the UCAT score will be used in conjunction with GCSEs to rank applicants for invite to interview. The average UCAT score of successful applicants in 2020 was 2620.. Listen to this episode to hear all about how students really find the course and get some top tips on how to get in! Comment any questions for Yordi on her post on Instagram @howtobecomeadr!
Did someone say 2 universities for the price of one? Make sure to listen to this episode to learn all about BSMS from 4th year medical student Eleanor!
- Early clinical placements – with 1 whole clinical day per week
- Dissection and clinical anatomy teaching from 1st year
- Lecture based and small group teaching
Make sure to find out more by listening to the full episode now!
In this Open Pod episode, Ciara and Lucy interview Roshni from the University of Nottingham. Nottingham is an integrated course with an optional intercalation year. The A Level entry requirements for 2021 entry are AAA, and the UCAT score will be used in conjunction with GCSEs to rank applicants for invite to interview. The lowest UCAT score invited to interview in 2019 was 2310, and the lowest UCAT score that gained a place was 2370. Listen to this episode to hear all about how students really find the course and get some top tips on how to get in! Comment any questions for Roshni on her post on Instagram @howtobecomeadr!
Got your BMAT coming up soon? Feeling unprepared? Not sure what to expect or how best to revise? In this Episode, Lucy is joined by Koby and Laura, who both sat the BMAT this time last year and got no less than four medical school offers each. They share their advice on how best to revise for it, their top tips, and their experiences. We really hope you find this jam-packed episode useful and wish you guys all the best with your BMAT prep! You've got this! As always, give us a follow on Instagram @howtobecomeadr for more content.
The transition from A Levels to Uni is not an easy one, and just as you will adapt and grow in the new environment, your study techniques are likely to change too. In this episode, Lucy and Ciara breakdown the study methods they use and love. Don't be fooled - they also cover all the ones they trialled along the way, breaking down why they didn't work or wouldn't recommend them. To keep up to date with all podcast bits and bobs - follow us on Instagram @howtobecomeadr. We have posted a fab resource-bank post on our Instagram account for this episode.
In this Open Pod episode, Ciara and Lucy interview Phoebe from the University of Southampton. Southampton is an integrated course with an optional intercalation year. The A Level entry requirements for 2021 entry are AAA, and the UCAT score will be used to rank applicants for invite to Southampton’s selection day. The UCAT score is reviewed again alongside performance at Selection Days to determine who will receive an offer. Listen to this episode to hear all about how students really find the course and get some top tips on how to get in! Comment any questions for Phoebe on her post on Instagram @howtobecomeadr!
In this episode, Lucy and Ciara give you the low down on all things freshers! They discuss their experiences living in student accommodation for the first time (good and the bad) and give you some amazing tips on how to maximise the use of your introductory weeks! Make sure to ask any questions at @howtobecomeadr.
In this Open Pod episode, Ciara and Lucy interview Summer from the University of East Anglia. UEA is an integrated course with an optional intercalation year. The A Level entry requirements for 2021 entry are AAA, and the UCAT score will be used to rank applicants for interview. In 2019, the average UCAT score for successful applicants was 2586. Listen to this episode to hear all about how students really find the course and get some top tips on how to get in! Comment any questions for Summer on her post on Instagram @howtobecomeadr!
In this episode, Lucy and Ciara discuss how to protect your mental health at medical school with 2 fantastic guest, Holly and Tash. Listen to this episode to hear them discuss what mental health is, why there is so much stigma around mental health in society and how we can work together as medical students to overcome mental health stigma and protect each other's mental health and wellbeing.
In this Open Pod episode, Ciara and Lucy interview Sarah from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. Edinburgh is an integrated course with an optional intercalation year. The university requires 5 highers at AAABB (or A Level predictions of AAA) and the UCAT score will be used alongside your academics to rank people for interview. The UCAT score of their applicants is divided into deciles and points allocated accordingly. The average UCAT score for offer holders in 2019 was 2860. Listen to this episode to hear all about how students really find the course and get some top tips on how to get in! Comment any questions for Sarah on her post on Instagram @howtobecomeadr!
In this Open Pod episode, Ciara and Lucy interview Adam from the University of St Andrews in Scotland. St Andrews is an integrated course with an optional intercalation year. The university requires 5 highers at AAAAB (or A Level predictions of AAA) and the UCAT score will be used alongside your academics to rank people for interview. The top 400 applicants are invited to interview. In recent years, the lowest score invited to interview was 2400. Listen to this episode to hear all about how students really find the course and get some top tips on how to get in! Comment any questions for Adam on his post on Instagram @howtobecomeadr!
In this Open Pod episode, Ciara and Lucy interview Sarah from Dundee University in Scotland. Dundee is an integrated course with an optional intercalation year. The university requires 5 highers at AAAAB (or A Level predictions of AAA) and the UCAT score will be used alongside your academics to rank people for interview. The lowest UCAT score accepted for Scottish students in 2018 was 2110, whereas the lowest UCAT score accepted for students from the rest of the UK in 2018 was 2220. Listen to this episode to hear all about how students really find the course and get some top tips on how to get in! Comment any questions for Sarah on her post on Instagram @howtobecomeadr!
In this Open Pod episode, Ciara and Lucy interview Mai from Aberdeen University in Scotland. Aberdeen is an integrated course with an optional intercalation year. The university requires 5 highers at AAAB (or A Level predictions of AAA) and the UCAT score will be used alongside your academics to rank people for interview. The lowest UCAT score accepted for Scottish students in 2019 was 2360, whereas the lowest UCAT score accepted for students from the rest of the UK in 2019 was 2340. Listen to this episode to hear all about how students really find the course and get some top tips on how to get in! Comment any questions for Mai on her post on Instagram @howtobecomeadr!
In this episode, Lucy and Ciara interview Caitlyn who has just completed her medicine foundation year at Edge Hill. Foundation Courses at medical schools are designed to prepare you for a medical degree and may be suitable if you didn't get high grades at A level (entry requirements are often BBB) or didn’t get into medical school the first time round. Listen to hear about Caitlyn's journey through clearing and into medicine with a foundation year, and to find out all about the course and Edge Hill which is taking in its first 1st year medical students in September 2020.
Thinking about taking a gap year? Not sure whether it is right for you? What do universities think of gap years? In this episode, Lucy and Ciara talk to Belle, a fourth year medical student studying at Cardiff University all about her experience taking a gap year. Belle shares her advice on going through the application process again (yes, you need a new personal statement and have to sit UCAT/BMAT again!). Belle also shares her experience working as a healthcare assistant during her gap year, talking through how to apply and what she learnt from it. Don't forget to follow us on @howtobecomeadr on Instagram and comment under the post for this episode with any questions for Belle!
In this Open Pod episode, Ciara and Lucy interview Rhea from the University of Buckingham. Buckingham is a private medical school in the UK, and so cannot be funded through Student Finance. However, private medical schools such as Buckingham often have lower entry requirements than other medical schools and may not require a UCAT/BMAT admissions test. At Buckingham, the minimum A Level requirements are only ABB, and no admissions test is needed. Uniquely, the course is an accelerated 4.5 year programme that begins halfway through the academic year in January. As a result, applications are accepted for the next year all the way up until September and so it is possible to apply following A Level results day. Listen to this episode to hear all about how students really find the course and get some top tips on how to get in! Comment any questions for Rhea on her post on Instagram @howtobecomeadr!
In this episode, Lucy and Ciara talk to Jenardan - a medical student at the University of Warwick who got into medicine on his 4th attempt! Listen to hear them discuss the routes Jenarden used to get into medicine, including gap years, transfer courses and postgraduate medicine, and the immense table of pros and cons that comes with each. Most of all, be inspired by Jenarden's resilience and motivation to his chosen career after not getting into medicine 3 tries in a row and the determination and commitment that secured his 4th and final spot at Warwick.
In this Open Pod episode, Ciara and Lucy interview Priya from Masaryk University, located in Brno (Czech Republic). Like many other medicine courses in Europe, Masaryk offers a 6 year medicine programme for international students that is taught in English. Students can apply to these international medicine courses off of UCAS (so it doesn't need to be one of your 4 medical school UCAS choices), and often with lower grades than required for UK medical schools. For example, Masaryk accepts students with a minimum A Levels of A (Chemistry), A (Biology), B (Physics or Mathematics) if they have passed their admissions test. Unlike the UCAT/BMAT, these are subject specific tests in biology, chemistry and maths or physics. Whilst European medical schools often have lower tuition fees than the UK, do remember that medicine courses abroad cannot be funded through student finance and so all fees must be self-funded. Most European medicine courses are recognised by the GMC but you must also complete an exam to be registered for practice in the UK. Listen to this episode to hear all about how students really find studying medicine abroad and get some top tips on how to apply! Comment any questions for Priya on her post on Instagram @howtobecomeadr!
In this Open Pod episode, Ciara and Lucy interview Bhavdeep from the University of Warwick. Warwick is a graduate-only medicine course, and so you must have already completed an undergraduate degree to apply. Postgraduate medicine is a common alternative route into medicine, and many people use their 5th choice option on UCAS to secure a place on an undergraduate course with the aim of becoming a doctor through a postgraduate degree. The graduate medicine programme at Warwick is a 4-year accelerated programme, and the entry requirements are based on your undergraduate degree (so you don’t need to have AAA at A Level to apply). For 2021 entry, you must have an undergraduate degree at 2:1 or above, a UCAT score and 70 hours of work experience. The lowest UCAT score considered by their selection centre was 2570 in 2019. Listen to this episode to hear all about how students really find the course and get some top tips on how to get in! Comment any questions for Bhavdeep on her post on Instagram @howtobecomeadr!
In this episode, learn all about adjustment for medicine (yes, this is different to clearing!). Ciara and Lucy talk to Raahul (Medical Student from St Georges) all about his experience of adjustment. It's always best to know all options available to you - so this short episode is definitely worth a listen!
Follow us on Instagram @Howtobecomeadr for more!
Where there is a will, there is a way! In this introductory episode, Ciara and Lucy take you through the many different ways you can fulfil your dream of studying Medicine. We break down: UCAS Extra, Clearing and Adjustment, Foundation Courses, Transfer Courses, Postgraduate Courses and Studying Abroad. Over the next two weeks, we'll be speaking to students about their experiences of each route and their top tips.
If you enjoyed this episode, please make sure to hit subscribe so that you don't miss any of our upcoming amazing episodes!
In this episode, learn all about the process of clearing for medical courses. Lucy and Ciara chat to Sophie, a Medic at St Georges, about her experience of clearing. Sophie shares what she wish she knew before going through clearing, so you can be as prepared as possible if you use this route.
If you found this episode helpful, please do hit subscribe so you don't miss out on any of our amazing upcoming episodes!
In this episode, Lucy and Ciara discuss how to ace your personal statement for medical school using their amazing Personal Statement Handbook. They discuss the common pitfalls students fall into, as well as how to confidently demonstrate you are an excellent candidate for medicine - from introduction right through to conclusion. They even discuss how to tailor your personal statements to your specific medical schools, including advice for students applying to Oxford and Cambridge. This episode is NOT one to miss.
In this Open Pod episode, Lucy interviews Ciara from the University of Birmingham. Birmingham is an integrated course with an optional intercalation year. The A Level entry requirements for 2021 entry are AAA, and the UCAT score will be used to rank applicants for interview. Whilst there is no minimum UCAT cut-off score, the total UCAT scores of all applicants to the university will be ranked and put into deciles and given a score out of 3. For example, the top 10% of applicants’ scores will be in the top decile and will receive a maximum score of 3.0 in the process. Listen to this episode to hear all about how students really find the course and get some top tips on how to get in! Comment any questions for Ciara on her post on Instagram @howtobecomeadr!
In this Open Pod episode, Ciara and Lucy interview Robbie from Newcastle University. Newcastle is an integrated course with an optional intercalation year. The A Level entry requirements for 2021 entry are AAA, and the UCAT score will be used to rank applicants for interview. In 2020, the UCAT cut-off (interview threshold) was 2730. The national average was 2483. Listen to this episode to hear all about how students really find the course and get some top tips on how to get in! Comment any questions for Robbie on his post on Instagram @howtobecomeadr!
In this episode, Ciara will talk you through those transferable skills everyone keeps talking about. She will discuss why transferable skills are critical to your application and how you can tease them out of even the most mundane scenarios!
In this episode, Lucy and Ciara will discuss how to write an article and the opportunities to publish them with Medic Mentor. They will discuss how to start writing an article, and give you some top tips on how to be selected from all of the other articles (or essay competitions) submitted!
In this Open Pod episode, Ciara and Lucy interview Sanjana from Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry (part of Queen Mary, University of London). Barts is an integrated course with an optional intercalation year. Barts is unique in that it focuses on the UCAS tariff (which is a point system with points allocated to GCSE, A Levels and other qualifications such as music grades). The UCAS tariff is used in a 50/50 weighting with the UCAT, and so if you have performed badly in one but excellently in the other you could still be invited for interview. For students that received offers for interviews, the highest and lowest UCAS Tariff scores were 355 and 144, whilst the highest and lowest UCAT scores were 3410 and 2300. Listen to this episode to hear all about how students really find the course and get some top tips on how to get in! Comment any questions for Sanjana on her post on Instagram @howtobecomeadr!
In this Open Pod episode, Ciara and Lucy interview Dani from the University of Exeter. Exeter is an integrated course with an optional intercalation year. Whilst the A Level entry requirements for 2021 entry are AAA, Applicants are then ranked according to their best three A-level (or equivalent) prediction of achievement. Only those with AAA* predictions will be ranked in Tier 1. Where there are too many applicants for the places available from a given tier of A Level Predictions, applicants will be ranked by overall UKCAT score. Listen to this episode to hear all about how students really find the course and get some top tips on how to get in! Comment any questions for Dani on his post on Instagram @howtobecomeadr!
In this Open Pod episode, Ciara and Lucy interview Elif from Anglia Ruskin University (ARU). ARU is an integrated course with an optional intercalation year. The A Level entry requirements for 2021 entry are AAA, and the UCAT score will be used to rank applicants for interview. The top 400 will be invited for an MMI. Listen to this episode to hear all about how students really find the course and get some top tips on how to get in! Comment any questions for Elif on the Medic Mentor blog: https://medicmentor.co.uk/how-to-become-a-doctor-blog/ or on @howtobecomeadr on instagram!
In this Open Pod episode, Ciara and Lucy interview Haider from Imperial College London (ICL). ICL is an integrated course with a compulsory intercalation year. The A Level entry requirements for 2021 entry are AAA, and a BMAT cut off is used as part of their selection for interview. In 2029, Candidates were required to score a minimum of 3.5 in Section 1 and Section 2, with the sum of scores in these two Sections being at least 8.6. They were required to score a minimum of 2.5C in Section 3. Listen to this episode to hear all about how students really find the course and get some top tips on how to get in! Comment any questions for Haider on the Medic Mentor blog: https://medicmentor.co.uk/how-to-become-a-doctor-blog/ or on @howtobecomeadr on instagram!
In this episode, Lucy will talk you through the all important art of reflection you need to ace your personal statement and interviews. Learn about the 7 key questions the General Medical Council (GMC) uses to guide reflection in ACTUAL doctors and see how Lucy applies these to her own experiences and links these to the life of a doctor . This episode is designed to be interactive so get ready to grab a pen and paper and get started on your reflections! Make sure to take a look at Ciara and Lucy's guide on 'How to Write a Reflective Diary' too: https://www.flipsnack.com/howtobecomeadr/how-to-write-a-reflective-diary.html
In this Open Pod episode, Ciara and Lucy interview Heidi from the Hull York Medical School. Hull York is an integrated course with an optional intercalation year. The A Level entry requirements for 2021 entry are AAA, and the UCAT is used alongside your GCSEs to select for interview. Listen to hear all about how students really find the course and get some top tips on how to get in! Comment any questions for Heidi on the Medic Mentor blog: https://medicmentor.co.uk/how-to-become-a-doctor-blog/
In this Open Pod episode, Ciara and Lucy interview Rob from the University of Manchester. Manchester is an integrated course with an optional intercalation year. The A Level entry requirements for 2021 entry are AAA, and candidates above a UCAT threshold (2600 in 2018) are automatically invited to interview. Listen to hear all about how students really find the course and get some top tips on how to get in! Comment any questions for Rob on the Medic Mentor blog: https://medicmentor.co.uk/how-to-become-a-doctor-blog/
In this Open Pod episode, Ciara and Lucy interview Ahmed from the University of Leeds. Leeds is an integrated course with a compulsory intercalated year. The A Level entry requirements for 2021 entry are AAA, and those scoring above a total BMAT score of 42 were invited for an interview (2017). Listen to hear all about how students really find the course and get some top tips on how to get in! Comment any questions for Dion on the Medic Mentor blog: https://medicmentor.co.uk/how-to-become-a-doctor-blog/
In this Open Pod episode, Ciara and Lucy interview Dion from the University of Cardiff. Cardiff is an integrated course with an optional intercalation year. The A Level entry requirements for 2021 entry are AAA, and the UCAT is not a massive part of the application. Instead, a higher weighting is placed on GCSEs. Listen to hear all about how students really find the course and get some top tips on how to get in! Comment any questions for Dion on the Medic Mentor blog: https://medicmentor.co.uk/how-to-become-a-doctor-blog/
In this Open Pod episode, Ciara and Lucy interview Anusha from the University of Liverpool. Liverpool is an integrated course with an optional intercalation year. The A Level entry requirements for 2021 entry are AAA, and a competitive UCAT score was 2420 (in 2018). Listen to hear all about how students really find the course and get some top tips on how to get in! Comment any questions for Anusha on the Medic Mentor blog: https://medicmentor.co.uk/how-to-become-a-doctor-blog/
In this episode, Ciara and Lucy interview Rebecca - a medical student who came in the top 1% of all UCAT candidates. They discuss the latest update to the UCAT in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and questions regarding completing the UCAT from home. Most importantly, they share incredible tips and insight on when to start UCAT practice, how to balance UCAT practice with BMAT and personal statement writing, and methods you can use when answering questions! As Rebecca says - just guess, flag and skip!
In this Open Pod episode, Ciara and Lucy interview Sophie from the St George’s, University of London. St George’s is an integrated course with an optional intercalation year. The A Level entry requirements for 2021 entry are AAA, and the lowest UCAT score considered for interview was 2590 (in 2018). Listen to hear all about how students really find the course and get some top tips on how to get in! Comment any questions for Sophie on the Medic Mentor blog: https://medicmentor.co.uk/how-to-become-a-doctor-blog/
In this Open Pod episode, Ciara and Lucy interview Sujan from King’s College London. KCL is an integrated course with an optional intercalation year. The A Level entry requirements for 2021 entry are AAA, and the average UCAT score for offer holders was 2699 (in 2018/9). Listen to hear all about how students really find the course and get some top tips on how to get in! Comment any questions for Sujan on the Medic Mentor blog: https://medicmentor.co.uk/how-to-become-a-doctor-blog/
In this Open Pod episode, Ciara and Lucy interview Soham from the University of Oxford. Oxford is a traditional course and has a compulsory intercalation year. The A Level entry requirements for 2021 entry are A*AA, and the average BMAT score for 2018/19 entry was Section 1: 5.6, Section 2: 5.8 and Section 3: 3.6A. Listen to hear all about how students really find the course and get some top tips on how to get in! Comment any questions for Soham on the Medic Mentor blog: https://medicmentor.co.uk/how-to-become-a-doctor-blog/
In this Open Pod episode, Ciara interviews Lucy from the University of Cambridge. Cambridge is a traditional course but still integrates some clinical patients in the preclinical years. The course also has a compulsory intercalation year. The A Level entry requirements for 2021 entry are AAA, and the average BMAT score for 2018/19 entry was Section 1: 5.5, Section 2: 6.1 and Section 3: 3.5A. Listen to hear all about how students really find the course and get some top tips on how to get in! Comment any questions for Lucy on the Medic Mentor blog: https://medicmentor.co.uk/how-to-become-a-doctor-blog/
In this Open Pod episode, Ciara and Lucy interview Syliva from the University College London. UCL is an advertised as an integrated, but has very limited patient contact in the pre-clinical years. The course also has a compulsory intercalation year. The A Level entry requirements for 2021 entry are A*AA, and the average BMAT score for 2018/19 entry was Section 1: 4.3, Section 2: 4.1 and Section 3: 2.9A. Listen to hear all about how students really find the course and get some top tips on how to get in! Comment any questions for Sylvia on the Medic Mentor blog: https://medicmentor.co.uk/how-to-become-a-doctor-blog/
In this Open Pod episode, Ciara and Lucy interview Keertana from the University of Leicester. Leicester is an integrated course with an optional intercalation year. The A Level entry requirements for 2021 entry are AAA, and more points are allocated for those with UCAT scores higher than 2900. Listen to hear all about how students really find the course and get some top tips on how to get in! Comment any questions for Keertana on the Medic Mentor blog: https://medicmentor.co.uk/how-to-become-a-doctor-blog/
In this Open Pod episode, Ciara and Lucy interview Rebecca from the University of Glasgow. Glasgow is an integrated course with an optional intercalation year. The A Level entry requirements for 2021 entry are AAA, and the lowest UCAT score considered for interview was 2650 (in 2019). Listen to hear all about how students really find the course and get some top tips on how to get in! Comment any questions for Rebecca on the Medic Mentor blog: https://medicmentor.co.uk/how-to-become-a-doctor-blog/
Fear not! Despite Open Days being cancelled across the country, Ciara and Lucy are bringing the Open Days to you through a series of ‘Open Pods’ where they interview Medical Students from different universities across the UK. They ask all the important questions that will help you make an informed decision as to which Medical School is right for you. Listen for fantastic insight from students who know what they are talking about. And the best part... you don’t even need to leave your house!
In this Open Pod episode, Ciara and Lucy interview Chris from the University of Bristol. Bristol is an integrated course with an optional intercalation year. The A Level entry requirements for 2021 entry are AAA, and candidates with a UCAT score of >2660 (in 2017/8) were likely to be invited to interview. Listen to hear all about how students really find the course and get some top tips on how to get in! Comment any questions for Chris on the Medic Mentor blog: https://medicmentor.co.uk/how-to-become-a-doctor-blog/
Join hosts Lucy and Ciara, both medical students, as they walk you through how to choose your the perfect Medical School for you. In parts 2 & 3 they break down the types of medical courses and methods (including less conventional methods!) to help you make difficult decisions. If you’re confused by the terms EBL, PBL, CBL, traditional, integrated and spiral curriculum, this episode will debunk the jargon to help you make an informed decision.
Join our hosts, Lucy and Ciara, as they interview Dr Uppal (chief dentist) all about the Awards Programme for Applying Students! Also hear from Dr Quinn as she discusses the latest addition to the Scholarship programme - the Awards programme for Medical Students! Make sure to comment on the blog to let us know your experiences of the Awards programme and any advice you have for other students!
Join hosts Lucy and Ciara, both medical students, as they walk you through how to choose your the perfect Medical School for you. Everyone always wishes they knew whether a university was going to accept them or not before they use up one of those precious 4 medical school applications slots - applying strategically is the closest Ciara and Lucy can get you! In part 1 of this mini-series on Choosing a Medical School , we will discuss how medical schools assess your application and what weighting means with regards to the different parts of your application such as the UCAT, BMAT, your GCSEs, predicted grades and personal statement. We share exclusive advice about what to do if your UCAT score is low (<610), as well as how you can find out if you are a below average, normal or above average applicant to each medical school. We have so much advice to share with you so if there is anything you think we've missed then make sure to comment on the Medic Mentor blog for this episode at: https://medicmentor.co.uk/category/becoming-a-doctor-podcast-series/
Join hosts Lucy and Ciara, both medical students, as they discuss how to choose your university accommodation and packing essentials! Let us know what you think on the medic mentor blog: https://medicmentor.co.uk/how-to-become-a-doctor-blog/
Join hosts Lucy and Ciara, both medical students, as they walk you through the summer before starting medical school! Find out what they did and start planning a fun and productive summer break! Let us know what you think on the medic mentor blog: https://medicmentor.co.uk/how-to-become-a-doctor-blog/
Join hosts Lucy and Ciara, both medical students, as they discuss student finance. Want to know the difference between tuition vs maintenance loans or how to access grants you won’t have to pay back? Listen to the latest episode now! Let us know what you think on the medic mentor blog: https://medicmentor.co.uk/how-to-become-a-doctor-blog/
Join hosts Lucy and Ciara, both medical students, as they interview the president of Medic Mentor Dr Lauren Quinn to find out all about how you can gain access to up to £12,000 of scholarship funding! Let us know what you think on the medic mentor blog: https://medicmentor.co.uk/how-to-become-a-doctor-blog/
Join hosts Lucy and Clara, both medical students, as they talk to Dr Rob, a vet, about the effects COVID-19 has had on the profession. Let us know what you think on the medic mentor blog: https://medicmentor.co.uk/how-to-become-a-doctor-blog/
Join hosts Lucy and Clara, both medical students, as they talk to Dr Priya Chohan, a dentist, about the effects COVID-19 has had on the profession.
Join hosts Lucy and Ciara, both medical students, as they discuss PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) - a hot topic both in the NHS and globally. Learn what PPE is, why it is an issue. Listen to Ciara and Lucy discuss their thoughts on the situation, making your wider reading that much easier! Links to information referenced in this episode:
https://labblog.uofmhealth.org/rounds/how-scientists-quantify-intensity-of-an-outbreak-like-covid-19 https://www.bma.org.uk/news-and-opinion/most-doctors-still-lack-protective-equipment-finds-survey https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/latest/2020/04/pop-up-tent-for-frontline-nhs-staff.aspx
Join hosts Lucy and Ciara, both medical students, as they discuss the latest news that the PM had been admitted to an intensive care unit. Learn more about what happens in intensive care, what the most recent data shows on Covid-19 ITU patients, and listen to Ciara and Lucy discuss their thoughts on the media's reporting of the PM's condition. Links of references used in this episode:
https://news.sky.com/story/coronavirus-what-do-the-figures-tell-us-about-boris-johnsons-chances-of-a-full-recovery-11970172 https://www.icnarc.org/DataServices/Attachments/Download/a9875849-f16c-ea11-9124-00505601089b https://www.healthsystemtracker.org/brief/potential-costs-of-coronavirus-treatment-for-people-with-employer-coverage/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5506407/
Join hosts Lucy and Ciara, both medical students, as they discuss how to deal with uncertainty. Learn tips and methods to manage uncertainty and how to make the most of your time during lockdown. Let us know what you think on the medic mentor blog: https://medicmentor.co.uk/how-to-become-a-doctor-blog/
Join hosts Lucy and Ciara, both medical students, as they discuss how coronavirus (covid-19) is affecting them. Learn what medical students are doing to help and how they feel about the pandemic. Let us know what you think on the medic mentor blog: https://medicmentor.co.uk/how-to-become-a-doctor-blog/
Join hosts Lucy and Ciara, both medical students, as they introduce the brand new podcast 'Becoming A Doctor'. Get to know the hosts and learn what to expect from future episodes. Let us know what you think on the medic mentor blog: https://medicmentor.co.uk/how-to-become-a-doctor-blog/