32 year old mum looking for advice/thoughts.

[dotvicky]

Hi all,

I've been reading some of the posts on this forum and everyone seems really helpful and friendly, I was wondering if you could help me.

I am a 32 year old mum who has been a business analyst since I graduated with a 2:1 in Physics back in 1997. I've been through a series of experiences in the last few years that have profoundly changed who I am and what I want out of life. I would like to become a doctor.

The things that I hope will play in my favour are:
- I have a Physics 2:1
- I have 3 A levels (Double Maths, Physics) and 2 AS levels (Music & IT). My grades are ABBB - 420 points, I believe.
- I do St. John Ambulance on a regular basis.
- I can get a fair bit of financial help from my parents for fees and living expenses.
- I have several friends who are doctors and I'm hoping that I might be able to shadow them or one of their colleagues.
- I will have a graph of mine possibly to be published in the Lancet (slightly silly how it might get in there - more of a throwaway comment).


The things that I think could go against me are:
- I don't have Chemistry or Biology A Level (or even Biology GCSE!)
- I wouldn't want to uproot my family so would want to study at Bristol, Cardiff or at a real push Birmingham only and would want to work around here as well. (The Severn Deanery seems relatively small - I'm used to an hour's commute although admittedly, that's only for a 9-5 job.)

I am going to contact my 2 preferred universities and find out what qualifications I need to get on their courses (I would much prefer the GEP 4-year ones but am aware that might not be possible). I can do a Chemistry A Level (and Biology if necessary) locally or a relevant OU course in the evenings over the next year (and I would also like to have a second child so that I don't need to take any maternity leave during my studies or afterwards).

What are people's thoughts on the things that are likely to hold me back? How major are they? Related to that, how often do doctors have to relocate after they have completed training? At the moment, specialising in Ob/Gyn appeals very much.

Any thoughts would be very much appreciated.

Thanks very much in advance,

Cheers
Vicky

[Imhotep]

Hi Vicky,

It sounds as if you're in a relatively good position, although with a non-biological science degree the choice of GEPs is a bit limited. A quick look on the Bristol site (Bristol University - Medicine - Frequently Asked Questions for Graduates) shows that the only degrees they accept for the GEP are:

Anatomy, Biomedical Sciences, Cell Pathology, Dentistry, Neuroscience, Osteopathy, Pharmacology, Pharmacy, Physiology, and Physiotherapy. Biology, Biochemistry and Psychology are only acceptable if human science modules have been covered in the degree.

For the 5-year they also state that they usually require A-level grades of BBB or ABC to include 2 laboratory sciences (with a B in A2 Chemistry usually required) - though if you contact them they should be able to check/confirm this. On big advantage of Bristol is there aren't any other entrance exams.

As far as I know Cardiff don't do a graduate entry programme themselves, but do work in partnership with Swansea (i.e. you do the first 2 years in Swansea and the final 2 in Cardiff - although the clinical attachments could be anywhere in Wales). For Swansea you need a 2.1 (which you have), sit the GAMSAT (not a pleasant experience, but doable), although they do ask that you have done either biology or chemistry to at least GCSE (Entry Requirements). The Cardiff 5-year course entry requirements seems entirely focused on GCSEs and A-Levels so I'm not sure how they take account of degrees (Entry Requirements for Medicine).

I think the only thing really holding you back (at least at the universities you can attend) is potentially a lack of biology/chemistry at A-level or above. Your work experience seems good, and if you can arrange some shadowing that should add to it, but if you can also manage to fit in a bit of regular voluntary work at a ward/care home/hospice I think that would round you off perfectly (it's quite a different experience to shadowing a doctor).

As far as relocation I can't make a comment based on experience (since I'm not starting medicine until September) but from what I have read it seems that it varies dramatically on where you want to be, how well you score on your foundation school application form, and later on the competition for your chosen speciality in different areas. To maximise the chance of getting into the speciality of choice I think you have to be willing to go anywhere, but if you're more flexible maybe not (and I have read/heard that Obs/Gyn is currently short of applicants - but that might not be the case a year from now, never mind 4-5).

Best of luck ! I'm sure someone else will be along to provide better advice than my waffle...

Stephen

[dotvicky]

Hi Stephen,

Thanks for your reply, all very useful stuff. I've just rung Bristol to chase up on the e-mail that I sent to them earlier this week with my qualifications and apparently even with my degree and all my A levels and even if I took and (hypothetically) got an A at Chemistry A level as an evening course, I would still have to do the 6 year course because I haven't done the Chemistry A Level at the same time as the other A levels.

This throws a whole different light on it as I now need to find, not only another £3000 of tuition but £15-20k of living expenses for an additional year. That, and the fact that the competition for the 6-year course is far more intense than for the 5 year one.

My first blow (of many probably) on this long road. Am going to try to contact Cardiff to see if the story is the same there.

Cheers
Vicky

ETA: Have been looking at the 6 year course and started to wonder if I couldn't do that first year as an OU course so rang the lady back. She was a bit more sympathetic this time and has suggested that if I send her another e-mail detailing both my existing qualifications but also my plans on how I can demonstrate my commitment and work ethic through part time study (while still doing a full time job), she'll forward it to the senior admissions person for consideration due to my 'special' circumstances. In essence, a mini-personal statement, I figure!

So, lesson number one learned right at this early stage - don't give up, be proactive and try to think outside the box - heheh.

Off to start compiling my e-mail (but won't send it today because I'm bunged up with cold and may not be thinking as straight as I could be!)

[ali08]

Hi Vicky

Like Stephen I don't start until September but I would definitely suggest you consider applying to Swansea. Currently the course is 2 years in Swansea and 2 in cardiff, although I believe as from 2009 this is being changed to 4 years in Swansea but it's not far from Cardiff. On their website they say for entry requirements 'an upper second or first class honours degree in any subject, and have at least some experience of Biology or Chemistry at GCSE (or equivalent) or higher level'. I did an Open Univeristy Course in Human Biology this year as I had only done Biology to GCSE, so perhaps something like that may help? I would suggest ringing them as their admissions coordinator is really helpful. The number is 01792 602618.

Good Luck!

[dotvicky]

Hi Ali,

Thanks very much for that, I gave them a quick ring and you're absolutely right that I could potentially do the 4-year at Swansea as long as I passed the GAMSAT (oh joy!).

Will go do some research on the GAMSAT. So, it's currently looking like my four applications would be:

Bristol - 5
Swansea - 4
Cardiff - 5
Swansea - 5

(Probably roughly in that order of preference depending on how horrific the commute was to Swansea vs. Cardiff!)

Cheers
Vicky