Are PMS raising their entry requirements for 2008 entry?

[Fonzie]

I am keen to know if this is going to be the case?

I know that the standard offer is along the lines of ABBb but I was wondering if PMS are going to raise their requirements in light of increased competetion for places and the fact that many other medical school are now outlining new entry grades.

Not that it particularly matters to me but I do feel that many people view PMS as a "soft touch" as statistically it would seem that they have the lowest entry requirements of any medical school in the UK.

Does anyone know if there's going to be any changes to admission criteria for 2008 entry?

[Mattie]

Nope. The 2008 PMS prospectus says that you need 370-400 points from a max of four A/AS levels. At least 320-340 must come from three full A level subjects.
I think PMS will keep their entry requirements lower as they prefer to place less emphasis on academic success at A level and more on personal qualities and interpersonal skills ect.

[Andy S]

Truth is, medicine doesn't require students to be academically brilliant, just reasonably clever. The ability to continually work hard, genuinely want to help people, and be prepared to develop their interpersonal skills, is so much more important.

Personally I would like to see the NHS providing summer work experience that all prospective medical students are required to complete (e.g., between AS and A2). The student would do a Nursing Auxiliary role for perhaps 4 weeks. This would solve the current difficulty many applicants have getting work experience, would allow students to make a more informed decision about whether healthcare was for them, would demonstrate commitment to healthcare, they would earn some money, and would even benefit the NHS as staff numbers would be boosted during the peak vacation period.

I read somewhere, a few years ago, that 25% of medical graduates were no longer in healthcare 5 years after graduation (I can't remember the source of the information, so don't know how accurate that is). The majority of people entering medicine are really well suited to the role, but some are not (perhaps perceived job status or parent pressure is a driver). 20 days hands-on ward-based work experience would give everyone increased insight to make a more informed decision about career choices.

Just before starting medicine I re-did my A levels in one academic year. One bright lad doing his AS study didn't know what course he wanted to do at Uni. He said "I will probably end-up in medicine because it is well paid and people look up to doctors". His desire to be a doctor was no stronger than his desire to be a plumber. Given his top grades, and the fact his family will make sure he gets some work experience, get help writing his personal statement, and will ensure he is prepared for a traditional med school interview, I'm sure he will be studying medicine somewhere right now. I just feel sorry for those people who are passionate about medicine, and clever enough to get through the course, but fail to win their place.

PMS's assessment screen isn't perfect, we all know that. But it is an attempt to shift the emphasis from "only the brightest will do" to finding people who have the attributes suited to medicine.

[feluda_uk]

agree with Andy S i mean from what i have heard its not that it has a higher level of difficulty that other demanding courses. But it maybe requires more work becasue of the amount of info you need to learn. maybe there would be more emphasis on the UKCAT this coming year? or in future years?

[sarah_waggy]

I think PMS looking more at a person and not just their academic abailities is a good thing. I know thats the only reason I will have got an offer because Im not exactly the most acadamic person on the planet.
And when you speak to doctors and stuff, they all say you don't have to be that clever its all just about putting the time in. Hopefully in Sept Ill be able to see this for myself...but realistically the way my exams have been going I wont.

[Andy S]

Keep working hard, Sarah. If you fall short, although it is really gutting, it is nothing more than a small fall in a very long race. Time is on your side.

[bonkors]

I read somewhere, a few years ago, that 25% of medical graduates were no longer in healthcare 5 years after graduation

Yes i have read the same information somewhere though cant remember where. Apparently the common reason people left the profession was because they didnt like working with the general public. What interests me is what do they go on become. Do they leave the profession altogether, or do they go into research/consultancy? If they do leave the healthcare profession, i wonder what they do become.

[Andy S]

I think it might have been an article in the BMJ - but not sure. I guess medicine opens a lot of doors (education, research, McDonalds . . .). Just a shame so many are lost to the profession. I wonder if the reducing working hours will help retain more people?

[bonkors]

It definitely does open many doors, depending upon the reason they leave the profession may dictate where they end up. It is a shame that some many are lost to the profession especially when you consider the time and cost it takes to become a doctor. I would imagine that reducing working hours may help retain people if that is what they cited as the reason for leaving the profession.

[Mattie]

I've found one article in the BMJ (http://www.bmj.com/cgi/reprint/329/7...rcetype=HWCIT).

It states the main reason for junior doctors to leave is to work abroad, however most remain in the medical profession.