OK, what's it really like being a parent at medical school?

[tallulah]

Wow, congratulations Tangliss! That really does sound like a handful.. Good luck with everything. And thanks for the vote of confidence. Sounds like we need to get super-organised!

[Kim leanne]

You are an inspiration to us all. XX

[aspirant doc]

I just want to add one thought about being organised as a parent...

...medical school is my third priority each week after being daddy to Magnus and Tabitha and my part time work which is necessary for finanical and domestic reasons.

It is perfectly possible to fit it all in, but often medskool takes the hit. If the staff here knew how little time I spend there or how little time I have to study outside scheduled stuff, they'd be horrified, but it is ok to get get by with a busy life outside.

Medskool is number two priority behind parenting, and can be priority 3 in your life and still work out fine.

Adjusting to it is tricky, but like so many things in life, the process of adjustment is the hard part, and the new life post-adjustment is the easy part. When people say they don't know how I fit it in, my immediate thought is that they could fit so much more into their lives - the point I'm trying to make is that the fear of, and perception of, having to balance it all can be worse than the reality of it.

Don't get me wrong, things have gone very far from smoothly in a variety of areas of my life, but we can get through these things.

I wish you all good luck.

[Big a]

It's very manageable! I have nursery care of which the LEA pays up to 85% of the costs. My kids go from 7:30am until 6pm, they take my son to school and pick him up on a daily basis and during term time both my kids go to nursery full time.

To be honest with you it's not as hard as people think. Time managment is essential. I am now half way through my third year and expecting baby number 3 while at medical school.

Congratulations! Is the 80% help available to everyone or is there certain criteria depending maybe where you live or your circumstances?

[Tangliss]

Hi Big a. Yes the help is for everyone however it is means tested, but they disregard mortgage/rent, water rates, council tax, insurance/assurance policies from your partners net wage, as well as other amounts then work out how much you are entitled to from there. You will also be able to apply for a Parental Learning Allowance and a Dependents Allowance for you partner. This help is available in the first year only of a 4 year course, or the first 4 years of a 5 year undergraduate course.

[aspirant doc]

Congratulations! Is the 80% help available to everyone or is there certain criteria depending maybe where you live or your circumstances?

There are other ways of funding nursery too, depending on the university. I know someone who had a child at the uni nursery, and gets a significant grant from the uni towards it.

[Tangliss]

Lucky them, my uni are tight arses when it comes to funding! Yes I forgot to mention most if not all have additional access to learning and childcare funds, again they work on a means tested system.

[Big a]

Ah i see..thanks for the info guys, like i said it might help me in a few years time (that is if i get in first lol). I used to work at my uni's nursery a few years ago, and the rates were something like £23 per session for students which I stil thought was a lot when it all added up! But its nice to know that it is still possible to do medicine and have a family when its just you and your partner.

[rosypose]

I am so excited/relieved to find this thread. I am a 33 yr old mum of 2 daughters, now 4 and 5. I haven't even applied yet and need to get on to an access course first, but I am desperate to become a doctor. I have agonised over whether I am being selfish and what affect it will have on my girls.

I am hoping to go to Brighton and Sussex Med School. Does anyone know anything about it or know any mums there that I could talk to about day to day practicalities?

It is great to hear that some of you are managing well and upsetting that some are struggling at the moment. You are all such an inspiration to me, if this is really what you want please don't give up!

Would love to hear more from anyone out there!

Rosy

[Jonathan Ford]

I just want to add one thought about being organised as a parent...

...medical school is my third priority each week after being daddy to Magnus and Tabitha and my part time work which is necessary for finanical and domestic reasons.

It is perfectly possible to fit it all in, but often medskool takes the hit. If the staff here knew how little time I spend there or how little time I have to study outside scheduled stuff, they'd be horrified, but it is ok to get get by with a busy life outside.

Medskool is number two priority behind parenting, and can be priority 3 in your life and still work out fine.

Adjusting to it is tricky, but like so many things in life, the process of adjustment is the hard part, and the new life post-adjustment is the easy part. When people say they don't know how I fit it in, my immediate thought is that they could fit so much more into their lives - the point I'm trying to make is that the fear of, and perception of, having to balance it all can be worse than the reality of it.

Don't get me wrong, things have gone very far from smoothly in a variety of areas of my life, but we can get through these things.

I wish you all good luck.

Good post, Nick. Exactly the same for me.