Applying for medicine with social science background

[tomnew]

Hi, I am interested in applying for medicine and wondered if somebody could give me some advice or even refer me to someone who was in a similar situation to myself.

I'm 29 years old, currently in the middle of a PhD in the social sciences but am considering quitting.

My full background is 4 A-Levels (AABB, although B in General Studies probably doesn't count!), with the only science A-Level being Chemistry which I got a B in. I then got my BA in Anthropology (Durham - 1st class), followed by a year and half working for an international development NGO. I then got my MSc in Social Anthropology (Oxford), followed by a year of social qualitative research in a research institute in the UK. I am now doing a PhD in Social Anthropology and am about one and a half years in. For various reasons I am considering quitting, the job market is not great for the discipline but there are many other reasons as well.

I had never before seriously considered medicine, despite my parents both being doctors. However, over the last year I have become a really very interested in it for many reasons (but partly that it gives me an opportunity to be intellectually stimulated, has good job prospects, and allows me a chance to directly help people). So my questions are:

1. Could my slightly odd career path (mixture of social science degrees and different jobs) be a hindrance, and that I have not finished my PhD?

2. Which route should I take? Re-taking A-Levels and the UKCAT, or doing the GAMSAT?

3. Anything else I should consider? (Apart from obviously getting work experience)

Any advice would really help.

[TheTool]

If I was in your position I would seriously think about doing the UKCAT and the GAMSAT and applying to medicine as there are loads of universities that you could apply to with your educational background! Anyway it seems to me that you are a pretty good set of A level grades so i would probably not bother wasting another two years taking your A levels again, when you could simply apply now

[Martigan]

Tomnew

My degree is in accounting, with Physics being my only original science A-level. It didn't hold me back, though I have picked up chem A/S level and was willing to to Bio A/S level on the way.

[batdad]

My degree is in History and Politics and my A levels are AAB with the only science being physics at grade B. I got in to Durham/Newcastle so I reckon you've every chance of getting accepted.

Definitely wouldn't retake your A Levels, but would instead spend that time in a medical/care role. Think Health Care Assistant or other hospital work. Not only is this pretty essential for most applications, but will help you judge whether or not medicine is for you. Best of luck mate.