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

[rosypose]

That's really helpful, thanks. I have to say that since having children I see the hours in a day in a completely different way. In fact, I don't know what the hell I did with all my time before children - what a horrible waste. Now I want to use every second of it in a productive way, whether it be on family, study, work etc... and not waste a single bit!

[Dangbh]

@Tallulah - I think I may have met you at the George's interview - congratulations! And if you're someone else - congratulations too!

Here's a thing - I had rather assumed you had to turn up for everything - during my nurse training you had to sign in to all lectures, and could fail if you didn't. If it is the case that sometimes missing lectures was actually OK, then that would make a big difference to me - being able to drop the kids off a couple of times a week, being one small - but yet significant - example. Certainly, there are times when a book is better that a lecture, anyway, IMHO. Aspirantdoc's post rather suggests that I could do things a bit more my way that I had realised. I'm talking about Nottingham GEM, BTW (if - IF - I get an offer - interviewed Dec, still waiting). Perhaps I should post down there somewhere, as well. Any thoughts appreciated!

[tallulah]

Hey Dangbh,

Yes, did we chat afterwards about the elderly patient scenario?? Thanks for the congrats, am v happy, as you can imagine.

So you're just waiting on Nottingham? I haven't heard from them yet either... The theory on the NMM grapevine is that those rated A have been offered places, D/E's have been rejected and B/C's (borderliners) are being left until the very end. So I guess that's us! Everything crossed for you.

Anyway, we digress! It does sound like med school can be worked into life around home, family, kids, etc. a bit like a full-on job, as long as you're v organised. And I guess you have to study hard in your own time. But all manageable - here's hoping anyway...

Lots of luck

[Dangbh]

Yes, we did, that's me.

I'm pleased to say that I have an offer form George's, too; less pleased to say that I think practicalities will prevent me from accepting it. If I don't get into Nottm this time it will probably be a case of having another bash next year. And then horrendous regrets forever if I don't take up George's and don't get into Notts next time...
I am sure I can take up a place at Notts, though, which was not certain for a while... life sure gets complicated...

Goes to show it's always worth having a go - sometimes things do work out. But the idea that I can work at least a little bit of my study around life, rather than the other way around, makes it seem that the cost to my family, and kids in particular, need not be so terribly high as it might otherwise be.

Here's to the borderliners!

[alismith]

Hi,
This thread has been really useful for me - I am 40, with 3 young kids and have an offer from Warwick for September 09. Nice to know that I am not completely insane to be even considering this, as is the general opinion of my nearest and dearest, and that it is doable!
Reason for my post tho', is that it sounds like attitudes/culture can vari a lot between unis e.g., how flexible they are, sympathetic to last minute issues - does anyone have experience of what Warwick is like for people trying to juggle these things? Feeling a bit of a fish out of water doesn't bother me too much, but I'd like to feel that the faculty were on the whole going to be understanding of some of the demands of being a parent.
Thanks.

[wombledoctor]

There are parents on the course at warwick for sure, perhaps try posting under the warwick thread as your post is more likely to be seen there.
WD

[aamadi]

Thanks for all your comments. I haven't applied yet but have been considering it for about 6 years. I have 3 children and have worked in the medical research for the last 6 years and seen 2 of my colleagues so off and do this GEP course. It's good to know that many parents like me are managing med school and parenting. I think I'm definately going to go for it now!!

[Nursemazmed2be?]

Dipping my toe in, glad to see there are a few med student parents here who're managing to get through the course. I have two girls, 7 and 10 and i'm hoping to study medicine on completion of my nursing degree.

[Smaysie]

I am two glasses of wine down and finished my finals on Wednesday. I had two children during my degree (one after 2nd year and one three months ago). I have received so much support from friends, other students, financial support from the University and pastoral support from the medical school. It hasn't been plain sailing but I can state with my hand on my heart that it was definitely manageable and actually quite enjoyable. There are worse times to have, or look after, children. during med school you do not have patient responsibility etc. Anyway, as i said, I'm 2 glasses of wine down and rather merry. Good luck to anyone who decides to go ahead and be a parent at medical school. Not a day has gone by where I thought I'd made the wrong decision

Smaysie

[asos89]

Wow! I am glad to have found this thread. Im starting medical school in september. My son is 2 years old. I will be leaving him to nursery but its all too daunting. I hope he adapts without me. I guess every parent feels the way I do when they first leave their child to nursery; overwhelming guilt, fear as to will they adapt... But its great to see that many parents study medicine. Its even more great to see that some people have even had babies in medical school and coped! i.e. Smaysie.... congratulations to you.