Pursuing a Career in Medicine
17th March 2010
Why medicine?
Is medicine the right career choice for you?
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Self assessment
Exploration
Decision
Plan B (and C)
Finding out more…
Some useful websites:
 BMA: Becoming a Doctor
www.bma.org.uk/careers/becoming_doctor/becomdoctor2010.jsp
(see helpful downloadable pdf document with application
information including all medical school entrance requirements)
 New NHS Medical careers website
www.medicalcareers.nhs.uk/
 NHS careers
www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/medical.shtml
 Dundee university careers service
www.dundee.ac.uk/careers/aboutus/seeing_an_advisor.htm
 Tayside Centre for General Practice Careers website
http://gptraining.dundee.ac.uk/Career.aspx
Preparing to Apply
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Academic
Personal achievements and experiences
Work experience
Personal statement
UCAS
UKCAT (or BMAT)
Recruitment guidance
Medical Schools Council document:
Guiding Principles for the Admission of Medical Students
www.medschools.ac.uk/Publications/Pages/GuidingPrinciples-Medical-Students.aspx
Rating applications
Stage 1: Academic score and referees report for
professional assessment score
Stage 2: Score for medical experience, non academic
achievement and evidence of adversity (personal
statement)
Stage 3: UKCAT factor
Preparing for Interview
 Homework
 Homework!
 Homework!!
….back to resources
Dundee Medical School Interview Process
Multiple Mini Interview
10 stations of 7 minutes each
The domains this assessment will seek to cover are:
 Interpersonal communication and empathy
 Teamwork
 Preparation (career/local curriculum/learning styles)
 Critical thinking
 Ethical perspective/fairness/respect
 Personal statement/integrity check/community involvement
Scoring is based upon three ratings per station: one for the station content
or substance of the candidate’s response, another for the interpersonal
communication demonstrated by the candidate, and a third for the global
assessment of the candidate’s suitability as a medical student.
Key Messages
 Choose medicine for the right reasons
 Learn more about yourself and your career choice to
confirm your decision
 Seek out and take every opportunity for relevant
experiences and continue to reflect on your career choice
 Prepare thoroughly to ensure a strong application
 Do your homework before any interviews
Good Luck!