Graduate Entry level? UKCAT? BMAT?!?!

[MissBunchlie]

Hello everyone!

Firstly I am sooooo pleased this forum exists!!

Now back to the serious stuff Is anyone else a graduate and wanting to pursue medicine as a career? I always wanted to as an A-level student but honestly didn't think I would be able too (there were lots of reasons then).

Here's my background, please tell me of you think I have a good shot at medical school.

I have a BSc Hons in Bioscience (2:1) and all the relevant A-levels (B grades and above). I studied for 5 years part-time at Greenwich Uni and worked full time for Pharmaceutical giant Pfizer (I am currently still at Pfizer) since I was 19 as a HIV exploratory scientist (attempting to find a new anti-retroviral medicine). I am now fully qualified but I decided seriously in the last year that I made a mistake with my career and that I should have done medicine.

I am 24 now (feeling quite old as I would not be able to start studying until 2010 - yes that will make me 26)... and am hoping to either be accepted into Imperial or UCL (these are my favourite two anyway).

I am in talk now with my local hospital and should have work experience planned for the next two years in surgical and non-surgical placements in a variety of areas.

Has anyone else ever come from a pure science background to going back to med school? Am I doing enough do you think to give myself a good shot?? I really appreciate your time guys, thank you so much for reading this essay!! x x

[giella]

Thousands of people. Ideal candidate. You've got loads of valuable practical experience in the pharmaceutical industry, a scientific background etc. Just go for it. Study for the BMAT, take the UKCAT next summer and put in your application.
You'll be eligible for both graduate entry and undergraduate entry. Get your experience in a caring environment and you'll be good to go.

[MissBunchlie]

Thanks so much for the confidence boost - I am so excited!!

I finally believe I can do this and I will definitely do that, I am totally up for doing voluntary work - do you think shadowing a community matron might help?

[giella]

Would probably help some. Couldn't hurt. Though I'd say if you can, try and do something where you're as hands on as possible.

[MissBunchlie]

ok great - I was thinking of applying to become an auxillary bank nurse I suppose that's bang on the money. Thanks so much for the advice