Access to UK Med School for someone with no 'school' educational background

[Daniel Jeffrey]

Hi,

I'm not sure how unique my position is but from the experiences I've had in life I think it's fairly up there based on the people I've met through life.

To cut a long story short I'll try and stick to the point(s);

- I'm 23, I only met my father last year, he's a Dermatologist / General Practitioner who's coming up for retirement however I've known his field since I was old enough to talk and had always wanted to work in medicine from the age of < 5

- I had to drop out of school when I was 13 to find work here and there (odd jobs) and progressively since then have developed an extremely successful career as an Information Tech specialist (programmer) at a senior / consultant level spending 6 years contracting

- I've been caring full time for the only family relative I've had for my entire life since I was circa 10 years old (Abusive Alcoholic single mother with Multiple Sclerosis, Cerebellar Ataxia, Porphyria and a borderline personality disorder)

With that basic background out the way, I'm finally in a position to fund my own education which has been my goal while maturing as, since the age of nothing as mentioned, I've wanted to work in the medical field.

I'm looking for some conclusive information on my chances of getting into medical school, as well as some guidance on how to choose the field of medicine to work in and what the requirements are etc.

I've been looking at introductory 'access' courses as well as A levels but I'm getting conflicting information from people of different backgrounds. Bearing in mind the fact everyone has their own circumstances I'm hoping anyone with some experience might be able to help me out here.

My biggest fear is the lack of qualifications I hold due to my adverse childhood, I don't even hold GCSEs

I'm extremely confident, dedicated, passionate and capable with my abilities however I'm humble in knowing that actions speak louder than words so I'm doing my research to assist in making the right decisions.

I found a rather conclusive guide on being admitted to UK medical schools published by the BBC however it's several years old (8 to be exact) and I would assume based on the pace of our scientific advancements, as well as educational & political that this would be significantly out of date by now...

Finally, I'd like to thank everyone for their time.

All the best,
Daniel

[Skinnerman]

Hi Daniel, and welcome to the forum! First off, the default advice is to contact any and all medical schools to see what their precise entry requirements are for admissions. They know exactly what they want and will have the best advice.

My own personal advice would be to do some GCSEs. Doing at least English, Maths, and Science(s) will give you a solid foundation for either A-levels/Access. Further health care experience would help too to build up your application.

If anyone deserves a shot at this, then after all that, it's got to be you. Contact the unis and see what they recommend. I'll keep my fingers crossed!

Good luck,
Lewis

[Mamba]

Hi mate, you are still super young.

Spend a year doing GCSE level Math and English, apply for an Access To Med degree course while you do it. Then next year start your Medical path with the Access Course and by the end of 2 years you will be starting medical school.

If you think you can do it, apply for Access courses now and resit your Math and English GCSE as you do the access course, but dont underestimate GCSE's. If you are in the North I advise the MANCAT access course if in the South I advise COWA course.

So make a decision.... take 2 years or 1 year. If I was you having left school early, I would do the 2 year route. You can do GCSE's in evening classes, spend the year working and saving money for the 2nd year in Access Course.

Ok so what do you need to do. Go online and find your nearest college, ask to organise a meeting with the Math and English teachers, go meet them and sign up to start in September.

Next.. contact your nearest access to medicine course ask for the application forms. If you want in this year, stick them in VERY quickly though I think you are late. Or stick them in ready for next year.

Within a day you will be on your way to becoming a doctor. Trust me, I did exactly this in 2006, I am now a lot older than you and in my 3rd year of Med school. The years have flown by and I have enjoyed them. Just do it mate

Mamba

P.s. email me if you need any further help.

[Mamba]

I am a bit tired, I hope my waffling didn't confuse you.