Applying for Medicine & Dentistry

as a Graduate

Alison Clay, Careers Adviser 27 February 2015

Today’s session

• Issues to consider BEFORE applying

• How to apply

• Funding

• Personal statement

• Tips & hints on work experience and meeting other essential criteria

• Admissions tests

• Interview stage

• Sources of advice and information

Issues to consider BEFORE applying

• Why do I want to be a …?

• Skills and qualities?

• Entry requirements inc. first degree (high 2.1 min), A-levels, entrance exams, international students

• Academic potential?

• Shadowing and work experience? Reflections = key

• Choice of HE institution inc. course type & length

• Training / career development

• Costs and funding availability for courses

• Plan B?

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: www.ucas.com and individual medical / dental school websites

Applying for Medicine & Dentistry (1)

• NB: 2016-entry details still TBC

• Online via UCAS: www.ucas.com

• Closing date for 2015 entry: 15 Oct 2014.

• Apply as ‘individual’

• 4 choices max. (NB: show focus)

• 2015-entry fees = £23 (£12 if only apply to one)

• Online FAQs / Tel helpline: 0371 468 0 468

• Admissions tests? UKCAT, GAMSAT, BMAT. Date may be before UCAS deadline!

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 or CV – eg, for mature applicants

Funding

• Dept of Health / NHS may give UK domiciled students: Tuition fee assistance and maintenance bursary s.t course type, year of study and your situation. Student loans available via Student Finance England – see next slides

• International students – try sources in home-country

• Institution’s own bursary system

• Charities and trusts

• Part-time work (if you have time!!!)

• Loans from banks, family or friends?

• Talk to the Student Advice Centre: su.sheffield.ac.uk/advice-support

• See if admissions teams can offer any suggestions

Medicine & Dentistry 5/6-Year UG courses funding 2015 entry • In Yrs 1 to 4 of training, English domiciled students

responsible for own tuition fees (up to £9,000) and living costs, although may be able to apply for SFE loan for maintenance.

• NHS pays tuition fees for English domiciled students from Yr 5 onwards. £1,000 non means tested NHS award for living costs plus poss. means-tested NHS bursary. from Yr 5 onwards. Reduced maintenance loan from SFE.

• Students domiciled in other UK areas should contact the appropriate national authority for details.

• For more info: www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/Students/816.aspx

Medicine & Dentistry 4-Year ‘Fast-track’ funding 2015 entry • In Yr 1, English domiciled students responsible for first

£3.465 of tuition fees but can apply to SFE for loan to cover rest . Can apply to SFE for maintenance loan.

• In yrs 2, 3 and 4 NHS bursary pays first £3,465 of tuition fees with SFE loans a possibility to cover the rest. £1,000 non-means tested living costs award plus possible means-tested award from NHS in yrs 2-4 plus reduced rate SFE loan to meet the balance of living costs.

• Students domiciled in other UK areas should contact the appropriate national authority for details.

• Further information: www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/Students/816.aspx

A bit more detail……

• Applications (personal statement)

NB: Using Medicine at Sheffield as an example – similar principles apply to other Schools and for dentistry courses, too.

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.

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

Personal qualities (2)

Indicate your patient-focus:

• Show you understand (and agree) 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!

Tips on work experience

• Start by talking to your GP & other healthcare workers

• Obtain (voluntary) 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, www.vas.org.uk, www.sheffieldhelpyourself.org.uk, www.do-it.org.uk

• (un)paid work in residential homes or other caring environments like hospices: MyVacancies, local newspapers, plus own research (www.yell.com)

• Careers Service events: www.shef.ac.uk/careers/students/events

• Relate other work experience to profession

Participation

is better than

Observation

A bit more detail……

• Admissions Tests – UKCAT

– GAMSAT

– BMAT

General points to note

• Separate to UCAS - YOU are responsible for taking and paying for the test via test provider

• Limited dates (some before UCAS deadline) and locations for tests

• Only take the same test once in any given year; wait until next year to re-take

• Results sent directly to individual institutions (ie, they don’t see your other choices)

• No ‘pass’ or ‘fail’ - schools set their own criteria for use and will have own ‘cut-off’ points

• GAMSAT results viable for 2 years, UKCAT and BMAT for 1 year only

UKCAT: www.ukcat.ac.uk

Registration opens: 1 May 2015

Testing begins: 1 July 2015

Registration deadline: 22 September 2015

Bursary application deadline:

22 September 2015

Exemption application deadline:

22 September 2015

Last testing date: 6 October 2015

Helpdesk: 0161 855 7409

UKCAT (1)

• Used by around half of Medical Schools and two-thirds Dental Schools – both UG and GEM/GED courses

• PC-based multi-choice tests of general aptitude not science: – Verbal reasoning (44 items in 22 mins) – Quantitative reasoning (36 items in 25 mins) – Abstract reasoning (55 items in 14 mins) – Decision analysis (28 items in 32 mins) – Situational Judgement Test (67 items in 27 mins)

• 2 hours in total

• Location of test centres: 150 in UK (see website)

UKCAT (2)

• Costs 2015: £65 (until 31/08) then £80 (01/09 – 06/10) for candidates in EU; £100 for others at all times

• To prepare: – Guide on website – Test tutorial & practice test on website & Practice App – Careers Service psychometric tests briefing sheet has

links to other test providers. Profiling for Success – Read widely eg quality newspapers (verbal) and FT

(quantitative) – ‘Passing the UK Clinical Aptitude Test and BMAT’ by Taylor,

Hutton and Hutton (available from Careers Service) – SJTs for F1 : www.isfp.org.uk/SJT/Pages/default.aspx

GAMSAT: www.gamsatuk.org

Registration opens: Late May 2015

Registration deadline: 31 July 2015

Late registration deadline (with late fee) 10 Aug 2015

Test date 9 Sept 2015

GAMSAT (1) • Graduate-entry: Liverpool; Nottingham at Derby; St

Georges; Swansea

• UG: Cardiff; Plymouth; Exeter; Keele (for non-scientists).

• Paper-based test:

– Reasoning in humanities and social sciences (multiple choice, 75 Qs in 1hr 40mins)

– Written communication (2 written tasks, 30 mins each)

– Reasoning in biological and physical sciences (multiple choice, 110 Qs in 2hrs 50mins)

• Total test time = 5 ½ hours

GAMSAT (2)

• Location of test centres: refer to GAMSAT website • Cost for 2016 entry: £237.50 (+£60 late fee) • To prepare:

– Practice ‘e-books’ via GAMSAT website (one free with registration). Copies of old paper versions available to loan in Careers Service

– Careers Service psychometric tests briefing sheet has links to other test providers. Profiling for Success.

– Revision guides / short course for A-level Physics, L1 UG Chemistry and Biology

– Read widely (novels to newspapers) – What do they mean? What are your opinions? What is ‘good writing’?

BMAT: www.admissionstests.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/adt/bmat

Registration opens: 1 Sept 2015

Standard registration deadline: 1 Oct 2015

Late registration (with fee): 2-15 Oct 2015

BMAT takes place 4 Nov 2015

Results released 25 Nov 2015

Helpdesk T: 01223 553366

BMAT (1)

• Brighton & Sussex (UG for graduate entrants), Lancaster, Leeds (UG); UCL (UG and GEM); Imperial (UG and GEM); Oxford (UG and GEM), Cambridge (all UG and most colleges for GEM)

• Paper-based test:

– ‘Aptitude & skills’ inc. problem solving, data analysis and inference (multiple choice, 35 Qs in 1 hr)

– Scientific knowledge & application (multiple choice, 27 Qs in 30mins)

– Written skills (1-page essay, on ‘scientific’ or ‘learning’ theme, 30mins)

• Total test time = 2 hours

• Location of test centre: see website

BMAT (2)

• 2016-entry fees: £44 for candidates in UK/EU, £74 for international + poss. admin fee charged by test centre – late fee £31.50

• To prepare: – Specimen papers on BMAT website plus links to other

useful preparation resources eg, critical thinking books – Official guide ‘Preparing for the BMAT’ by Butterworth

& Thwaites and ‘Passing the UK Clinical Aptitude Test and BMAT’ by Taylor, Hutton & Hutton (both available from Careers Service)

– Careers Service psychometric tests briefing sheet has links to other test providers. Profiling for Success.

– Revision guides for KS4 up to A-level Physics, Chemistry , Biology and Maths

Example questions

Verbal Reasoning (UKCAT) Q1

Similar to verbal reasoning in GAMSAT & BMAT

Verbal Reasoning (UKCAT) Q2

Quantitative Reasoning (UKCAT) Q1

NB: Similar to scientific knowledge and applications (BMAT)

How many stores does

the distribution centre

serve?

A. 60

B. 70

C. 80

D. 90

E. Can’t tell

Quantitative Reasoning (UKCAT) Q2

EG: Abstract Reasoning (UKCAT) Q1

EG: Abstract Reasoning (UKCAT) Q2

Decision Analysis (UKCAT) Passage

Example 1

Example 2

Table of codes – Q1

Decision Analysis (UKCAT) Q2

What is the best interpretation of

the following coded message:

5, 12c, 3

A. Water is lighter than air

B. Water and air don’t mix easily

C. Water is darker than air

D. Water is the opposite of air

E. Water is heavier than air

EG: Situational Judgement Test

Explain to the patient that he is unable to comment on what the tests will show as he is a

medical student

A. A very appropriate thing to do

B. Appropriate, but not ideal

C. Inappropriate, but not awful

D. A very inappropriate thing to do

Scientific knowledge & application (BMAT) 13 Signals are transmitted from one neuron to the next neuron, by molecules. These statements are about this process:

1. Transmitter molecules are formed in the receptors.

2. The signal is transmitted across the synapse by osmosis.

3. Transmitter molecules are released once the signal has been transmitted across the synapse.

4 .The release of transmitter molecules is triggered by an impulse.

5 .The signal is transmitted across the synapse by diffusion.

Which of the above statements are correct?

A 1 and 2 C 1 and 5 E 3 and 4

B 1 and 3 D 2 and 4 F 4 and 5

Written communication (GAMSAT)

Consider the following comments and develop a piece of writing in response to one of them.

• If poverty is the mother of crime, stupidity is the father. (Jean de La Bruyere)

• The faults of the burglar are the qualities of the financier. (George Bernard Shaw)

• Speaking generally, punishment hardens and numbs, it produces concentration, it sharpens the consciousness of alienation, it strengths the power of resistance. (Nietzsche)

NB: Similar to writing task (BMAT)

General strategies for all tests (1)

• Know what to expect re format, procedures, etc • Work through sample questions and practice tests

(start at least 3 months before test) • Know what to take on the day (eg: I.D., forms, writing

equipment, etc) • Contact the test provider well before the test date if

you have a disability which requires additional support

• Follow the instructions on the day • Work steadily through the test • Keep an eye on the time! • If you are disturbed during the test, report it asap

General strategies for all tests (2)

For multiple choice:

• No credit if more than one answer marked

• No deductions for a wrong answer

• Check value of each Q

• Attempt as many questions as possible

• Don’t spend too long on one question

• Be careful of ‘nearly right’ answers

• If optical scanning / machine scoring is used (ie GAMSAT, BMAT) mark your answer clearly (HB pencil and good quality eraser)

General strategies for all tests (3)

For written sections:

• Check assessment criteria eg, give opinions, present a logical argument, show how you can develop your ideas, etc

• Spelling, grammar, language

• Well structured, logical flow not necessarily the ‘correct’ answer

• Clear and concise

• Give the piece an appropriate title

• Several independent assessors

A bit more detail……

• Interviews

Interviews – the basics

• Check format – eg, panel interview, Multiple Mini Interviews, selection centre

• 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

Panel interview – likely topics (1)

• Reasons why you want 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 (esp. via CBQs) inc. capacity to deal with stress

• Ability to communicate, express ideas clearly and follow a reasoned argument

• Ability to interact with/relate to others

Panel interview – likely topics (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

MMIs

• Several ‘stations’

• 1:1 discussions with an assessor (CBQs; why medicine; current affairs, medical knowledge, etc) – similar questions to panel interview

• Role play activities eg, actor plays role of a neighbour to whom you need to break some bad news

• Individual puzzles eg, prioritise 30 items to take on holiday when only allowed 15

• Moral dilemmas, eg, you are given the scenario of a family dispute and must describe how you would mediate

Selection centres

• Group work activity eg, construct something as a team

• Written exercise eg, prioritising scenarios you might face as a medical student and providing a reasoned argument for your choices (ethical)

• Your observations / comments on a health-professional-patient consultation role play performed by actors (on video)

• One-to-one interview

Have you got the X-Factor?

Convincing

Articulate self-marketing

Enthusiastic

Finding out more….. (1)

About the profession: • www.prospects.ac.uk/types_of_jobs_health.htm • targetjobs.co.uk/career-sectors/healthcare • Careers Service: occupations files, books, info

sheets • Talk to those in the profession, work shadow &

obtain hands-on work experience • Research into professional training – BMA, BDA,

GMC, GDC, etc

Finding out more….. (2)

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

www.careers.dept.shef.ac.uk/presentations/gettingmedicine/player.html

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

www.careers.dept.shef.ac.uk/presentations/medicinetests/player.html

Includes info sheet ‘Admissions Tests for Medical & Dental Schools

Dentistry MOOC

• Massive Open Online Courses

• Free and open to all

• ‘Discovering Dentistry’ went live March 2014 - recommended you do this if applying to Dentistry

• Look at forthcoming courses to see if any for medicine

• www.futurelearn.com/courses/upcoming

For a copy of the slides:

On MOLE for BMS227 students

For everyone else: www.shef.ac.uk/bms/undergrad/careers/index

See ‘Medicine & Dentistry’ section on right-hand side of screen for PDF of this presentation.

Have a Plan B !

An alternative? Physician Associate • Work in general practice, emergency medicine, out-of-

hours clinics, walk-in centres, cardiology, general surgery and orthopaedic surgery

• Assistant role inc. diagnosis and referral; analysis of test results; not prescribing

• Supervised by doctor; more responsibility with experience

• 2 year PG course at University of Aberdeen (Feb for Sept

start), Birmingham (May & Jan intakes), Plymouth (stats Sept 2015), Reading, St George’s (Apr for Sept start), Wolverhampton (starts Oct) & Worcester (May for Sept start) – fees £9k p.a

• NHS Band 6 salary: approx. £26,000 - £34,000

• www.ukapa.co.uk

Professions allied to medicine

• Podiatrist, Dietitian, Orthoptist

• Orthotist, Paramedic, Physiotherapist

• Radiographer, Speech & language therapists

• Etc

• Etc

• www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/explore-by-career/allied-health-professions/careers-in-the-allied-health-professions

Alternative careers with Science

Thursday 12 March

5.15pm – 7.00pm

Richard Roberts Auditorium

Patent attorney, science communications, medical sales, science museums, education and more…..

Sign up at: http://goo.gl/iEb47u

Something completely different?

‘Careers with my degree’ www.shef.ac.uk/careers/students/degree/bms

www.shef.ac.uk/careers/students

Careers Service - 388 Glossop Road

Tel 0114 222 0910

9 am – 5 pm Mon – Fri, except Tuesdays 11 am – 5 pm

Student Jobshop – Students’ Union Building

10 am – 3 pm Mon – Fri, except Tuesdays 11 am – 3 pm

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