Complete career change - business to med school

[brittique]

Hi everyone! This is my first post and I've been so inspired by the many stories I have read here on the "matures" board. I'm 30 and have never felt old until I read this and realised that if I do go to school I could be in a classroom with teenagers!

I'd love some advice on my situation especially if you have had a similar experience.

- Started biomedical science after leaving high school in Australia. Passed the first four subjects of first year including one subject of biology but then switched into business and completed a bachelor of commerce. Have done some business related post-grad studies.

- Worked in investment banking until 2006 and then left to start my own online fashion retailer. Currently running the business but will either wind down or sell (not so easy in this economic environment).

- Have a 13mth old son and due to give birth to baby 2 in August. Thought the timing would be great to study towards UKCAT/BMAT now and then apply for med school in October. Assuming I am accepted baby 2 will then be 1 year old when I start in September 2010 and happily in care with big brother.

- I'm based in London and with my partner's work there is no chance of studying anywhere else but here. I am a UK citizen.

- I have always wanted to be a doctor and deeply regret not sticking at it when I was young. But the lure of the stock market earnings was greater than the thought of 7 years of medicine. Now with maturity I can see that 7 years is not such a long time to sacrifice in order to have the career of my dreams.

- Having suffered from a tumour I am completely blind in one eye. I'm a little concerned that this may prove too great a disability for entrance. I understand that I couldn't be a surgeon with my lack of 3D vision but surely I can still practise other specialities?

1. Given the above points what do you think should be my strategy for entry into med school?

2. Do you think I should attempt A levels in chemistry now?

3. Has anyone considered or even have any information on the private universities Brunel and Buckingham (have emailed Buckingham so will be interested to hear what they say)?

4. Is my partial blindness a hinderance?

5. Any schools in London that might be open to my odd background? Perhaps George's?

Any other comments or suggestions?

Thanks in advance for your time!

Nicole

[Lahola]

really your partial blindless not at all an issue, might possibly perhaps be if you want to be a surgeon - even that.

medical school is quite competitve, some london uni's are compettivie so you might have geographical instability, if you apply outside of london - perhaps limited time with kids, partner etc if you have to study afar. @ interview, they'll want to gage how you'll cope with this - its not that bad really you won't be totally excised from your family like they make out! but theres 5 london med schools ure bound to get into one of them. its not that hard.

medical school is quite competitve, but you should outstand from the rest. your 'odd' background actually reaps alot of positives. its really flattering to see ppl with that sincere devotion to medicine that they'll want to devote time and money towards a change of career. good on you! the med schools are bound to interpret your situation likewise.

however just be able to defend yourself of why you chose to go into commerce after high school, you've tlked about your regret etc. perfect reason for change.

Strateegy should involve: evidence for your commitment to medicine - through voluntaring eg at childrens hospice. of particular importance - work ecperience in hospital/gp, to show again evidence of how you understand what the challenges you as a doctor will face. medical news, scientific journals, how you cope with pressure, stress? interview preparations - really really basic stuff. u'v done alot harder.

A level chems/ biology. not that hard, that is if your not working ful time. u should remmber some high school stuff, if spoty partying,drunk teenager's like us can do it then.. exactly. definitely needs time though, u'll have to be like he nerdy spoty partying,drunk teenager. and UKCAT prep asap is best.

A levels, babies, UKCAT, interview - dont let it deflate your love for medicnine. whatever you do - dont dont do medicine. seriously needs genuine ppl like you. good luck!

[brittique]

I was reading some other posts here and just had a quick follow on question - do GEPs require that you have a medical degree or does a business degree also count?

Thanks!

[Nurse_to_doctor]

Hi,

I too don't think being blind in one eye should be a hindrance to a career in medicine – you could always check with the GMC, if you are worried about it. Surgery would probably not be the most appropriate route for you, although I might be wrong.

Having very young children should also not be too much of a problem. I can only speak for nursing, but I know quite a few student nurses who went through their DHE/degree while bringing up babies and young children. However, it all changed when they became staff nurses – shifts were set regardless… It might be different for doctors, though – but I doubt it. So, IMO you are better dealing with babies and young children while a student (with all the allowances that brings with it) rather than when you become a FY1 and 2.

For some graduate entry schemes, any degree will be okay – BUT your first degree needs to be at LEAST a 2:1 – St George’s accepts 2:2 degrees with a Masters or PhD. However, I wonder how many people actually get in with a 2:2 – I should imagine it’s a very small number. Getting a good grounding in the sciences looks like a good idea, especially if you are thinking about going the GAMSAT route.

Anyway, good luck to your change of career...

[Dr wannabe]

I was reading some other posts here and just had a quick follow on question - do GEPs require that you have a medical degree or does a business degree also count?

Thanks!

Yes, I would too like to know if a Bachelor of commerce can count as a prerequisite.

[Carlton]

No any one have the complete career. every thing is not complete

[latestarter]

Some GEPs require you to have a science degree and some are open to any graduates.
What you need is a 2:1 or above to maximise you chances, otherwise you will need to sit the GAMSAT exam (e.g. St Georges/Notts).

check out: Graduate Entry and Mature Applicants to Medicine FAQ: A guide for the chronologically challenged and Medschoolsonline - Medical Course Guide for Graduates - Graduate Entry 4-Year Courses

[Methuselah]

Check how long you have been in the country when you hope to start Med School: I think if it's been less than three years you'll be up for full fees, citizenship notwithstanding, which may be a consideration for you.

Good luck, btw.

[aspirant doc]

you have no obligation to tell them you are a parent. And they can't ask you if you are planning to have a family.