This video may be 3 years old but it's exactly what I needed to watch today! Our journeys are very similar; I also gave up on med school at around 18, got a biomed degree, travelled for a bit, worked in teaching and then in healthcare! I'm now at the point where I know I don't want to do anything else but have been terrified at the thought of another 4 (maybe even 5) years of studying 😬 Need to get everything in order so I can apply this year! You've inspired me and it's time to go for it 👍🏾
Great video Sarah and found it on a trawl through you tube looking for similar experiences...I'm a 56yr old Physiotherapist and after a long time in the Military doing a career I love have decided to follow my ultimate dream...albeit late in life!. Start Grad Med this year and stoked up at actually getting a place. In short, who cares how old you are. I think I have something to bring to the party as life is to short to sit back and say 'what if'.....Its going to be one hell of a ride!..
Simon.. thats brilliant! I'm on the same mission.. trying to find others who are applying to grad entry medicine later in life. Not so easy.. I can't find many who aren't 20s or early 30s (I'm 40). How have you found it?
I'm starting medicine at Bristol this September as a mature student... it never is too late to start. :) Well done on passing all your exams/becoming a doctor!
Luke Oates hey, that's so great! Well done :) I hope you have a great experience there and the time will fly by! I just graduated yesterday and it only feels like 2 days ago that I got onto the course!
Congratulations Sarah! This all sounds weirdly similar to me.. I have just graduated from Sheffield with a degree in Biomedical Science and suffered bad anxiety throughout my degree, and I have just sent off my application to GEM at Nottingham, Swansea, Birmingham and Leicester. I am working as a HCA but I am really lacking confidence about whether I will actually get in! Thank you for your video - I am definitely considering booking a trip to Australia now!
Lucinda Palmer oh my goodness I have only just seen this comment, I’m so sorry for the delay!! Wow, we really do have a similar story. One of my best friends is called Lucinda as well 😊 so I’m dying to know.... did you ever book the trip to Australia?? Hope you are well and enjoying life! 😘
I really enjoyed this video and found it so reassuring! I also wanted to be a doctor in my teens but slacked around in sixth form so just didn't bother applying. I studied Chemistry instead which was fascinating but after spending the majority of my final year working in a lab I knew a career in research just wasn't for me! After graduation, I became a support worker for people with profound and multiple learning disabilities which made me consider nursing - I was also put off by four more years of studying! After a conversation with my dad, the penny dropped for me too - he told me that I should just go for it and watching this video has really inspired confidence in my decision to apply for graduate entry medicine. Thank you so much!
My story is funnily similar. Never thought i stood a chance at medicine but couldnt see myself settle for any other career that i can commit to for the rest of my life. Only difference between the both of us is that i decided to apply in my final year of Alevel. I had gone back and forth with applying for medicine for a good 3 years (since yr 10). As i said, my story was similar to yours, but i kind of decided on medicine too late. My ucas application wasnt strong (rushed my personal statement and ukcat practice). Im happy i found myself and im going to take a gap year if i dont get in this year in order to better prepare myself :)
What a lovely and encouraging story Sarah almost brought some emotional tears to my eyes. I graduated with a bachelors of psychology last year and I've always wanted to do medicine but i was working towards the American system, however as an international it's been very difficult. i returned home to work as a mental heath care assistant with the UN and have applied for a master's in clinical neuroscience in the UK. if i receive the scholarship for the masters it means i can't enter the UK for 2 years after completing my masters which means that if i want to apply for GEM or standard course medicine i will have to wait these two years. I got so discouraged over the fact that I will be starting medicine at 25 and the idea of only graduating at 29/30 while all my friends are at the peak of their career prospects terrified me. But this video shows me i'm not alone. The GEM courses exist for a reason. There is an abundance of inspired graduates who wish to become doctors and the educational system acknowledges us. I am so glad I stumbled on your page you are an abundance of joy and positivity. I now am no longer dreading the idea but actually excited to start medicine in 3 years, even if the standard 5 year course. Years don't matter and in my 50s i would wanna look back and pat myself on the back for taking this leap of faith.
Wow, I am super happy for you, congratulations! You seem super likeable and relatable and your story gives us all hope! I am a psychology graduate and I would like to study graduate entry medicine. I have been toying with the idea for five years and I feel like it is something I want to do. Thanks for sharing your story :)
Hiya! I’m a current A level student and I am desperate to study medicine, but due to the pandemic, I don’t feel educationally or mentally prepared to study medicine next. I’m planning on studying biomedical science next year so that I can actually learn and understand the science before applying to medical school. Is it hard? Medicine is my passion! I see being a doctor as a vocation, not a job but I have such bad anxiety and no support from teachers due to online learning. Hearing your story is really inspiring because you are proof that if you want something badly enough, and you fight for it, you will get there in the end!! Thank you x
Hello! If you have the grades to apply for med school I would encourage you to go straight for it. You'll have less student debt and you will learn everything you need to know at medical school. Biomedical science is a great course. I actually found it academically more challenging than medicine! If you want to take the longer route then go for it, I'm so glad for the experience I had, but don't limit yourself through fear. The world is your oyster! 😊 Best of luck x
Congratulations on completing the course! I feel like I'm in exactly the same position as you were before starting. I too didn't have the determination during A Levels, took a year out and completed a Biomedical Science degree! I've now worked for 3 years since graduating and have only just convinced myself to give graduate entry medicine a go! I've got an interview next month at St. Georges and I'm hoping to hear back from Nottingham at the end of the month with regards to an interview there - Nottingham's my first choice as I live in Derby! It's so reassuring to hear you have no regrets. I think that's part of what's been holding me back. Please keep uploading! These are unbelievably helpful!
22kel92 thank you so much for watching and commenting! That’s so exciting about your applications, let us know how you get on :) and yes I will keep uploading! 😊
I'm a 2nd year student paramedic and I'm looking at applying for graduate entry at UoN after my degree! Thank you so much as it is helpful to know your experience x
My story is 90% similar to this! From taking a year out after Alevels and studying biomedical science in Uni of Sheffield and applying after my 3rd year of uni. Now finally i got an offer from Brighton and an interview:) It's been long journey and it's another 5 years but I'm sure it'll be all worth it. Best of luck with fy1!
Wow sarah sounds like you had a pretty smooth journey, very different from the typical story but also, great how you had mentally prepared yourself for the worst. I've heard so many disheartening horror stories from people I used to study with about getting rejected. But I think I much better understand now how much weight is actually put on entry test scores as a grad
San yes I was extraordinarily lucky to get in on my first application, I honestly did not believe that would happen. I still can’t believe it sometimes!
Dr Sarah Nicholls You were clearly more than deserving :) I'm planning on sitting the gamsat myself in 2 months, but I've been feeling a bit lost with the science section. I understand it was quite a while ago when you sat it, but do you remember if you had a topics list which you revised from? There seems to be a lot of contradicting info out there :/
I’m chasing my dream to become A doctor. I’m going to try and enter medicine with my psychology degree, I know I’ll be older but honestly I can’t picture doing anything else, I will work until I’m there!!
Hi it's been really interesting hearing about your journey to working in medicine! I got my gcses the other day with 2 A*s, 4 As and 2 Bs. I'm studying maths chemistry and biology at a level starting in a few weeks (hopefully I'll succeed with at least A grades in these!!) I'm just scared I won't get into medicine because of how competitive it is and there are people who did triple science with all A*s that I'll be up against. I'm also interested in studying at Nottingham uni too as I live nearby and it is a good university
Renee hi Renee! Those are amazing GCSEs, massive well done to you!! You should be so proud of yourself. Yes medicine is competitive and difficult to get into, but with hard work it is do-able. Don't be put off by how competitive it is, the best things in life don't come easily! And if you don't get in first time round (a lot of people don't) there are always others ways around it- applying again, studying abroad, doing another degree first. Good luck to you!
Renee, dont worry about your GCSE grades, they are absolutely fine for the vast majority of medical schools. It is KEY, however, that you do well in your UKCAT/BMAT exams and get good predicted grades for A2! I know someone who recently went to Cambridge with 'only' 4A* at GCSE
I'm still considering med after graduating from biomed. I'm on a year out currently as I didn't want to commit to another degree yet because of it, and I'm going to be working as an academic mentor for the next few months. Money is the main thing scaring me about grad med (alongside self doubt regarding my grades even though I did get a 2:1) but I know that once things regarding the pandemic get a little better I really want to try and get some paid care experience and take a leap and apply.
In the meantime I have been reading books here and there as well as watching/reflecting on medical documentaries as a way to get some extra experience from home, in addition to what I already have.
I am doing biomed atm and planning to apply to med school after. I am mature student but I think if you have a passion and drive to achieve something thats on your heart you go for it. U already finished med school already and I watched your FY1 first week as well. You gonna be great as a doctor. Maybe more videos about your work as Junior Doctor would be great. I guess u r in FY2 already or even finished. Best wishes.
Thank you so much! I hope you're enjoying biomed and good luck with your med school applications. Yes I''m in F2 now and really enjoying it. I will definitely make more videos about work as a junior doctor. I've got some playlists of my videos if you want to check them out but I will keep adding to them! Thanks for watching and for getting in touch :)
After I graduated at highschool my exam scores were not the best and I had not enough money for university. I started studying midwifery in the college and after 4 months realized that I will study medicine no matter what after I finish the college. But in couple of days Ive decided that I MUST do it now. I started saving up money, because if you get dropped out of college you have to pay off (in my country). After first year I took the gap year retook my exams, saved up some money and I got in. This year I graduated as a medical doctor (6 years of continuous studies with an internship) and I am moving to UK in 3 weeks to continue my career there:) watching your videos makes me happy and frightened because working as an intern in my country wasnt scary at all. But it is way harder when youre a foreighner:(
Evy Ju wow wow wow! That’s just so inspiring! Thanks for sharing your story 😃 a lot of hard work and dedication. Where are you from? Do you know where you’ll be working in the UK? It’s hard work but I believe that’s true of every doctor across the world. I’m really enjoying work 😊
Dr Sarah Nicholls I am planning to take a gap year and find non clinical part time job:) I am applicable for F2 only but I need an IELTS score to get in. I want to work in Kings Mill hospital. I always dreamed about it! I am very happy to see that your path to becoming a practicing clinician wasn’t straightforward- you traveled, you worked, you experience life outside the “medical realm”! In my country everyone is very conservative and people judge you if you’re not working or having a family. It’s like if you have only two options. It makes me so angry:( Now I am taking 3 months of just to travel because I was so burnt out after I graduated in July. This is my first summer off in a decade. Traveling and resting is so important. As it is becoming a doctor. But taking “stops” on your road is very important. Because if you’re tired and unwell after so many years of hard studying you can’t fully commit to practice medicine with patients every day:)
Evy Ju I totally agree about taking breaks! I love that you’re breaking the norm from your country and forging your own path. Go you! I have done some placements in medical school at Kings Mill hospital (the one in Mansfield, is that the same one you mean?) and have some friends who have worked there as doctors :)
Dr Sarah Nicholls yes the same one:) Ill be living in Mansfield:) I am going back an fourth to UK since I was in 2nd year of uni because my second half lives there:) Every time I passed the Kings Mill I just felt that One day I’ll be working there:)
Hi Sarah, can you please please do a detailed video of how you approached the gamsat; how many hours a day you did? What tips you would give? What you scored on each section? Thanks! 😊
Hello! Thanks for watching :) Here is a video I made on the GAMSAT. I can't remember exactly what I scored in each section unfortunately but each year the required scores change. ruclips.net/video/8QhGlJnOuEE/видео.html xx
Hi Sarah, congrats on chasing and achieving your dreams! You're truly an inspiration. Were there any parents in your class? I'm a mother and have always wanted to study medicine just worried/apprehensive about the intensity of the course while juggling motherhood. Any reassurance? I'm also older and may well be into my 30's by the time I get in, if I do. My 'insecurities' keep holding me back. I need to know other parents have done it. Thanks🌹
Ordained Hypocrite hello! Thank you for watching and for your kind words :) there were quite a few people in my year who had children already and another few who had new babies whilst studying. I can't speak for them on how challenging they found it but they are all still pursuing medicine and haven't dropped out so hopefully that's reassuring for you! Maybe it would be helpful for you if I did a video where I asked them their experiences of it and the challenges they faced? Xx
Sarah Nicholls oh my goodness! You're amazing. That would definitely help calm my nerves and make me somewhat more decisive. Thank you so much!! When you do get around to making the video please ask them what tips they have for juggling med school with family life, ages of their kid(s), were they asked any specific questions during the interview regarding how they'd manage school and home life etc etc. I really appreciate your reply. Thank you so much Sarah. Wish you all the best with all your endeavours.🌹🌹
Ordained Hypocrite I’m finally over my fear of juggling motherhood and medical school. I think it’s all in your head, once you make that mental shift, there’s no stopping you. You’re the only one who’s in the way of making that decision. I’ve got four kids (youngest under 3) and I’m going to give it my all and see how far that takes me. Once you have the desire and you have a strong support network (partner, family etc) I’d say go for it! As Sarah said, what have you got to lose?
How would you recommend preparing for post graduate medicine in terms of the studying and the knowledge as I am doing a psychology degree so naturally will be behind on a lot of the science side of things? well done on passing and i hope you are enjoying being a doctor :))
Thank you for this video, it has really motivated me to knuckle-down and start my GEM application! I also suffer with anxiety so the thought of a med school interview process scares the living daylight out of me!! Do you have any advice or preparation tips ?? Thank you!
Ffion James hello! Aww thank you for the kind words and I’m so pleased he video has motivated you! I made a couple of videos on interviews and personal statements that will hopefully help you: Interviews: ruclips.net/video/_Fad4zAMmjQ/видео.html Personal statements: ruclips.net/video/xJWzDP11CDY/видео.html Good luck to you! And would love to hear how you get on. Welcome to the fam 😘
This sounds truly inspiring Sarah. Thank you for sharing. I'm considering studying medicine as a graduate. What would your advice be to interntional applicants?
So inspiring, I can sense you r good person 💓 I always wanted to study Medicine, I love helping people and I feel happy if someone ask me for help ...but I didn’t have enough money and time to do exams from science subjects.. I’m older now and now finishing unrelated course. My question is do you know anyone who would change their career paths like that ? Doing additional alevels doing care job passing exams like MCAT...
Yes, there were many people on the graduate entry course that I did who changed career paths completely. Anything is possible if you set your mind to it! Thanks for your lovely comment, good luck to you 😘
Hey Sarah! I'm about to start the same GEM course at Nottingham as you did, just wondering whether you have any advice/tips you can share? Might make for a good video too, I'd certainly watch it!
Tom Townsend hey Tom! Ah you're in for a treat, GEM at Nottingham is amazing. I will definitely make a video on it! I would say make an effort to get to know people in your year, they will be your lifeline when things get tough with studying all the time. Also making good notes and studying hard for your workshops will make your life easier when it comes to exams. Good luck for starting! Feel free to get in touch during the course if you have any questions etc x
Hi, I’m currently in 2nd year studying physio. I like it but I don’t want to do it, I’m on first 1st and got really good alevels. I think I’d like to go and study medicine (I’ve always put it off due to not being clever enough but realising most say it’s hard work, I put everything into what I’m doing I just worry it’s not enough). I need to get work experience, sit the tests and open days but it’s worrying? Haha! Loved your video, epsically about the more studying.. thank you!
Hi Sarah! It was so interesting listening to your journey, thank you so much for sharing! This sounds so much like myself, I've just graduated from Biomedical Science and I am in the process of applying to medicine now. My problem is with work experience, I don't even know if what I am doing is relevant... How did you find the course? Did you have to do very well in your entry exam? (I'm also very nervous about this) x
Sally hey Sally! Sorry for the slow reply. Congrats on graduating Biomedical Science, I bet you're so happy. I enjoyed the medical course. It was definitely tough but so worthwhile and enriching. I'll make some more videos about the course itself. I can't remember the exact cut off for the GAMSAT in the year I entered but I know it varies depending on whether you've got a 2.1 or 2.2. Good luck to you!!
Anjana S hello! For the GAMSAT I used online a-level revision material for the sciences. My biology was up to scratch because of my degree but I needed refreshing on chemistry and physics. I also paid for the GAMSAT practice papers online and I did them under timed conditions. I'd really recommend doing that to see what sort of speed you work at. For the personal statement, my main advice would be to keep it structured and relevant. Here's a really good article that highlights the main subsections you should cover: www.themedicportal.com/application-guide/personal-statement/ Best of luck!
That was a wonderful video, really enjoyed it and glad that it's worked out for you. I am currently in the position where you were 5 years ago (applying for Graduate-Entry Medicine). If you did the UKCAT, do you have any preparation techniques for that? As I'm not so sure I can do a 6 hour GAMSAT exam and study for the UKCAT, as my current employers aren't allowing me to take any Summer Annual Leave sadly.
Balram Shanker Trivedi nice to hear from you and thank you for watching! I didn’t sit the UKCAT actually, I only sat the GAMSAT because I thought there would be less competition for the courses that required it! (Don’t know whether that is actually the case or not...) I’m sure there are other youtubers or maybe other commenters on this thread who might be able to give you some tips 😊 good luck to you!
Dr Sarah Nicholls Well done on following your dream Sarah and congrats! How did you get on with the gamsat? I’m in the first stages of preparing for it and still can’t get my head around how best to prepare. Any tips? I’d love to get into Nottingham as well!
Loved this video! I'm studying biomedical sciences and thinking about going abroad for a semester to the UK. Nottingham seems to be a good university, but I haven't heard anything from people studying there. What is your experience so far? Do you like the city and university itself?
Sanne Louters hello! Yeah Nottingham is an amazing city, there’s loads going on and it’s great for shopping 😁 the uni is cool, there’s a beautiful campus and good facilities
Hey Sarah! I’m applying to biomedical science at Warwick, Cardiff, Southampton, and reading. I hope to apply to GEM at Nottingham, Warwick, Kings and Cardiff, have you got any advice for the GAMSAT? And how long did you revise for it? Also how were the interviews at Nottingham?
hey i loved your video but i have something going in my mind are you able to continue with like a cardiologist, gynecologist, surgeon .... you know it, the advanced profession after the MD
So happy to hear you finally followed your dreams! Just wanted to ask what you used to help pass the GAMSAT exam as I also want to apply but don’t know how to study for it. Please let me know xx
Ayat Aljawad thanks for the lovely comment 😊 I was very fortunate with my GAMSAT and managed to get through it the first time. I made a video about GAMSAT prep if you’d like to see: ruclips.net/video/8QhGlJnOuEE/видео.html
Hi Sarah, I’ve just discovered your videos. Very well done on completing medical school. Your videos have really inspired me. I’m a nurse in my 30s desperate to become a doctor. Nottingham is one of my planned choices. Do you have any tips for the GAMSAT? Thanks very much
Christian Cox hello! Thanks so much for the kind words, I’m really glad you’re enjoying the videos. Oh my gosh you’re a nurse already?! You’ll make an amazing doctor! The GAMSAT is horrible (not gonna lie) but definitely achievable. I made a video on it, so hopefully you’ll find this useful: ruclips.net/video/8QhGlJnOuEE/видео.html Good luck! Would love to hear how you get on. Keep us updated 😊
Dr Sarah Nicholls thanks very much. I’ll check those out. Yes, it’s an amazing job but too limited and medicine gives me the freedom and extended practice that I crave. Thank you for your kind words
Christian Cox yeah I can imagine. Well you know you can already cope with the rigours of hospital life etc so I bet you’ll breeze through med school and your foundation years. Plus you’ll be able to work bank shifts through med school if you need some cash 😋 hats off to you, you’re clearly really driven!!
Hey, I just want to say that I loved your video and you don’t understand how much I can relate with your story. I’m about to finish my degree in pharmacy and I’m in the process of applying for Med school. Do you have any tips for the Gamsat assessment
Hi. I am not from a science background. I did business related A levels and took a gap year. But I really want to do medicine because I put that dream off when I finished my GCSEs and I have been thinking of it. I feel like I'll regret forever if I don't make a decision right now. I am 20 now and it's too late for me to apply for coming September foundation medicine courses, but I am able to start a biomedicine degree with a foundation year for the coming January. Do you recommend I do a three year biomedicine or wait for next September and start a 6 year medicine degree? Thanks ❤️
Hridhya hello! I go into it in this video but I plan to make more videos about finding and money in the future. I hope this helps: ruclips.net/video/H9D_K6l235Q/видео.html 😊
Hi Sarah! Congratulations on your success becoming a doctor. Your story was truly inspiring & made me realise it’s not impossible or too late. I’m currently on a gap year & I will be studying undergrad psychology this September. My plan is to pursuit studying graduate medicine & become a psychiatrist. But I’m afraid that since I hadn’t taken Biology or Chemistry for my A-Levels (I took Psychology, Maths & Physics and got the grades BCB, will this matter towards whether I may get accepted). I also have a huge gap in my knowledge compared to other students. Should I re-read my GCSE revision guides & then move onto the A-Level texts books, or is there another resource that I could use to bridge the knowledge in the meantime. I’m not sure how to prepare for which ever test the universities I apply to will be used for admissions either. What do you recommend? If you have any other tips/advice on what to do to get into graduate medicine I would appreciate it very very much :)
Hi! I was really inspired by your story. Well done!! :-) I'm hoping to go to Nottingham or Swansea. How did you find studying for the GAMSAT? That's the one thing I'm really scared about, coming from a background of no biology or chemistry. I have roughly a year to prepare though! Can you recommend any good resources (especially for chemistry or biology)?
Hello Sarah! I love your videos, I just stumbled across this one and it led me to watch them all. I feel like I am exactly you. I am in my second year of Biomedical Sciences, I work in a bar and do an HCA job also. I have my heart set on Medicine, but I am too worried not to get in. I will be applying to Nottingham and taking the GAMSAT aswell. I am worried to have a weak application and despite watching all your video's, do you have anything extra you suggest? Or what NOT to do when applying? I am afraid of not being able to deliver a good GAMSAT score and a personal statement and I know I would be crushed if I was rejected. Great videos once again, Congratulations on becoming a doctor after all those years! Listen to your heart. :)
super interesting to hear about your story, thank you! also well done! i'm doing biomedical science too and hoping for a 2:1 however have only had lab experience so need some hands on care experience if i were to apply. would you recommend doing the HCA job for about a year or so? would love to hear any advice you may have! thanks x
Amber Mac hey there, sorry for my slow reply! I would say HCA experience is really valuable and taught me a lot about how to interact with patients and their families and what life is like on the wards, so if you can get that sort of work then absolutely go for it :)
jagga saleem hi there, the best thing to do would be to have a look at the websites of the universities you're thinking of applying to. Have a look at the entry requirements and maybe give their admissions department to discuss it. For all medicine courses you will need to apply through UCAS. Good luck!!
Hi Sarah! Loved watching your video! I have a GEM interview with Uni of Nottingham in 2 weeks time and with the recent pandemic I'm so anxious as to if it'll go ahead and what changes they may make in order to adapt to the situation. Do you have any suggestion of what questions/topics I should focus on to prepare for the interview? Thank you!
Hello, so sorry you're feeling anxious about it. I can totally see why you feel like that right now. I have a video about preparing for med school videos here that you might find useful: ruclips.net/video/_Fad4zAMmjQ/видео.html
Thank you for making this video it was somewhat a confidence boost :D i do have a question im in year 9 and im picking my GCSEs. I have picked triple, dance and history but cant think of anything that could help me so could you tell me what you picked - as inspiration?
At Alevel you need biology and chemistry alevel to apply for medicine, to study these alevels you need to have good science gcse results whether u are doing either double or triple. sooo it doesnt really matter what you pick as your optional gcses, maybe just concentrate a lot on your science gcses.
Awww, ur story’s literally did make me smile! I felt so happy and motivated!! 😇😀😀🙏 btw do u have any tips for alevels, I’m interested in dentistry and in year 12! Anyone have any good alevel resources which are helpful and help get the high grades
Sorry for my slow reply! I found the CGP workbooks really useful for revising for A-levels. Just make sure to get the one that’s specific for your exam board. A great idea is to do as many practice exam questions as possible under timed conditions to get yourself used to the time pressure and the sort of questions you’ll be asked. Good luck to you!
Hi, Sarah! I am a 19 y.o. Italian undergraduate student who has just moved to the UK. My dream is to become a doctor and I'm thinking of getting a science related degree and then to attend a Graduate medicine course. How was your biomedical course? Was it helpful for the GAMSAT and for the medical course per se? I am considering both biomedical sciences and physiotherapy... I really enjoy staying and connecting with people instead of working in a lab, but I don't know if physiotherapy will eventually open the doors to med school. Loved your video by the way!
Ruth Obaro hello and welcome to the UK! That's a great question, there are some universities that will only accept science-based degrees for the graduate entry medicine program, so that might be something to look into. Physiotherapy would be a great option and give you the confidence around dealing with patients and working on a ward that a lot of people don't have when they start the course. Physiotherapy will also give you a big boost in anatomy knowledge! I found biomedical science very helpful for things like cellular biology and pharmacology, but they will teach it to you from scratch on the gym course so don't feel like you have to do biomedical science if it's not top of your list. I kind of wish I'd done something else that I would have enjoyed more! Would love to hear your progress, keep in touch :)
Hey Sarah! This video was really helpful, I'm finding myself in a similar position where I'm undertaking my masters but I'm contemplating whether or not to pursue medicine like I have been since sixth form, when I finished uni, I took a year out and got myself a theatre assistant job at the hospital and I ended up leaving because I panicked about what if I did something wrong and caused harm to patient and started to get overwhelmed by the responsibility a doctor would have, I just wanted to ask have you ever thought about that and do you have any worries about becoming a doctor and also how do you handle it? Sorry for all the questions :)
jasmin virdee hey Jasmin, thanks for watching my video and I hope your masters is going well. That's a really interesting question, and actually it's something I think about on a daily basis. I also think that it is true for most doctors (and all healthcare professionals!) When I was training to become a healthcare assistant about 5 years ago, one of the trainers told us to care for every patient "as though they were your own mother and as though your boss was watching your every move" and that has stuck with me ever since, through my work as a healthcare assistant; as a medical student and now as a doctor. Medicine is a caring profession. We enter the role because we like people, we are empathetic and we want to help others. Most of us have had experience of hospitals from the other side when ourselves, our friends or relatives have been unwell and so we are acutely aware of how scary hospital treatment can be. None of us go into the job with any intention of doing harm. The truth is that the majority of the work we do is beneficial to people. However, there are always risks involved in treatment, whether it be something relatively minor like prescribing statins to help lower cholesterol or something huge like performing a coronary bypass. In medicine we are taught to weight up the benefits vs the risks and only take action when the benefits outweighs the potential harm, and only when the patient is fully informed of this and understands the possible outcomes. It's important to remember that yes, things can go wrong and we can cause harm, but on the whole, medical professionals are a force of good in the world! We have years of training behind us to prepare us for performing difficult tasks and making decisions under pressure. If you've made it this far through my answer then well done!! ... I think what I'm trying to say is that your concern is a very real one that plagues doctors across the world, so if you pursue a career in medicine, be sure in the knowledge that every single doctor has that worry on a regular basis, and rightly so.
Hi Sarah! Well done on all of your hard work and success! I’m doing a bachelor of nursing and applying for MD in the final year of my course. I was just curious as to how long you studied for GAMSAT prior to sitting the test? Is there a particular topic you would recommend being attentive to while studying for GAMSAT that requires a lot more study than other topics? Thank you! ❤️
ehdyu1 hello! Thanks for your lovely comment. Good luck with all your studies, your nursing course will set you up so well. I studied for a few months for the GAMSAT (sorry to not be more specific but it was a really long time ago now and I can’t remember the specifics!) I made this video, which you might find helpful: ruclips.net/video/8QhGlJnOuEE/видео.html
every single day i regret not choosing the correct a levels. i done media, bussiness, and graphic design, hoping for a free ride to get three As. im 18 and started year 13 i dont want to spend 4 years my only hope to get into medicne is to get in graduate entery medicine.
Hello, I just wanted to let you know that graduate entry isn't the only option for you. I believe a few medical schools have changed their A level subject requirements and so your A levels may be sufficient. One that has definitely changed is Newcastle medical school ; Newcastle want AAA in any A level subjects excluding General Studies, Use of Mathematics, World Development, Communication and Culture and Critical Thinking. Look around and you might be surprised to see how many paths and opportunities are still available for you! For now, get A's in your A levels as a first step and think about applying to university (for medicine) after you have achieved them. If this doesn't happen, graduate entry medicine is always still an option and if you really want to do medicine then you will never give up on it. Please never give up on your dreams and good luck in whatever you choose to do in the future - I believe in you!
Hi, I am currently completing my second year in BSc Honors in Environmental Science from OU. At this point I am convinced that I will be better off doing a second degree in Medicine (A101) graduate entry. My grades expected will be 2:2. I don't have any Medical or Care related experience either. Do you think I would stand a chance of getting into Nottingham Uni? ☺
HelloitsCherri hello! That's a great question, I'm not going to lie- it was a tough decision to go back to being a student for another four years. With a combination of student loans, NHS bursary, part time work and starting an Etsy shop. This is definitely something I'll be making more in depth videos about in the future. Hope you're having a great weekend x
Congratulations Sarah, you've really sailed through. Now I want to ask, can a registered nurse with a degree in Nursing and working in the UK enrol in the graduate entry medical program?
your video made me feel so much better you have no idea. I have a question though please. Im studying for my final year in economics and have been regretting not picking science a levels coz i was too scared i would fail. i just did economics thinking it would be a safer option and it'll pay well but ahh i just dont care about working in banking. nothing excites me the way medicine does. im planning on applying for nottingham too but im too scared they wont take me in because is studied economics which has nothing to do with science and i also have no experience inhealthcare either. i would be grateful if you could give me some advice. thank you
Hi Sarah. What an inspiring video. Congrats on becoming a doctor!! I feel like I am going through a bit of the same thing you went through. I always had the intention of studying medicine but didn't work hard enough to get the grades required. However, upon receiving my results, It turns out I wasn't far off after all. But like you, I didn't apply to medicine anyway. I am currently on a gap year and will be starting university in September. After this year off, I have had a lot of time to think and have decided I want to try study medicine via graduate entry. But I was wondering what the best course for me to study first? Does it have to be biomedical sciences to give me the best chance? or could I study something like biology or anatomical sciences? thanks in advance. xx
Dani Worth hello! Ah it’s nice to know that other people have been through what you’re experiencing, I remember at the time I felt like I was the only one in my boat and then I joined GEM and realised there were so many other people like me. To be honest it doesn’t matter too much what you decide to study at undergrad in terms of choosing between science based courses. Have you had any more thoughts on it since your comment (I realise it was 4 months ago.... so sorry!!)
I’m currently studying maths chemistry biology at a level and always wanted to do medicine until recently. I fear I don’t have the motivation for such a long degree and don’t want the pressure of being a doctor due to the responsibility, I just don’t think I’m good enough. I’m debating doing cancer sciences as a degree at Nottingham but I like you don’t think lab work is for me. Should I go with medicine or do a shorter degree and then possibly do the mature degree like you if it doesn’t work out x
Fact Blown thank you!! I really appreciate you watching :) I started the course when it had just gone up to £9,000 per year. In first year I paid roughly £3500 myself through part time work, then I got a student loan for the £5500. Years 2, 3 and 4 were a combination of student loans and NHS bursary. So £36,000 for tuition fees total. I will make videos about this in the future!
Hi Sarah , congrats for being a doctor . Iam going to take my Gemsat and UKcat tests to apply for both Nottingham and Warwick university as graduate student . I have been doing so much research to find out the final score of Gemsat and ukcat test but not have any joy? Is it correct Gemsat is 100 marks per section ? If so what was ur score and what’s the score Nottingham taken that year ? Same for ukcat , hopefully you can shed some info !!! Emad
Hi Sarah! Love your videos and they really help me with perspective. Like you, I think the penny is just starting to 'drop' for me now. I've always had it in the back of my mind that medicine was what I wanted to do but I'd always thought that I didn't want to commit my life to it. However I've realised now that this really is what I want to do so I'm ready to accept that it will take 4 + years to get there. I think I've decided it because of my recent work as a HCA - I admire the doctors and how they can just figure out the problem and I'd like to be that person. I'm currently doing my masters degree in genomic medicine at the university of Sheffield after doing a BSc degree in genetics at the university of Leeds. I'm thinking of applying to Nottingham, Swansea, St Georges and Warwick in Oct 2021 for entry in 2022, any advice for the GAMSAT? I read a fair bit of non-scientific, but more philosophical, literature so do you think this would help for the first two sections? Also, how did you find the accelerated nature of GEM at Nottingham? I know you're working as a locum at the moment, so how does the training pathway work for locum doctors and which pathway did you take?
Hi Sarah! I'm a first year diagnostic radiography student at Exeter and am planning on doing GEM... I'm going to be 24 when I start (assuming I get in first application) I did poorly at GCSE and did an access course, so I have no A-levels. How good (in terms of preparation for med school) do you think my course is? Do you have any other general advice? Thank you
Kyle hey there, I’m so sorry I seem to have missed some notifications a few months back and haven’t replied to lots of comments. How are you getting on now?
Can you please tell me what entry requirements I could do I don’t have my gcse maths and English I will be resitting this year, and then do an access course for science the year after, also are foundation years in medical science a foot forward into medicine too?
Hey Sarah! I am currently studying biomedical science in London and I am an italian student who moved into the UK about a year ago. Due to lack of A levels I have some restricted options for graduate medicine. I am indecisive about doing UKCAT or GAMSAT..which one would you recommend? Which one would give me a better chance?
Andrea Coro' it really depends on which university you want to go to as they have different entry test requirements. I would recommend looking at which universities you're interested in, seeing what their entry requirements are and contacting them directly about converting your grades to UK equivalent ones. Whether you sit the UKCAT or GAMSAT will depend on what the university requires. Hope that helps! X
Congratulations!! I've absolutely loved this video. It's given me hope! I am currently studying psychology & nutrition but really want to go into medicine after I graduate and only just realised that it's possible from good grades from an undergraduate course. By the time I graduate though I will be 26, was there other people around that age on the course (and if I do not get in my first try I will be 27)? Hope all is going well! xx
Amy Thompson thanks for your comment, so sorry I’ve only just seen it! Age is definitely something I thought about a lot when I was applying but it barely crosses my mind now that I’m qualified. I hope you’re happy and enjoying life :) xx
Im doing my A levels and didn’t do too well at GCSE. Well I didn’t do well enough to get into medicine however I smashed my mocks and am oredicted A*A*A and reckon I could do well in my actual A Levels so do you reckon I should apply to a top uni for biomedical science and do graduate medicine? I feel like I’d stand more of a chance as they look at GCSEs a lot less when applying for graduate medicine etc
Hey Sarah great video! I've got some questions I couldn't really find answers to. When you've graduated from gem I know you get paid whilst doing your F1 and F2, but are you also paid when specialising? How did you find the interview (assuming you had one)? And have you got any idea where you'd like to specialise and how competitive that is? Thank you! :)
Kai Newton hey there! Thanks so much for watching :) so yes, when you graduate from med school you do get paid for F1 and F2 and it then goes up as you do you specialty training. Here are the current payscales: www.bma.org.uk/advice/employment/pay/juniors-pay-england Doctors who work in London will receive slightly more. And generally you earn a bit more than the quoted figures because of overtime. In terms of what I'd like to specialise in... I have always loved the idea of being a GP as I love to chat to people. I also really enjoyed my anaesthetics placement, so that is another top chalice. GP is not very competitive as they are under-resourced and crying out for new trainees. Anaesthetics is fairly competitive. I am going to make a video about the GEM interview some time soon so keep watching!
Sarah Nicholls thank you much for replying! Is the earliest you can apply for gem at the end of second year/beginning of third year? Good luck in your specialist training!
Hi Sarah, I’m in the process of applying for HCA jobs with unfortunately no previous caring experience. I was wondering whether you had any when you were applying, and if not how did you get around the requirement of some caring experience by nearly all HCA vacancies?
RilindTV hello! Yes agh I found that so frustrating, it seems like a catch 22 doesn't it?! I didn't have any caring experience but I had babysitting experience from when I was a teenager and also some voluntary work where I went to sit with an elderly lady once a week in her own home. It wasn't a caring role, I literally just chatted with her. I used those as examples and after loooooads of failed applications I finally got one job offer! I would suggest applying to as many as you can- NHS jobs, care homes, agency work etc. Good luck! Xx
Hi Sarah, I am really struggling at the moment. I'm 26 next year and feel like I've given up on my dream of becoming a doctor due to worries about my age and giving up a well paid job. I'm scared I'll get to an older age and regret not going but also worry I'll regret giving up an easy life for the dream! Did you have many mature students in your year?
Alice Butler hi Alice, thanks for getting in touch and I'm sorry you're feeling a bit lost at the moment. Are you happy for me to make a video response to your question? Would you like me to keep it anonymous? Xx
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This video may be 3 years old but it's exactly what I needed to watch today! Our journeys are very similar; I also gave up on med school at around 18, got a biomed degree, travelled for a bit, worked in teaching and then in healthcare! I'm now at the point where I know I don't want to do anything else but have been terrified at the thought of another 4 (maybe even 5) years of studying 😬 Need to get everything in order so I can apply this year! You've inspired me and it's time to go for it 👍🏾
You go girl! Our paths are very similar indeed. Wishing you all the luck in the world x
Great video Sarah and found it on a trawl through you tube looking for similar experiences...I'm a 56yr old Physiotherapist and after a long time in the Military doing a career I love have decided to follow my ultimate dream...albeit late in life!. Start Grad Med this year and stoked up at actually getting a place. In short, who cares how old you are. I think I have something to bring to the party as life is to short to sit back and say 'what if'.....Its going to be one hell of a ride!..
Wow SImon!! That's incredible, so happy for you. What a go-getter. I can't wait to hear how you get on.
@@SarahNicholls Thanks Sarah...Will let you know. Thanks again for your inspiration. SJ
Simon.. thats brilliant! I'm on the same mission.. trying to find others who are applying to grad entry medicine later in life. Not so easy.. I can't find many who aren't 20s or early 30s (I'm 40). How have you found it?
@simonjones63 please make a video I’m sure most of the mature students would like to know about your journey.
@@simonjones63👌👌👌
I'm starting medicine at Bristol this September as a mature student... it never is too late to start. :)
Well done on passing all your exams/becoming a doctor!
Luke Oates hey, that's so great! Well done :) I hope you have a great experience there and the time will fly by! I just graduated yesterday and it only feels like 2 days ago that I got onto the course!
Luke, do you mind me asking how old you are?
how cool is that!!!!!
Hi, did you do an access course?
Congratulations Sarah! This all sounds weirdly similar to me.. I have just graduated from Sheffield with a degree in Biomedical Science and suffered bad anxiety throughout my degree, and I have just sent off my application to GEM at Nottingham, Swansea, Birmingham and Leicester. I am working as a HCA but I am really lacking confidence about whether I will actually get in! Thank you for your video - I am definitely considering booking a trip to Australia now!
Lucinda Palmer oh my goodness I have only just seen this comment, I’m so sorry for the delay!! Wow, we really do have a similar story. One of my best friends is called Lucinda as well 😊 so I’m dying to know.... did you ever book the trip to Australia?? Hope you are well and enjoying life! 😘
Hi Lucinda did you receive a place for GEM at Birmingham?
How did it go? X
Thank you for this! Your really helping me with my confidence as I’m going to apply to Graduate medicine!
Ah that's so lovely to hear! Excited for you, it's a great course
I really enjoyed this video and found it so reassuring! I also wanted to be a doctor in my teens but slacked around in sixth form so just didn't bother applying. I studied Chemistry instead which was fascinating but after spending the majority of my final year working in a lab I knew a career in research just wasn't for me! After graduation, I became a support worker for people with profound and multiple learning disabilities which made me consider nursing - I was also put off by four more years of studying! After a conversation with my dad, the penny dropped for me too - he told me that I should just go for it and watching this video has really inspired confidence in my decision to apply for graduate entry medicine. Thank you so much!
Just curious did you end up switching to medicine?
A student Nurse here! I really want to do Postgraduate medicine and this has been super helpful ❤️❤️
I'm so glad!
My story is funnily similar. Never thought i stood a chance at medicine but couldnt see myself settle for any other career that i can commit to for the rest of my life. Only difference between the both of us is that i decided to apply in my final year of Alevel. I had gone back and forth with applying for medicine for a good 3 years (since yr 10). As i said, my story was similar to yours, but i kind of decided on medicine too late. My ucas application wasnt strong (rushed my personal statement and ukcat practice). Im happy i found myself and im going to take a gap year if i dont get in this year in order to better prepare myself :)
hassan nassar that's brilliant! I wish you lots of luck!
What a lovely and encouraging story Sarah almost brought some emotional tears to my eyes. I graduated with a bachelors of psychology last year and I've always wanted to do medicine but i was working towards the American system, however as an international it's been very difficult. i returned home to work as a mental heath care assistant with the UN and have applied for a master's in clinical neuroscience in the UK. if i receive the scholarship for the masters it means i can't enter the UK for 2 years after completing my masters which means that if i want to apply for GEM or standard course medicine i will have to wait these two years. I got so discouraged over the fact that I will be starting medicine at 25 and the idea of only graduating at 29/30 while all my friends are at the peak of their career prospects terrified me. But this video shows me i'm not alone.
The GEM courses exist for a reason. There is an abundance of inspired graduates who wish to become doctors and the educational system acknowledges us. I am so glad I stumbled on your page you are an abundance of joy and positivity. I now am no longer dreading the idea but actually excited to start medicine in 3 years, even if the standard 5 year course. Years don't matter and in my 50s i would wanna look back and pat myself on the back for taking this leap of faith.
Wow, I am super happy for you, congratulations! You seem super likeable and relatable and your story gives us all hope!
I am a psychology graduate and I would like to study graduate entry medicine. I have been toying with the idea for five years and I feel like it is something I want to do.
Thanks for sharing your story :)
TomMFAO I have only just seen this message but THANK YOU 🥰😘
Hiya! I’m a current A level student and I am desperate to study medicine, but due to the pandemic, I don’t feel educationally or mentally prepared to study medicine next. I’m planning on studying biomedical science next year so that I can actually learn and understand the science before applying to medical school. Is it hard? Medicine is my passion! I see being a doctor as a vocation, not a job but I have such bad anxiety and no support from teachers due to online learning. Hearing your story is really inspiring because you are proof that if you want something badly enough, and you fight for it, you will get there in the end!! Thank you x
Hello! If you have the grades to apply for med school I would encourage you to go straight for it. You'll have less student debt and you will learn everything you need to know at medical school.
Biomedical science is a great course. I actually found it academically more challenging than medicine!
If you want to take the longer route then go for it, I'm so glad for the experience I had, but don't limit yourself through fear. The world is your oyster! 😊 Best of luck x
Congratulations on completing the course! I feel like I'm in exactly the same position as you were before starting. I too didn't have the determination during A Levels, took a year out and completed a Biomedical Science degree! I've now worked for 3 years since graduating and have only just convinced myself to give graduate entry medicine a go! I've got an interview next month at St. Georges and I'm hoping to hear back from Nottingham at the end of the month with regards to an interview there - Nottingham's my first choice as I live in Derby! It's so reassuring to hear you have no regrets. I think that's part of what's been holding me back. Please keep uploading! These are unbelievably helpful!
22kel92 thank you so much for watching and commenting! That’s so exciting about your applications, let us know how you get on :) and yes I will keep uploading! 😊
Sarah you are my new role model!!!!!!
debster omg so much pressure 😱😂 but seriously, that’s so sweet, thank you!
Me too
Congrats! So interesting hearing about your experience :)
The MedicalPursuit thank you so much! Xx
You actually remind me a lot of my GP. Funnily, she is also named Sarah and did medicine at Nottingham...and now lives here in Australia!
Stephanie Scott ah that’s so lovely! Small world ☺️
I genuinely LOVE your videos! So inspiring and helpful
Ah thank you so much 😊❤️
I'm a 2nd year student paramedic and I'm looking at applying for graduate entry at UoN after my degree! Thank you so much as it is helpful to know your experience x
Which alevels did you do to become a paramedic ?
My story is 90% similar to this! From taking a year out after Alevels and studying biomedical science in Uni of Sheffield and applying after my 3rd year of uni. Now finally i got an offer from Brighton and an interview:) It's been long journey and it's another 5 years but I'm sure it'll be all worth it. Best of luck with fy1!
Sye wow that’s so fantastic! Nice to know there’s someone going the same route too. How did you find biomed at Sheffield?
It's been an amazing exp! Miss walking through firth court for labs and going to the union for lunch and just being in the city in general!
Wow sarah sounds like you had a pretty smooth journey, very different from the typical story but also, great how you had mentally prepared yourself for the worst. I've heard so many disheartening horror stories from people I used to study with about getting rejected. But I think I much better understand now how much weight is actually put on entry test scores as a grad
San yes I was extraordinarily lucky to get in on my first application, I honestly did not believe that would happen. I still can’t believe it sometimes!
Dr Sarah Nicholls You were clearly more than deserving :) I'm planning on sitting the gamsat myself in 2 months, but I've been feeling a bit lost with the science section. I understand it was quite a while ago when you sat it, but do you remember if you had a topics list which you revised from? There seems to be a lot of contradicting info out there :/
I’m chasing my dream to become
A doctor. I’m going to try and enter medicine with my psychology degree, I know I’ll be older but honestly I can’t picture doing anything else, I will work until I’m there!!
Michelle, id love to know how you're getting on? I'm in the same mind as you :)
How old are u if u dint mind me asking?
Hi it's been really interesting hearing about your journey to working in medicine! I got my gcses the other day with 2 A*s, 4 As and 2 Bs. I'm studying maths chemistry and biology at a level starting in a few weeks (hopefully I'll succeed with at least A grades in these!!) I'm just scared I won't get into medicine because of how competitive it is and there are people who did triple science with all A*s that I'll be up against. I'm also interested in studying at Nottingham uni too as I live nearby and it is a good university
Renee hi Renee! Those are amazing GCSEs, massive well done to you!! You should be so proud of yourself. Yes medicine is competitive and difficult to get into, but with hard work it is do-able. Don't be put off by how competitive it is, the best things in life don't come easily! And if you don't get in first time round (a lot of people don't) there are always others ways around it- applying again, studying abroad, doing another degree first. Good luck to you!
Renee, dont worry about your GCSE grades, they are absolutely fine for the vast majority of medical schools. It is KEY, however, that you do well in your UKCAT/BMAT exams and get good predicted grades for A2! I know someone who recently went to Cambridge with 'only' 4A* at GCSE
I'm still considering med after graduating from biomed. I'm on a year out currently as I didn't want to commit to another degree yet because of it, and I'm going to be working as an academic mentor for the next few months. Money is the main thing scaring me about grad med (alongside self doubt regarding my grades even though I did get a 2:1) but I know that once things regarding the pandemic get a little better I really want to try and get some paid care experience and take a leap and apply.
In the meantime I have been reading books here and there as well as watching/reflecting on medical documentaries as a way to get some extra experience from home, in addition to what I already have.
I am doing biomed atm and planning to apply to med school after. I am mature student but I think if you have a passion and drive to achieve something thats on your heart you go for it. U already finished med school already and I watched your FY1 first week as well. You gonna be great as a doctor. Maybe more videos about your work as Junior Doctor would be great. I guess u r in FY2 already or even finished. Best wishes.
Thank you so much! I hope you're enjoying biomed and good luck with your med school applications. Yes I''m in F2 now and really enjoying it. I will definitely make more videos about work as a junior doctor. I've got some playlists of my videos if you want to check them out but I will keep adding to them! Thanks for watching and for getting in touch :)
Cool i am from sheffield😊 hope you liked the city!
Ahh what a small world! I LOVED Sheffield 🫶 it felt like home as soon as I arrived. The people are all so lovely.
a tonneeeeee of congratulations for finishing med school!! I'm thinking about applying post grad and this was really informative! thanks:)
Merlin thank you so much! I’m glad you found it helpful :)
After I graduated at highschool my exam scores were not the best and I had not enough money for university. I started studying midwifery in the college and after 4 months realized that I will study medicine no matter what after I finish the college. But in couple of days Ive decided that I MUST do it now. I started saving up money, because if you get dropped out of college you have to pay off (in my country). After first year I took the gap year retook my exams, saved up some money and I got in. This year I graduated as a medical doctor (6 years of continuous studies with an internship) and I am moving to UK in 3 weeks to continue my career there:) watching your videos makes me happy and frightened because working as an intern in my country wasnt scary at all. But it is way harder when youre a foreighner:(
Evy Ju wow wow wow! That’s just so inspiring! Thanks for sharing your story 😃 a lot of hard work and dedication. Where are you from? Do you know where you’ll be working in the UK? It’s hard work but I believe that’s true of every doctor across the world. I’m really enjoying work 😊
Dr Sarah Nicholls I am planning to take a gap year and find non clinical part time job:) I am applicable for F2 only but I need an IELTS score to get in. I want to work in Kings Mill hospital. I always dreamed about it! I am very happy to see that your path to becoming a practicing clinician wasn’t straightforward- you traveled, you worked, you experience life outside the “medical realm”! In my country everyone is very conservative and people judge you if you’re not working or having a family. It’s like if you have only two options. It makes me so angry:( Now I am taking 3 months of just to travel because I was so burnt out after I graduated in July. This is my first summer off in a decade. Traveling and resting is so important. As it is becoming a doctor. But taking “stops” on your road is very important. Because if you’re tired and unwell after so many years of hard studying you can’t fully commit to practice medicine with patients every day:)
Evy Ju I totally agree about taking breaks! I love that you’re breaking the norm from your country and forging your own path. Go you! I have done some placements in medical school at Kings Mill hospital (the one in Mansfield, is that the same one you mean?) and have some friends who have worked there as doctors :)
Dr Sarah Nicholls yes the same one:) Ill be living in Mansfield:) I am going back an fourth to UK since I was in 2nd year of uni because my second half lives there:) Every time I passed the Kings Mill I just felt that One day I’ll be working there:)
That's inspiring! Thanks, Sarah!😊
Hi Sarah, can you please please do a detailed video of how you approached the gamsat; how many hours a day you did? What tips you would give? What you scored on each section? Thanks! 😊
Hello! Thanks for watching :) Here is a video I made on the GAMSAT. I can't remember exactly what I scored in each section unfortunately but each year the required scores change.
ruclips.net/video/8QhGlJnOuEE/видео.html xx
Hi Sarah, congrats on chasing and achieving your dreams! You're truly an inspiration. Were there any parents in your class? I'm a mother and have always wanted to study medicine just worried/apprehensive about the intensity of the course while juggling motherhood. Any reassurance? I'm also older and may well be into my 30's by the time I get in, if I do. My 'insecurities' keep holding me back. I need to know other parents have done it. Thanks🌹
Ordained Hypocrite hello! Thank you for watching and for your kind words :) there were quite a few people in my year who had children already and another few who had new babies whilst studying. I can't speak for them on how challenging they found it but they are all still pursuing medicine and haven't dropped out so hopefully that's reassuring for you! Maybe it would be helpful for you if I did a video where I asked them their experiences of it and the challenges they faced? Xx
Sarah Nicholls oh my goodness! You're amazing. That would definitely help calm my nerves and make me somewhat more decisive. Thank you so much!! When you do get around to making the video please ask them what tips they have for juggling med school with family life, ages of their kid(s), were they asked any specific questions during the interview regarding how they'd manage school and home life etc etc.
I really appreciate your reply. Thank you so much Sarah. Wish you all the best with all your endeavours.🌹🌹
Ordained Hypocrite I’m finally over my fear of juggling motherhood and medical school. I think it’s all in your head, once you make that mental shift, there’s no stopping you. You’re the only one who’s in the way of making that decision. I’ve got four kids (youngest under 3) and I’m going to give it my all and see how far that takes me. Once you have the desire and you have a strong support network (partner, family etc) I’d say go for it! As Sarah said, what have you got to lose?
Thank you, I needed this. :)
I am doing my general medicine from armenia its my third year now ,i taken admission when i was 19 years old and i never thought to give up
How would you recommend preparing for post graduate medicine in terms of the studying and the knowledge as I am doing a psychology degree so naturally will be behind on a lot of the science side of things? well done on passing and i hope you are enjoying being a doctor :))
Can u please tell me how long does it take for you to prepare for gamsat please ?? And what are the resources u used please ?
Thank you for this video, it has really motivated me to knuckle-down and start my GEM application! I also suffer with anxiety so the thought of a med school interview process scares the living daylight out of me!! Do you have any advice or preparation tips ?? Thank you!
Ffion James hello! Aww thank you for the kind words and I’m so pleased he video has motivated you! I made a couple of videos on interviews and personal statements that will hopefully help you:
Interviews: ruclips.net/video/_Fad4zAMmjQ/видео.html
Personal statements: ruclips.net/video/xJWzDP11CDY/видео.html
Good luck to you! And would love to hear how you get on. Welcome to the fam 😘
Such a lovely story
Amy Denny thank you 😊
congratulations on finishing medical school!! I'm going to medical school in the US, but it was really fun learning about your experience in the UK :)
reginaswhitecoat wow good luck with it! When do you start? America has some of the best medical schools in the world :)
I start at the end of july! very excited :)
reginaswhitecoat good luck!!
Hi Dr,
I really found your video very inspiring. Go you have any tips for the GAMSAT?
Thanks for watching! Here is a video with my gamsat tips:
ruclips.net/video/8QhGlJnOuEE/видео.html
This sounds truly inspiring Sarah. Thank you for sharing. I'm considering studying medicine as a graduate. What would your advice be to interntional applicants?
Preparing for gamsat plz guide about it! For international students
Here you go! Best of luck to you: ruclips.net/video/8QhGlJnOuEE/видео.htmlsi=In1M2a5hOL-Sbfox
I'm so happy right now!!!
So inspiring, I can sense you r good person 💓 I always wanted to study Medicine, I love helping people and I feel happy if someone ask me for help ...but I didn’t have enough money and time to do exams from science subjects.. I’m older now and now finishing unrelated course. My question is do you know anyone who would change their career paths like that ? Doing additional alevels doing care job passing exams like MCAT...
Yes, there were many people on the graduate entry course that I did who changed career paths completely. Anything is possible if you set your mind to it! Thanks for your lovely comment, good luck to you 😘
Hey Sarah! I'm about to start the same GEM course at Nottingham as you did, just wondering whether you have any advice/tips you can share? Might make for a good video too, I'd certainly watch it!
Tom Townsend hey Tom! Ah you're in for a treat, GEM at Nottingham is amazing. I will definitely make a video on it! I would say make an effort to get to know people in your year, they will be your lifeline when things get tough with studying all the time. Also making good notes and studying hard for your workshops will make your life easier when it comes to exams. Good luck for starting! Feel free to get in touch during the course if you have any questions etc x
Hi, I’m currently in 2nd year studying physio. I like it but I don’t want to do it, I’m on first 1st and got really good alevels. I think I’d like to go and study medicine (I’ve always put it off due to not being clever enough but realising most say it’s hard work, I put everything into what I’m doing I just worry it’s not enough). I need to get work experience, sit the tests and open days but it’s worrying? Haha! Loved your video, epsically about the more studying.. thank you!
Hi Sarah! It was so interesting listening to your journey, thank you so much for sharing! This sounds so much like myself, I've just graduated from Biomedical Science and I am in the process of applying to medicine now. My problem is with work experience, I don't even know if what I am doing is relevant... How did you find the course? Did you have to do very well in your entry exam? (I'm also very nervous about this) x
Sally hey Sally! Sorry for the slow reply. Congrats on graduating Biomedical Science, I bet you're so happy. I enjoyed the medical course. It was definitely tough but so worthwhile and enriching. I'll make some more videos about the course itself. I can't remember the exact cut off for the GAMSAT in the year I entered but I know it varies depending on whether you've got a 2.1 or 2.2. Good luck to you!!
do you have any GAMSAT revision materials for the different sections? also advice on writing a personal statement as a graduate entry? thank you
Anjana S hello! For the GAMSAT I used online a-level revision material for the sciences. My biology was up to scratch because of my degree but I needed refreshing on chemistry and physics. I also paid for the GAMSAT practice papers online and I did them under timed conditions. I'd really recommend doing that to see what sort of speed you work at. For the personal statement, my main advice would be to keep it structured and relevant. Here's a really good article that highlights the main subsections you should cover:
www.themedicportal.com/application-guide/personal-statement/
Best of luck!
could you do a video on what revision tools you used? and how the interview process was like? thank you :)
Anjana S absolutely! Xx
This is so similar to my story I’m currently applying to GEM in 2022 and I am TERRIFIED especially because it’s so competitive
Congratulations girl I really hope I get in too
Fingers crossed for you! Have you applied?
That was a wonderful video, really enjoyed it and glad that it's worked out for you. I am currently in the position where you were 5 years ago (applying for Graduate-Entry Medicine).
If you did the UKCAT, do you have any preparation techniques for that? As I'm not so sure I can do a 6 hour GAMSAT exam and study for the UKCAT, as my current employers aren't allowing me to take any Summer Annual Leave sadly.
Balram Shanker Trivedi nice to hear from you and thank you for watching! I didn’t sit the UKCAT actually, I only sat the GAMSAT because I thought there would be less competition for the courses that required it! (Don’t know whether that is actually the case or not...)
I’m sure there are other youtubers or maybe other commenters on this thread who might be able to give you some tips 😊 good luck to you!
Dr Sarah Nicholls Well done on following your dream Sarah and congrats! How did you get on with the gamsat? I’m in the first stages of preparing for it and still can’t get my head around how best to prepare. Any tips? I’d love to get into Nottingham as well!
Loved this video! I'm studying biomedical sciences and thinking about going abroad for a semester to the UK. Nottingham seems to be a good university, but I haven't heard anything from people studying there. What is your experience so far? Do you like the city and university itself?
Sanne Louters hello! Yeah Nottingham is an amazing city, there’s loads going on and it’s great for shopping 😁 the uni is cool, there’s a beautiful campus and good facilities
Hey Sarah! I’m applying to biomedical science at Warwick, Cardiff, Southampton, and reading. I hope to apply to GEM at Nottingham, Warwick, Kings and Cardiff, have you got any advice for the GAMSAT? And how long did you revise for it? Also how were the interviews at Nottingham?
I got my interview for Nottingham GEM a few days ago. I hope I can be in your position in a few years time :)
TigerheartedWolf oh my gosh that’s SO exciting! Would love to hear how you get on 🤞🙂
@@SarahNicholls Found out a few days ago that I got in!!! :D
@@TigerheartedWolf congratulations!!!
@@funmif30 Thank you! Best decision I ever made :D
@@TigerheartedWolf do you mind if I ask you what degree you had and how long it took you to get in?
hey i loved your video but i have something going in my mind are you able to continue with like a cardiologist, gynecologist, surgeon .... you know it, the advanced profession after the MD
So happy to hear you finally followed your dreams! Just wanted to ask what you used to help pass the GAMSAT exam as I also want to apply but don’t know how to study for it. Please let me know xx
Shereen thanks for watching! I made this video about the GAMSAT here, I hope it’s helpful: ruclips.net/video/8QhGlJnOuEE/видео.html
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! xxx
Nice story. You really motivated me. How was your GAMSAt exam?
Ayat Aljawad thanks for the lovely comment 😊 I was very fortunate with my GAMSAT and managed to get through it the first time. I made a video about GAMSAT prep if you’d like to see:
ruclips.net/video/8QhGlJnOuEE/видео.html
Hi Sarah, I’ve just discovered your videos. Very well done on completing medical school. Your videos have really inspired me. I’m a nurse in my 30s desperate to become a doctor. Nottingham is one of my planned choices. Do you have any tips for the GAMSAT? Thanks very much
Christian Cox hello! Thanks so much for the kind words, I’m really glad you’re enjoying the videos. Oh my gosh you’re a nurse already?! You’ll make an amazing doctor! The GAMSAT is horrible (not gonna lie) but definitely achievable. I made a video on it, so hopefully you’ll find this useful:
ruclips.net/video/8QhGlJnOuEE/видео.html
Good luck! Would love to hear how you get on. Keep us updated 😊
Dr Sarah Nicholls thanks very much. I’ll check those out. Yes, it’s an amazing job but too limited and medicine gives me the freedom and extended practice that I crave. Thank you for your kind words
Christian Cox yeah I can imagine. Well you know you can already cope with the rigours of hospital life etc so I bet you’ll breeze through med school and your foundation years. Plus you’ll be able to work bank shifts through med school if you need some cash 😋 hats off to you, you’re clearly really driven!!
Hey, I just want to say that I loved your video and you don’t understand how much I can relate with your story. I’m about to finish my degree in pharmacy and I’m in the process of applying for Med school. Do you have any tips for the Gamsat assessment
Good luck to you! I have a Gamsat video you can check out here: ruclips.net/video/8QhGlJnOuEE/видео.html
Hi. I am not from a science background. I did business related A levels and took a gap year. But I really want to do medicine because I put that dream off when I finished my GCSEs and I have been thinking of it. I feel like I'll regret forever if I don't make a decision right now. I am 20 now and it's too late for me to apply for coming September foundation medicine courses, but I am able to start a biomedicine degree with a foundation year for the coming January. Do you recommend I do a three year biomedicine or wait for next September and start a 6 year medicine degree? Thanks ❤️
Hi Sarah, can you please explain the whole educational expenditure you had in the medical school?
Hridhya hello! I go into it in this video but I plan to make more videos about finding and money in the future. I hope this helps:
ruclips.net/video/H9D_K6l235Q/видео.html
😊
Thank you so much. You have helped me a lot.
Hi Sarah, Its been a while since this video but I have a question concerning the interviews. How did you prepare?
thanks
Hi Sarah!
Congratulations on your success becoming a doctor. Your story was truly inspiring & made me realise it’s not impossible or too late. I’m currently on a gap year & I will be studying undergrad psychology this September. My plan is to pursuit studying graduate medicine & become a psychiatrist. But I’m afraid that since I hadn’t taken Biology or Chemistry for my A-Levels (I took Psychology, Maths & Physics and got the grades BCB, will this matter towards whether I may get accepted). I also have a huge gap in my knowledge compared to other students. Should I re-read my GCSE revision guides & then move onto the A-Level texts books, or is there another resource that I could use to bridge the knowledge in the meantime. I’m not sure how to prepare for which ever test the universities I apply to will be used for admissions either. What do you recommend? If you have any other tips/advice on what to do to get into graduate medicine I would appreciate it very very much :)
Hi! I was really inspired by your story. Well done!! :-) I'm hoping to go to Nottingham or Swansea. How did you find studying for the GAMSAT? That's the one thing I'm really scared about, coming from a background of no biology or chemistry. I have roughly a year to prepare though! Can you recommend any good resources (especially for chemistry or biology)?
Hello Sarah! I love your videos, I just stumbled across this one and it led me to watch them all. I feel like I am exactly you. I am in my second year of Biomedical Sciences, I work in a bar and do an HCA job also. I have my heart set on Medicine, but I am too worried not to get in. I will be applying to Nottingham and taking the GAMSAT aswell. I am worried to have a weak application and despite watching all your video's, do you have anything extra you suggest? Or what NOT to do when applying? I am afraid of not being able to deliver a good GAMSAT score and a personal statement and I know I would be crushed if I was rejected.
Great videos once again, Congratulations on becoming a doctor after all those years! Listen to your heart. :)
super interesting to hear about your story, thank you! also well done! i'm doing biomedical science too and hoping for a 2:1 however have only had lab experience so need some hands on care experience if i were to apply. would you recommend doing the HCA job for about a year or so? would love to hear any advice you may have! thanks x
Amber Mac hey there, sorry for my slow reply! I would say HCA experience is really valuable and taught me a lot about how to interact with patients and their families and what life is like on the wards, so if you can get that sort of work then absolutely go for it :)
hii
i really want to study medicine but I want to do a foundation year to so how do I apply
im doing a levels currently going into second year
jagga saleem hi there, the best thing to do would be to have a look at the websites of the universities you're thinking of applying to. Have a look at the entry requirements and maybe give their admissions department to discuss it. For all medicine courses you will need to apply through UCAS. Good luck!!
You are amazing! This is exactly what I needed to hear!
Thank you so much for watching 🙌
Hi Sarah! Loved watching your video! I have a GEM interview with Uni of Nottingham in 2 weeks time and with the recent pandemic I'm so anxious as to if it'll go ahead and what changes they may make in order to adapt to the situation. Do you have any suggestion of what questions/topics I should focus on to prepare for the interview? Thank you!
Hello, so sorry you're feeling anxious about it. I can totally see why you feel like that right now. I have a video about preparing for med school videos here that you might find useful:
ruclips.net/video/_Fad4zAMmjQ/видео.html
Thank you for making this video it was somewhat a confidence boost :D
i do have a question
im in year 9 and im picking my GCSEs. I have picked triple, dance and history but cant think of anything that could help me so could you tell me what you picked - as inspiration?
At Alevel you need biology and chemistry alevel to apply for medicine, to study these alevels you need to have good science gcse results whether u are doing either double or triple. sooo it doesnt really matter what you pick as your optional gcses, maybe just concentrate a lot on your science gcses.
What Learning Materials do you need for GAMSAT pls
Awww, ur story’s literally did make me smile! I felt so happy and motivated!! 😇😀😀🙏 btw do u have any tips for alevels, I’m interested in dentistry and in year 12! Anyone have any good alevel resources which are helpful and help get the high grades
Sorry for my slow reply! I found the CGP workbooks really useful for revising for A-levels. Just make sure to get the one that’s specific for your exam board. A great idea is to do as many practice exam questions as possible under timed conditions to get yourself used to the time pressure and the sort of questions you’ll be asked. Good luck to you!
Hi, Sarah! I am a 19 y.o. Italian undergraduate student who has just moved to the UK. My dream is to become a doctor and I'm thinking of getting a science related degree and then to attend a Graduate medicine course. How was your biomedical course? Was it helpful for the GAMSAT and for the medical course per se? I am considering both biomedical sciences and physiotherapy... I really enjoy staying and connecting with people instead of working in a lab, but I don't know if physiotherapy will eventually open the doors to med school. Loved your video by the way!
Ruth Obaro hello and welcome to the UK! That's a great question, there are some universities that will only accept science-based degrees for the graduate entry medicine program, so that might be something to look into. Physiotherapy would be a great option and give you the confidence around dealing with patients and working on a ward that a lot of people don't have when they start the course. Physiotherapy will also give you a big boost in anatomy knowledge! I found biomedical science very helpful for things like cellular biology and pharmacology, but they will teach it to you from scratch on the gym course so don't feel like you have to do biomedical science if it's not top of your list. I kind of wish I'd done something else that I would have enjoyed more! Would love to hear your progress, keep in touch :)
Hey Sarah! This video was really helpful, I'm finding myself in a similar position where I'm undertaking my masters but I'm contemplating whether or not to pursue medicine like I have been since sixth form, when I finished uni, I took a year out and got myself a theatre assistant job at the hospital and I ended up leaving because I panicked about what if I did something wrong and caused harm to patient and started to get overwhelmed by the responsibility a doctor would have, I just wanted to ask have you ever thought about that and do you have any worries about becoming a doctor and also how do you handle it? Sorry for all the questions :)
jasmin virdee hey Jasmin, thanks for watching my video and I hope your masters is going well.
That's a really interesting question, and actually it's something I think about on a daily basis. I also think that it is true for most doctors (and all healthcare professionals!)
When I was training to become a healthcare assistant about 5 years ago, one of the trainers told us to care for every patient "as though they were your own mother and as though your boss was watching your every move" and that has stuck with me ever since, through my work as a healthcare assistant; as a medical student and now as a doctor. Medicine is a caring profession. We enter the role because we like people, we are empathetic and we want to help others. Most of us have had experience of hospitals from the other side when ourselves, our friends or relatives have been unwell and so we are acutely aware of how scary hospital treatment can be. None of us go into the job with any intention of doing harm.
The truth is that the majority of the work we do is beneficial to people. However, there are always risks involved in treatment, whether it be something relatively minor like prescribing statins to help lower cholesterol or something huge like performing a coronary bypass. In medicine we are taught to weight up the benefits vs the risks and only take action when the benefits outweighs the potential harm, and only when the patient is fully informed of this and understands the possible outcomes. It's important to remember that yes, things can go wrong and we can cause harm, but on the whole, medical professionals are a force of good in the world! We have years of training behind us to prepare us for performing difficult tasks and making decisions under pressure.
If you've made it this far through my answer then well done!!
... I think what I'm trying to say is that your concern is a very real one that plagues doctors across the world, so if you pursue a career in medicine, be sure in the knowledge that every single doctor has that worry on a regular basis, and rightly so.
Hi Sarah! Well done on all of your hard work and success! I’m doing a bachelor of nursing and applying for MD in the final year of my course. I was just curious as to how long you studied for GAMSAT prior to sitting the test? Is there a particular topic you would recommend being attentive to while studying for GAMSAT that requires a lot more study than other topics? Thank you! ❤️
ehdyu1 hello! Thanks for your lovely comment. Good luck with all your studies, your nursing course will set you up so well. I studied for a few months for the GAMSAT (sorry to not be more specific but it was a really long time ago now and I can’t remember the specifics!)
I made this video, which you might find helpful:
ruclips.net/video/8QhGlJnOuEE/видео.html
Dr Sarah Nicholls I will check it out! Thanks so much Sarah, all the best ❤️
every single day i regret not choosing the correct a levels. i done media, bussiness, and graphic design, hoping for a free ride to get three As. im 18 and started year 13 i dont want to spend 4 years my only hope to get into medicne is to get in graduate entery medicine.
Hello, I just wanted to let you know that graduate entry isn't the only option for you. I believe a few medical schools have changed their A level subject requirements and so your A levels may be sufficient. One that has definitely changed is Newcastle medical school ; Newcastle want AAA in any A level subjects excluding General Studies, Use of Mathematics, World Development, Communication and Culture and Critical Thinking. Look around and you might be surprised to see how many paths and opportunities are still available for you! For now, get A's in your A levels as a first step and think about applying to university (for medicine) after you have achieved them. If this doesn't happen, graduate entry medicine is always still an option and if you really want to do medicine then you will never give up on it. Please never give up on your dreams and good luck in whatever you choose to do in the future - I believe in you!
Hi,
I am currently completing my second year in BSc Honors in Environmental Science from OU. At this point I am convinced that I will be better off doing a second degree in Medicine (A101) graduate entry. My grades expected will be 2:2. I don't have any Medical or Care related experience either.
Do you think I would stand a chance of getting into Nottingham Uni?
☺
Hi Sarah! Well done for becoming a doctor :) I was wondering, how do you cope financially after leaving Uni ?
HelloitsCherri hello! That's a great question, I'm not going to lie- it was a tough decision to go back to being a student for another four years. With a combination of student loans, NHS bursary, part time work and starting an Etsy shop. This is definitely something I'll be making more in depth videos about in the future. Hope you're having a great weekend x
Thank you!
Congratulations Sarah, you've really sailed through. Now I want to ask, can a registered nurse with a degree in Nursing and working in the UK enrol in the graduate entry medical program?
Thank you for your lovely comment. Yes they can 🙂
Alright thanks, I'm one of them, I'm a migrant from Ghana, can please inquire about the current tuition fees for me?
your video made me feel so much better you have no idea. I have a question though please. Im studying for my final year in economics and have been regretting not picking science a levels coz i was too scared i would fail. i just did economics thinking it would be a safer option and it'll pay well but ahh i just dont care about working in banking. nothing excites me the way medicine does. im planning on applying for nottingham too but im too scared they wont take me in because is studied economics which has nothing to do with science and i also have no experience inhealthcare either. i would be grateful if you could give me some advice. thank you
Hi Sarah. What an inspiring video. Congrats on becoming a doctor!! I feel like I am going through a bit of the same thing you went through. I always had the intention of studying medicine but didn't work hard enough to get the grades required. However, upon receiving my results, It turns out I wasn't far off after all. But like you, I didn't apply to medicine anyway. I am currently on a gap year and will be starting university in September. After this year off, I have had a lot of time to think and have decided I want to try study medicine via graduate entry. But I was wondering what the best course for me to study first? Does it have to be biomedical sciences to give me the best chance? or could I study something like biology or anatomical sciences? thanks in advance. xx
Dani Worth hello! Ah it’s nice to know that other people have been through what you’re experiencing, I remember at the time I felt like I was the only one in my boat and then I joined GEM and realised there were so many other people like me. To be honest it doesn’t matter too much what you decide to study at undergrad in terms of choosing between science based courses. Have you had any more thoughts on it since your comment (I realise it was 4 months ago.... so sorry!!)
I’m currently studying maths chemistry biology at a level and always wanted to do medicine until recently. I fear I don’t have the motivation for such a long degree and don’t want the pressure of being a doctor due to the responsibility, I just don’t think I’m good enough. I’m debating doing cancer sciences as a degree at Nottingham but I like you don’t think lab work is for me. Should I go with medicine or do a shorter degree and then possibly do the mature degree like you if it doesn’t work out x
Hello,
Just found your video AWSOME 😊 how did you study for the gamsat test? I will be a mature student 👩🏻🎓
Hi Kimberly! Here's a video I made about the gamsat: ruclips.net/video/8QhGlJnOuEE/видео.html
Best of luck to you!
Congrats on becoming a Doctor 😊 Just like to ask how much do you pay for the A101 Medicine course, altogether in the 4 years?
Fact Blown thank you!! I really appreciate you watching :) I started the course when it had just gone up to £9,000 per year. In first year I paid roughly £3500 myself through part time work, then I got a student loan for the £5500. Years 2, 3 and 4 were a combination of student loans and NHS bursary. So £36,000 for tuition fees total. I will make videos about this in the future!
Hi Sarah , congrats for being a doctor .
Iam going to take my Gemsat and UKcat tests to apply for both Nottingham and Warwick university as graduate student . I have been doing so much research to find out the final score of Gemsat and ukcat test but not have any joy?
Is it correct Gemsat is 100 marks per section ? If so what was ur score and what’s the score Nottingham taken that year ?
Same for ukcat , hopefully you can shed some info !!!
Emad
Hi sarah my son is graduating from pharmacy but I wonder if he can do medicine as postgraduate thanks
Yes it's is definitely possible 😊
Hi Sarah! Love your videos and they really help me with perspective. Like you, I think the penny is just starting to 'drop' for me now. I've always had it in the back of my mind that medicine was what I wanted to do but I'd always thought that I didn't want to commit my life to it. However I've realised now that this really is what I want to do so I'm ready to accept that it will take 4 + years to get there. I think I've decided it because of my recent work as a HCA - I admire the doctors and how they can just figure out the problem and I'd like to be that person. I'm currently doing my masters degree in genomic medicine at the university of Sheffield after doing a BSc degree in genetics at the university of Leeds. I'm thinking of applying to Nottingham, Swansea, St Georges and Warwick in Oct 2021 for entry in 2022, any advice for the GAMSAT? I read a fair bit of non-scientific, but more philosophical, literature so do you think this would help for the first two sections? Also, how did you find the accelerated nature of GEM at Nottingham? I know you're working as a locum at the moment, so how does the training pathway work for locum doctors and which pathway did you take?
Hi Sarah! I'm a first year diagnostic radiography student at Exeter and am planning on doing GEM... I'm going to be 24 when I start (assuming I get in first application) I did poorly at GCSE and did an access course, so I have no A-levels. How good (in terms of preparation for med school) do you think my course is? Do you have any other general advice?
Thank you
Kyle hey there, I’m so sorry I seem to have missed some notifications a few months back and haven’t replied to lots of comments. How are you getting on now?
Can you please tell me what entry requirements I could do I don’t have my gcse maths and English I will be resitting this year, and then do an access course for science the year after, also are foundation years in medical science a foot forward into medicine too?
Hello lovely, just a quick question.
How long did you allow to study for the GAMSAT?
Hi Sarah, I know you've probably answered this 100 times but did you attend / pay for any GAMSAT classes to help you pass the gamsat? Thanks :D
Hey Sarah! I am currently studying biomedical science in London and I am an italian student who moved into the UK about a year ago. Due to lack of A levels I have some restricted options for graduate medicine. I am indecisive about doing UKCAT or GAMSAT..which one would you recommend? Which one would give me a better chance?
Andrea Coro' it really depends on which university you want to go to as they have different entry test requirements. I would recommend looking at which universities you're interested in, seeing what their entry requirements are and contacting them directly about converting your grades to UK equivalent ones. Whether you sit the UKCAT or GAMSAT will depend on what the university requires. Hope that helps! X
Congratulations!! I've absolutely loved this video. It's given me hope! I am currently studying psychology & nutrition but really want to go into medicine after I graduate and only just realised that it's possible from good grades from an undergraduate course. By the time I graduate though I will be 26, was there other people around that age on the course (and if I do not get in my first try I will be 27)? Hope all is going well! xx
Amy Thompson thanks for your comment, so sorry I’ve only just seen it! Age is definitely something I thought about a lot when I was applying but it barely crosses my mind now that I’m qualified. I hope you’re happy and enjoying life :) xx
Im doing my A levels and didn’t do too well at GCSE. Well I didn’t do well enough to get into medicine however I smashed my mocks and am oredicted A*A*A and reckon I could do well in my actual A Levels so do you reckon I should apply to a top uni for biomedical science and do graduate medicine? I feel like I’d stand more of a chance as they look at GCSEs a lot less when applying for graduate medicine etc
Hey Sarah great video! I've got some questions I couldn't really find answers to. When you've graduated from gem I know you get paid whilst doing your F1 and F2, but are you also paid when specialising? How did you find the interview (assuming you had one)? And have you got any idea where you'd like to specialise and how competitive that is? Thank you! :)
Kai Newton hey there! Thanks so much for watching :) so yes, when you graduate from med school you do get paid for F1 and F2 and it then goes up as you do you specialty training. Here are the current payscales: www.bma.org.uk/advice/employment/pay/juniors-pay-england Doctors who work in London will receive slightly more. And generally you earn a bit more than the quoted figures because of overtime.
In terms of what I'd like to specialise in... I have always loved the idea of being a GP as I love to chat to people. I also really enjoyed my anaesthetics placement, so that is another top chalice. GP is not very competitive as they are under-resourced and crying out for new trainees. Anaesthetics is fairly competitive.
I am going to make a video about the GEM interview some time soon so keep watching!
Sarah Nicholls thank you much for replying! Is the earliest you can apply for gem at the end of second year/beginning of third year?
Good luck in your specialist training!
Hi Sarah,
I’m in the process of applying for HCA jobs with unfortunately no previous caring experience. I was wondering whether you had any when you were applying, and if not how did you get around the requirement of some caring experience by nearly all HCA vacancies?
RilindTV hello! Yes agh I found that so frustrating, it seems like a catch 22 doesn't it?! I didn't have any caring experience but I had babysitting experience from when I was a teenager and also some voluntary work where I went to sit with an elderly lady once a week in her own home. It wasn't a caring role, I literally just chatted with her. I used those as examples and after loooooads of failed applications I finally got one job offer! I would suggest applying to as many as you can- NHS jobs, care homes, agency work etc. Good luck!
Xx
How much is the duration of your course ?
Hey! How many times did you sit the GAMSAT?
Congrats!
Tristen Jourdan thank you!
Could I do GEM from Midwifery?
Hi Sarah,
I am really struggling at the moment. I'm 26 next year and feel like I've given up on my dream of becoming a doctor due to worries about my age and giving up a well paid job. I'm scared I'll get to an older age and regret not going but also worry I'll regret giving up an easy life for the dream! Did you have many mature students in your year?
Alice Butler hi Alice, thanks for getting in touch and I'm sorry you're feeling a bit lost at the moment. Are you happy for me to make a video response to your question? Would you like me to keep it anonymous? Xx
What did you get in your Alevels?
Mam please tell how to enter speciality training program after taking plab ?
Aditya Verma hello I’m sorry I don’t know the answer to this 😬
@@SarahNicholls thanks for replying
Congrats on becoming a doctor! I was just wondering how many hours and days a week you worked at your HCA job while at uni?