What to do with a free year?? Help!

[bramble]

Hi,

I really need people's advice as to what to do with a free year before going to medical school (if i get in!). For it all to make sense i'm going to have to give you a load to background as to what I have been doing etc..so please stick with me! I really need some advice!

I have a 2.1 in Physiology from 2006. In the final year of my degree I applied to med school and got one interview, however I completely flunked it as I was so nervous etc. So, after that I decided that my biggest weakness was my communication and interpersonal skills, so I worked in sales for a year, which I feel has really improved this weakness. It has to be said that I also took that sales job because I lost a bit of my focus for med, got hung up on the the time skale of it all etc, and thought the sales job would stand me in good stead if I did decide to go back into med.

SO, now I really want to apply again. I am going to be applying this year, but I am in a bit of a pickle as to what to do! Here are the options:

Option 1. I have applied and been accepted onto a MSc in Medical Genetics (partly because it seems very interesting and also because I thought it must improve my application). However, I have rang some of the medical schools and they said in terms of academic qualifications it will not put me at an advantage at all. It will, however, show that when I put my mind to something I can see it through.

Option 2. I apply for a full time HCA post. Obviously this would give me greater insight and experience etc.

I terms of work experience so far, I do have quite a lot over a period of about 1 year around 2006, but the sales job I took on was very intense and it left me with no time to volunteer etc. I obviously need to get some more under my belt before applying this year.

So what do you think?! Which option?

Another consideration is that if I don't get in this year, doing a masters is going to leave me with very little time to prepare for applying again etc.

Help!

Thank you in advance.

[Fia]

Personally I'd go down the HCA route, as you will get lots of hands on experience with patients and it should help you to stay focussed on your goal. It should also help with keeping you in an informed position with regards to current issues and give you lots to talk about at interview.

Just stay focussed and good luck

[bramble]

Thanks for the reply Fia.

Yeah i'm swaying that way.

Does anyone have any experience of having chosen to do a masters and been glad they made that choice?

Thanks.

[Dr Noodle]

I'd normally say 'take the MSc!' but considering you feel you flunked your interview purely on being nervous (shy?) I'd say working as a HCA is probably a better option.

I work as a HCA and it really brought me out of my shell.

[trace]

Hi working as an HCA has definitley given me a valuble insight into working in a hospital environment and working with patients in general. I love my job and I have been doing it now for the past 3 years. I have learnt soooooooo much. It is definitley worth while. I know that in the end it will make me a better doctor. Best wishes with whatever path you choose xxxxxxx

[bramble]

Thanks very much for the replies.

Dr Noodle: Yes i'd say I was shy around that time. But doing that sales job I mentioned has given my much more confidence and I feel i'm a much stronger person now. Apart from the shy thing, why would you say do the MSc?

Trace: Thanks for the insight. Back in 2006 I was working as a HCA but in the community. If I do decide to go the working for a year route then i really want to get into a hospital.

Thanks.

[Dr Noodle]

It may not help you get into med school but it's an extra point for your job application after you graduate. Which, considering even F1's aren't guaranteed a job this year, is probably pretty bloody important to have.

You could always get a part time HCA job I suppose, to stop you getting too lost in your books

[miqbal]

HCA definetly helps with interpersonal skills and gives you a better insight into the medical environment.