Rejection #3

From Leicester this time. Unfortunately, my UKCAT score failed to offset my poor A-level results in their points-based application process. Harsh reality to face.

Last Saturday, went to London to a MedicPortal organised MMI circuit to gain experience with MMIs and it was absolutely worthwhile. I certainly have a more focal view of the areas of which I now need to improve. Those areas being primarily communication skills, understanding of modern medical issues and ethical dilemmas and showing confidence in your response. With only a need to brush up on some basic physiology, the main areas that I need to improve in are no longer academical.

And it is the time of year when PhD interviews are taking place and it has been a consideration for me. Do I see myself enjoying the challenge of a PhD and perhaps a clear career path involving what I have learnt afterwards? It is an option. However, at this time, I believe is not one that would help me improve the areas in which I need to improve in for medical school. A career in clinical medicine remains my long-term goal. Several areas about myself and my character need to be improve and I principally believe they centre around me showing as much confidence to others as I know I have in my own ability to improve.

The day of nailing that interview is coming. Just be ready.

Rejection #2

Tough but expected. From Newcastle. Likely a low UKCAT score.

It is deflating but nothing new that I can't cope with.

I am at a juncture, aged 21 (22 in April), when I honestly need to start thinking about the impact I hope to bring as a clinician. Not necessarily a specialty specifically but what I envision myself doing as clinical professional. Whether that be contributing through research, presiding within societies or policy-making. A lot of graduate applicants to medicine, particularly with a scientific background, I would think would be keen to use their previous work in some facet as a clinician. I am no other. Genomics is upcoming, particularly in informing individualised risks and stratifying subgroups of treatments to people. However, the introduction of such data clinically faces enormous structures and policies which simply do not exist. To be at stage of informing these policies, you need to demonstrate a track record of implementation work to get yourself in the policy-making room. Can you deliver such a track record of years of research and analysis whilst training to become or practicing as a junior doctor?

That is the crux of it. If you want to make the most of what you already know, knowing that at least 12 years combined of training, junior doctor employment and specialty training await, you need to make a decision on how you want to make your impact.

This thought came to light after a conversation with a clinician on the fourth module of my Masters in Genomic Medicine.

Never have I been so fuelled to understand the real reasons for me wanting to do Medicine. To act in the interest of others, deliver on a personal level and prove people wrong. Those are the abbreviated reasons. And I'm still hungry.