working or doing research part-time through MBChB

**sumina13** · 19-09-2006, 08:04 AM

i was wondering if med students have managed to work part-time and still enjoy sanity (and study hours) while in the mbchb program at glasgow?

also, is there anyone there who has been working? does it get tougher as the program progresses? do you know anyone who did it for all 5 years of med school?

how about research positions throughout the uni (i.e. working with a professor as a research assistant)? does anyone have experience doing that?

last but not least, does anybody know glasgow's opinion on mbchb/msc or phd programs (is the school not structured to allow med students to pursue a research degree while in med school besides the intercalated degree? - kinda like the md/phd-ms programs in the US )?

sorry if the questions are numerous and/or confusing and thanks for the help!

**heed** · 19-09-2006, 11:33 PM

i have two jobs. I work for money as a phlebotomist at one of the teaching hospitals, and work unpaid for the Red Cross.

Working is definitely not a problem however weekend work is preferable to working long nights in bars or clubs

**sumina13** · 20-09-2006, 12:20 AM

thanks heed!

do you think you will be able to maintain both jobs throughout the 5 years?
does it pay well to be a phlebotomist (there is a chance i can be trained in my current job)?

**heed** · 20-09-2006, 06:51 PM

Phlebotomy is a pretty well paid job and the hours are usually quite good (in the glasgow hospitals its two early morning shifts at the weekend which leaves you the rest of the day free to do work or go out). Phlebotomy is a really popular job with medical students of all years as it is good clinical experience, and gets your face known around the hospital which is useful when on placements or when looking for a job - while at the same time leaving you enough free time to get your work done.

Phlebotomy jobs in Scotland are advertised on the NHS website at www.show.scot.nhs.uk (click on the link on the right hand side)

**LaineyPB** · 20-09-2006, 07:42 PM

Plus, weekend phlebotomy pays better. It's time and a half at weekends! Works out about £8.70 per hour, I think...

**heed** · 20-09-2006, 08:44 PM

Originally Posted by LaineyPB

Plus, weekend phlebotomy pays better. It's time and a half at weekends! Works out about £8.70 per hour, I think...

that sounds about right yeah

**sumina13** · 20-09-2006, 11:24 PM

thanks guys! sounds like a good pay (20hours/week could potentially add up to rent and food).

now, do you have weekends off during years 3, 4 and 5?

i still am curious to hear from students who are involved in research too. are there anyone around who manages a part-time research job within the university or elsewhere?

thanks!