Choosing a career that you have passion for
As much as I loved biology, I didn’t feel that I could pursue a career that was right for me based on science alone. I have a real passion for biology and science in general but I also have a strong drive to work with people. Medicine is a fantastic course to study to fulfil both these criteria.
A year working in a hospital was invaluable to my study
After graduating in June 2006, I moved to Newcastle-upon-Tyne for a year, where I worked as a healthcare assistant at the Freeman Hospital. This experience was absolutely invaluable. I can fully recommend a year in a hospital setting to anyone who is considering applying to study medicine. I really enjoyed the work and it strongly reinforced my drive to become a doctor.
On the course
The course lasts four years, the first two of which are spent in Swansea learning anatomy, clinical skills, and a plethora of science related to medicine. During years one and two there is also the opportunity to go on LOCS (Learning Opportunities in the Clinical Setting).
These are a type of mini-placement which gives you a real flavour for clinical work from the word go. The final two years are spent on an all Wales rotation, where you spend six- and eight-week blocks out in hospitals all across the country.
Medicine is a very busy course and, as much as I enjoy being Medical Society President, the role also requires a lot of my time; I therefore feel that I could not really commit to a part-time job.
Many of my friends on the course do work part time however, especially the ones with healthcare backgrounds, such as nursing, speech therapy and dentistry. I took out a loan to cover some of the costs but will be receiving an NHS bursary next year to help cover the rest.
Rewarding work
Personally, the benefit of further study is to provide a gateway to my dream career. I don’t really think you can put a price on education. The desire to learn and further ones own knowledge or career is often strong enough to warrant financial sacrifices.
If it wasn’t worth it, no one would do it. However, anyone considering remaining in education would be a fool not to give serious consideration to the financial implications of being out of work for another year or, in my case, four.
Surgery is a career path that fascinates me
I find surgery absolutely fascinating and would love to go down that route when I’ve completed the course. Many graduate entry medics choose a career in General Practice and a good number become hospital doctors and surgeons. With over 70 different specialties to choose from, medical school is just the beginning.
You need to be 100% certain though
I would advise anyone considering the course to be 100% certain that you want to be a doctor, do as much work experience as you can, and find out exactly what the course involves. I made sure my decision to become a medic was an informed one, it also happens to be the best one I ever made.
Living in Swansea's great too!
As for choosing Swansea; aside from the excellent teaching facilities, enthusiastic staff and highly motivated students, I now live a stone’s throw away from some of Britain’s most beautiful beaches.
