Advice needed by prospective medic: does med school reputation matter?

**ragsmits** · 18-05-2007, 10:54 PM

Hey all,

I'm fairly new to this forum, have looked around a little but couldn't find anything to answer my question (i'm guessing there is an answer lurking around somewhere, but don't shoot me for asking if there is!).

Basically, my predicament is that I have offers from UCL, Imperial and Leicester to study Medicine. But I don't really know which one to choose! I'm thinking Leicester, because i've heard the course itself is quite good, and also it'll be a lot cheaper for me since it's not London and i'd be able to stay at home if i wanted to. However, i'm just wondering whether that'd be a mistake..UCL and Imperial have far better reputations as far as I know, and they are constantly in the media regarding advancements in medicine (eg today, where a new radiotherapy technique for breast cancer is being developped in UCH).

So basically, my question is this: does reputation matter all that much post-graduation, for instance when it comes to applying for jobs or higher positions?

I would appreciate any advice on the matter as soon as possible, as the clock is ticking for me to make my decision!

**Gizmo says -** · 18-05-2007, 11:02 PM

leicester wiffout a doubt.

rep is there to attract applicants to the uni in general and to attract funding, nuffing more.
only the weak minded fink it has any relevance to them as individualz.

**Vixter** · 18-05-2007, 11:05 PM

no, it doesnt make any difference. the most important thing is going somewhere youll feel happy.

**jtlc2345** · 18-05-2007, 11:11 PM

Hi ragsmits

For me, reputation wasn't a factor - it is much more important to go where you will be most comfortable with the course structure, style of teaching, location, etc... I wanted to stay in London and prefered a more traditional style course so I ended up at UCL and do not regret the choice.

As for post-graduation, it was perceived that if you wanted to work in London it was favourable to study at a London medical school but one of the supposed aims of MTAS was the elimination of this perceived bias - whether or not this has happened I don't know but the stats are probably out there.

At the end of the day, you will end up with a medical degree which will allow to be a doctor throughout the UK wherever you go - you need to make sure that the 5/6 years you spend getting there are spent where you will enjoy it.

Jonathan

**yeliab_cram** · 19-05-2007, 03:12 AM

All the advice so far is sound. Dont listen to league tables, they are worthless. It is worth considering the reputation the course has amongst current medical students though. What are its strengths? what are its weaknesses? and which matter most to you.

Being at a London medical school does provide you with some unique opportunities as you insinuate, however it also provides you with a very different student experience. You have to take all these things into consideration and think: where do i want to spend the next 5/6 years of my life.

I'm in Leeds and i love it. When i applied it was ranked 23rd in the league tables. The anatomy teaching is some of the best in the country, the pharmacology teaching, probably some of the worst. I can deal with that.

**Chulalongkorn** · 19-05-2007, 11:44 AM

The research reputation of a medical school or university is largely irrelevant to an undergraduate student. You will not be participating in any ground breaking research projects, you will be learning the basics in order to become a safe and competent doctor. I advise you to consider the style of teaching offered and the location of the uni and where you will be living for 5/6 years as the prime factors in making your decision.

There is little point being at a leading research uni if you are miserable because you hate the environment you live in and are not learning because you are unsuited to the teaching methods employed.

When selecting junior doctors for jobs after you qualify the fact you were at any specific school is irrelvant- they will not for one moment think you were involved in anything to do with the latest international study your uni has just published in The Lancet! Why? Because you won't have been! MTAS does not even know what medical school you were at when it selects for Foundation Courses.

I am prejudiced towards Leicester as I am a student here but we do have internationally recognised research teams here (Sir Alec Jeffreys & others) and you can do a BSc intercalated degree here. It is a VERY friendly medical school, they are supportive and the course teaching is tip top. Also it is not in London, which to me is a big bonus!

Good luck in your decision.