So this is a very much requested blog post and I’ve been very excited to share my technique of note-taking. It’s nothing special but has proven effective for me in time past and has helped me to learn and consolidate my knowledge. It’s a 4 stage process for me, so here is the breakdown. 1. Note-taking before the lecture If the lecture slides are released earlier, making notes of the lecture content is great for gaining exposure to the topic before the lecture. This can also guide your pre-reading, so you may decide to watch a YouTube video or read a specific chapter in a textbook to introduce you to the topic. I wouldn’t say this is compulsory but it is very useful in the long run. 2. Note-taking during the lecture For the majority of the time, you will have access to the slides if not before the lecture, then after the lecture. Whilst making your notes in the lecture focus on what the lecturer is saying, they often mention things that aren’t in the slides so pay attention. I try and write down as much as possible, whether relevant or not as I don’t want to risk missing out important information that can make my process of understanding a lot quicker. Always make notes of headings and they are good in the future for structural organisation 3. Note-taking after the lecture Go back to the slides and fill in my notes (where I have missed any information out) I also listen to the recording if needs be, to again add to my notes things I may have misheard during the lecture I then do some further reading using relevant textbooks but I also make sure I don’t go into too much detail An alternative to hitting the textbooks is watch YouTube videos; these are great for animations and are very concise Any additional information I gain I incorporate into my notes 4. Note-taking for revision purposes I condense my lecture notes by making them fit on one side of an A4 sheet of paper on my laptop (1 and a 1/2 sides at most) to consolidate my knowledge) Then I make my mind-maps using these condensed lecture notes in my sketchpad An alternative to making mind maps is making flash cards ALL ABOUT MY MINDMAPS As my course is Case Based, this makes organising my mind maps a lot easier. Each case so far has covered a particular sector e.g. Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Neurological and Women’s Health. I have also covered the basic sciences so some of them have their own mind maps e.g. Pain & Nociception, Immunity, Nutrition etc. Why do I make mind-maps I’m a visual learner I’m very creative Everything is clearly organised Easy to retrieve information I can look for everything in one place It’s my own personalised revision guide Forms the basis of my knowledge Having them in a sketchbook means it’s portable Organised chronologically A study by Farrand, Hussain and Hennessey (2002) found that Mind Mapping improved the long-term memory of factual information in medical students by 10%. They reported that “Mind Maps provide an effective study technique when applied to written material” and are likely to “encourage a deeper level of processing” for better memory formation. How my Mind Maps are structures The Case or topic in the centre Each separate colour scheme indicate the notes from a particular lecture and subtopics in that lecture (Case Mind Maps) Each separate colour scheme indicates subtopics of that particular topic e.g. Adaptive Immunity Topic, Cell-mediated Immunity sub-topic, Humoral Immunity sub-topic etc. (Topic Mind Maps) I add necessary diagrams where needed I use a variety of formats: tables, notes, diagrams Miscellaneous Pages – random notes related to that case/ topic and can always be added to DISCLAIMER: What works for me may not necessarily work for you. For some people this may be very long winded but it’s what I use to learn and most importantly consolidate my knowledge. It is very difficult to keep up with and it is also very time consuming and requires dedication. I don’t follow these exact steps all the time, so it is okay to have down days. Please do not assume this is the standard for all medical students because I am most definitely sure that some people make their notes differently. So feel free to adapt this method to what suits you. The Sketchpad I use Farrand, P., Hussain, F. and Hennessy E. (2002), The efficacy of the ‘mind map’ study technique. Medical Education, Vol. 36 (5), pp 426-431

With so much content to cover during medical school it is important to find various methods to consolidate your learning as well as heighten your knowledge and understanding. YouTube Videos tend to explain topics in a concise however detailed manner and utilises visual aids. Maybe you’ve decided to watch a YouTube video before your lecture or tutorial to gage an idea of what the topic is about or maybe you want to go over it when revising old topics; YouTube videos serve multiple purposes and are always there for you to go back to. We do not recommend that you depend solely on YouTube videos, as they are relatively short they may negate some necessary information so do not abandon your textbooks just yet! Here is a list of helpful YouTube Channels that we have previously used: Khan Academy Medicine https://www.youtube.com/user/khanacademymedicine Armando Hasudungun https://www.youtube.com/user/armandohasudungan Osmosis https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNI0qOojpkhsUtaQ4_2NUhQ Shotgun Histology Anatomy Zone https://www.youtube.com/user/TheAnatomyZone Physiology Zone https://www.youtube.com/user/physiologyzone MedCram https://www.youtube.com/user/MEDCRAMvideos Handwritten Tutorials https://www.youtube.com/user/harpinmartin Geeky Medics https://www.youtube.com/user/geekymedics123 Ken Hub https://www.youtube.com/user/kenHubCOM

Studying medicine in the United Kingdom is no easy feat. Studying medicine in the UK as an international student from Canada can be even more difficult still. From the differences between schooling systems to cultural differences, studying medicine as an international student has been an interesting experience to say the least. Personally, it has been equal parts exciting and terrifying. To start at the beginning, the first few days of medical school were actually rather easy. That is, until the realisation dawned that my lecturers had managed to summarise my last three years of high school in a matter of hours. Many people wonder what benefit there is from studying abroad, when a person could just stay in their home country and study the same degree. For starters, in North America, medicine is a four year long post graduate degree. This means, before a person can even apply to a medical school of their choice, they must have already completed a first degree (this normally takes four years). In the UK, medicine is normally a five or six-year undergraduate degree. Another reason people choose to study abroad is the competition to get accepted within their country. Using Canada as an example, there are a little over 15 medical schools in the entire country. The majority of medical school applicants in Canada get rejected for the simple reason that there just are not enough spaces. On the other hand, in the UK alone there are 34 medical schools, meaning more opportunities to get accepted. The Universities and Colleges Admission Service, or UCAS is a UK based admissions service used to assist both universities and applicants in the application process. Through UCAS I was able to apply to five British universities, upload my personal statement, as well as be notified of the progress of my applications. UCAS was a major tool for me to smooth an application process that had the potential to be very complex due to the nature of applying internationally. Personally, adapting to a different country was not exactly a huge issue as I used to live in Ireland and spend summers in England with my family from a very young age. Still, the language here took a bit of getting used to. For any international students that are as confused as I was, “You alright?” means “How are you?”, not “What is wrong with you?”. Nevertheless, I do understand that the transition can be difficult for most. I would recommend befriending other international students as it can be helpful to know that there are others in situations similar to your own. I study Medicine at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) and although I cannot speak for all schools across the country, UCLan medical school provides each student with an academic advisor and access to a pastoral tutor, both which are available to speak to for support and to help ease the transition from one country to another. The School of Medicine at University of Central Lancashire is an undergraduate medical program lasting five years with a tolerance of one year if you decide to intercalate. The school uses a spiral curriculum, meaning it approaches learning by mixing lectures, problem based learning, and inter-professional learning. Additionally, integrating clinical science, clinical skills, and communication skills in year one, through the use of volunteer patients, truly hones skills that many students do not begin to develop until second or third year. Concerning the educational aspect, coming from high school in Canada, the learning curve in medical school was extremely steep, and easily the hardest thing I have ever had to in my entire life. My advice, stemming from personal experience, if you did not school in Britain, I would highly recommend either doing A-levels or a foundations course in medicine before going into medical school. I recommend this because, going from a North American high school straight into medical school is almost equivalent to finishing GCSE’s and then entering university. Undeterred by this jump in learning, some people still go through their first year of medicine with very few issues. A tip for both home and international students – know your learning style. Knowing and understanding the best way for you to learn will ultimately save you a lot of time and stress. Also, remember, what works for everyone else may not necessarily work for you. Do not get agitated or upset because it looks like those surrounding you are studying less than you, more than you, or differently from you. As long as you are learning and understanding the information you have been given, stick to your own study method. Many things can be learned about oneself through an experience like studying medicine. Despite the late nights, unholy, amounts of caffeine ingested, and the occasional wondering of whether it is even possible to finish school with your sanity – one thing can be concluded – a medical degree is an extremely unique degree and one of the most fulfilling degrees there is. Through the trials and tribulations as well as through the times of joy and excitement, it is important to understand that bumps in the road are part of the journey. Not understanding a concept, having to do a resit, or even having to repeat a year does not mean the end of the world. As long as there is a willingness to keep pushing, and continue working until your goal has been met, success will be your portion. Written by Ayomide Akinmokun Youtube Channel: Made by Mide Instagram: @ayomibae

Whenever I think back to applying to Medical School, I am always blown away by how much is demanded of you. As well as trying to keep on top of your A-Levels, you have to think about work experience, your personal statement and entrance exams, one of which is the Biomedical Admissions Test (BMAT). The BMAT, unlike the UKCAT, is done with pen and paper. It takes 2 hours and is divided into three sections. Like the UKCAT, you can only take the BMAT once in an admissions cycle. When I took the BMAT, it was not as popular as the UKCAT, for which there are two main reasons: 1) It was only required by 5 Medical Schools in the UK (Imperial, UCL, Oxford, Cambridge and Leeds) so if you didn’t have any plans to apply to those schools, you didn’t need to focus on it. 2) You took the BMAT in November AFTER you sent off your UCAS application. This meant that you were taking a BIG risk, and assuming that your performance would be good enough to get you an interview. Note: This has now changed and you can take the BMAT in either September or November. Now, the BMAT is used by 8 Universities, they are: – Brighton and Sussex Medical School – Imperial College London – Keele University – Lancaster University – University College London – University of Cambridge – University of Oxford – University of Leeds If you are planning to apply to any of these schools in the UK, it is worth noting that you will have to take the BMAT however they all give your score different weighting so it is worth checking their websites to make sure you understand how the BMAT will be used if you apply there. THE TEST Section One: Aptitude and Skills This is the first section and it is 60 minutes long, with 35 multiple-choice questions that are based around problem solving and critical thinking. This section is not too time pressured but there are several chunks of text to read and answer questions from so if you’re a slow reader, it Is vital that you practise scanning texts. Below is an example of a problem solving question: Simon, Liam, Ian, Dylan and Eric make up the boy band Slide. Their surnames are Doyle, Floyd, Hyde, Rush and Shore, but I can’t remember which surname goes with which first name. My friend tells me that no letter of the alphabet appears twice in any of the boys’ full names (first name and surname combined) and the surname of each boy has a different number of letters from his first name. What is Ian’s surname? The answer can be found here:http://www.admissionstestingservice.org/images/324081-bmat-section-1-question-guide.pdf A few tips about the critical thinking questions in this section are to make sure that you can: – Identify reasons, assumptions and conclusions – Differentiate between assumptions and further implications – Come to a conclusion based on what is in the text alone Section Two: Scientific Knowledge and Applications This is the second section and it tests your scientific knowledge (this includes Maths), it is 30 minutes long and there are 27 questions. In my opinion, this is by far the most time- pressured section of the BMAT. You will be tested on Biology, Chemistry and Physics, so if there is one science that you are not great at, I would strongly advise brushing up on it. Cambridge Assessment Admissions Testing say that you only need GCSE knowledge for this section however, I found that the questions that I was asked were closer to A-Level style questions because of the way they required you to think. In this section, you can get a maximum score of 9.0 and this means getting around 24 out of 27 questions right. The average candidate gets 5.0 and in 2013, this meant scoring roughly 11 right. However, this changes yearly depending on the cohort, in some years getting a 5.0 may require 14 or even as low as 9. How can you prepare for section two? – An invaluable resource that you can use is the BMAT Section 2: Assumed Subject Knowledge guide which can be found on the official website (http://www.admissionstestingservice.org/for-test-takers/bmat/preparing-for-bmat/overlay.html). USE THIS RESOURCE. It puts together all the concepts that you are expected to know and can be tested on. – Fractions are your friends. It is easy to rely on a calculator but brushing up on your mental maths will save you time, especially for the Maths and Physics questions! – Complete past papers and focus on the timing! There is no point in doing questions without timing yourself because you will be able to answer the question! Section Three: Writing Task This is the final section of the BMAT and it is framed as a short ‘essay’ but it is actually a few paragraphs. It is 30 minutes and you have to choose a task from a choice of three questions. Many people who apply for Medicine don’t do essay subjects and worry about this section but there is no need to. You are given an A4 piece of paper and have to complete your essay on one side. The essay options are statements or quotes and they aren’t necessarily related to medicine. You are asked to explain what the statement means, argue for and against it and then reach a conclusion in which you state how much you agree with the statement. An example question is: “Computers are useless. They can only give you answers.” (Pablo Picasso). Explain what is meant by this statement. Argue to the contrary. What are the real limits of technology? What can I do to ace Section Three? – Read. To be able to form arguments, you need to know what arguments there are. Reading newspapers, journals and even fiction will help to expand your mind as well as your vocabulary. You can’t know what questions they may ask but you can try and prepare. – Plan. Look at past papers to see questions that have been asked and plan an answer to them. This will get you familiar with forming an argument. – Ask teachers to help mark your practice essays. It is very hard to mark them yourself and be critical, get a teacher to review your essay and give you tips on how to improve. GENERAL TIPS: – Complete past papers. This is the only way to see how you will be examined on the day. It is advisable however to treat past papers like gold dust, only attempt them once you feel you have prepared enough. – Take a deep breath. You are smart enough, it is easy to feel discouraged when looking at the BMAT but it can be done! To revise, I would strongly advise using the ‘Preparing for the BMAT’ book, it has practice questions and tips on how to get quicker at Sections 1 and 2. Some people also take BMAT courses and these are often very expensive. You do not need to take one and it is important to know that they can’t guarantee success, only hard work can do that. More information about the BMAT can be found on the official website: http://www.admissionstestingservice.org/for-test-takers/bmat/ Good luck! 📷Written by: Tomisin Otenigbagbe Follow her on Social Media! Twitter: @tomisinoten Instagram: @tomisinotenigbagbe Email: t.otenigbagbe@gmail.com

Hello! I’m currently a 4th medical year student, and my course included a foundation year, so essentially the complete duration of my course is 6 years. The first year of my course is counted as “year 0” and from then on, the small 30 odd of us in the foundation year join the large cohort to enter the typical 5 year programme. I’m going to explore the different types of foundation year courses and studying medicine in general. TYPES OF FOUNDATION COURSES Just to clarify there are two types of foundation courses, and their structure and content vary in different medical schools, but you will attain the standard MMBS/BMBS/MB etc doctorate degree at the end of the course.  One type is for students who do not hold the required science A-Level(s) or equivalent qualifications and therefore the foundation year, is used to summarise essential basic sciences, so these students can be fully equipped for pre-clinical and clinical medicine.  These courses tend to hold around 20-40 people, with the intent that they will join the larger cohort after their foundation year. Grade requirements often vary, so check with specific medical schools. The other type of foundation year course aims to widen access to medicine and encourage disadvantaged or non-typical students to study medicine. In the 2015-16 academic period, medical schools across the UK were made up of 48% White British students, however roughly 30% of medical students were BME, and shockingly only 3% of medical students were Afro-Caribbean, as reported by the General Medical Council. As you can see, widening access foundation year courses, aim to select students with potential to become a great doctors, but are held back by low quality of teaching in school, no exposure to higher education in immediate family etc. To apply for these courses there are particular criteria you must fit, and often these courses have adjusted entry requirements, whether it be lower A-Level grades or focusing more on your personal statement and UCAS statement rather that your UKCAT score,  to take into account the background of students. However, you still need to show the competencies of becoming a safe and great doctor. You must pass the foundation year, and some medical schools require that you obtain a certain grade, in order to pass on to the 5 year programme. CRITERIA So how do you know if should apply for a foundation year course? Well the main themes are: If you haven’t got a science background, whether that be in your GCSE, A-Levels/IB If you didn’t achieve the standard AAA (or above) which is required If you fit particular eligibility criteria such as attending a non selective state school, being the first person in your family to enter higher education, having a low household income, being in care, living in a deprived area etc WHICH MEDICAL SCHOOLS OFFER FOUNDATION COURSES? Bristol Cardiff Dundee Durham East Anglia Keele King’s College London Manchester Nottingham Sheffield Southampton St George’s MY EXPERIENCE I will explain briefly my experience of studying medicine with a foundation year as a black British working class female. To start off, I didn’t intend to be a doctor during my pre-adolescent years. However I discovered my passion for medicine whilst studying basic medical sciences during my GCSEs and A -Level, a passion that I explored more thoroughly. I’ve also had a  number of medical conditions or medical events in my immediate family, and I would often spend a lot of time in hospital and was really interested by the role of the physician. Initially studying medicine was something I thought “would be nice to do” or like a dream, as I didn’t believe I was good enough for it, compared to my peers who I would be competing with for the same spot, even though I had potential to become a doctor. I then discovered foundation year courses, especially those aimed at disadvantaged students, and realised they were targeted for students just like me!  My school wasn’t the best in my area, I lived in a very deprived area where the thought of even going to university didn’t really exist etc. I knew to apply using my strengths and I knew I would have a better chance of getting into medical schools if I applied for FY courses rather than the standard 5 year courses. That’s what applying to medical school is all about, you need to be strategic and compose something almost like a game plan, apply using your strengths! If you know a university priorities amazing GCSEs and you have 9A* under your belt, then go for it! Also, don’t apply to a university that specifically asks for a UKCAT average of over 780 if your score is 600. I applied to all 4 medical schools, and all the courses I chose had a foundation year and were widening access courses. The application process can be very nerve wracking, as often admissions will take a long time to contact you or often your peers would be getting responses when you are left with “in progress” on your UCAS account. However, patience is key and positivity is also key, as this will help you when you pass your interviews or even fail them.  I was very lucky to get all 4 interviews and 2 conditional offers at the end of the process. In summary all medical school (including foundation year medicine) applications include all these elements A captivating but non-generic personal statement which includes your motivation for wanting to be a doctor and proof that you know its for you, work experience which doesn’t have to be shadowing the clinical lead and consultant in surgery, but rather an impressive account of reflection during your experience. You should also include why the medical school should select you and not the peer next to you, include any books or articles you have read regarding being a doctor or a student and of course the many fantastic extra curricular things you do whether it be running a blog or being a leader at your local church etc. The medical school want to see that you are like any other young person, who is well rounded. An exceptional UKCAT score, we are talking 800 avg or above.. Only kidding, different medical schools ask for different scores, however do aim to achieve the highest score you possibly can An insightful interview, where you have managed to portray your personality, empathy, knowledge about the NHS and basic medical sciences, an insight into the medical school, your motivation to become a doctor, and sound answers to ethical questions etc. A UCAS statement written by teachers at your school/college about how great of a student you are and how you are capable to study at university despite your personal circumstances. Best grades you can achieve at A Level My medical school is a great, and the course really fits me! In my foundation year, I met 29 people with similar backgrounds just like me which made settling into medical school comfortable for me. I could really relate to my course mates, in terms of our interests, our ethnic backgrounds etc. The year consisted of learning, a summary of the first year of the 5  year programme, so we were very prepared when it came to entering the 5 year programme. They offer a lot of help, whether it be with academics, financially, or mental health, the help is always available! You will be well equipped and have a good knowledge of how the university works, where different locations are and etc when entering the first year of the 5 year programme! I would really encourage anyone who identifies with my brief story to try applying to foundation year courses and not to lose hope! If its for you, you will get there eventually! I am now going into my first clinical year, feeling very equipped to be on the wards and seeing patients. In the future, I hope to work in General Internal Hospital medicine or as  General Practitioner hopefully having other non-medical related projects on the side! TIPS & ADVICE My tips for applying to medical school and being a medical student in general is: Believe in yourself, self-belief is so important when applying to medical school seems dreary and almost impossible, because it will continue to motivate you and it is an important trait to have during medical school and even when you are the doctor on call and you have a very ill patient under your care. Once again apply using your strengths! Research what each medical school favours, and see if you match up to it! Don’t compare yourself to others, you are in your own race and your own personal goal, focus on yourself and your strengths. Get as much work experience as possible, doesn’t have to be at the best hospital in London, exposure to anyhealthcaresetting is required, but what matters most is what you got out of it, reflection is so important when practicing as a doctor. Don’t apply to medicine for the money, status or because of pressure. Honestly medicine is a time consuming and one of the most stressful degrees out there, full dedication is needed. If money is your motivation, the salary will not be worth your sleepless nights, stress etc Make friends with different types of people! These are your peers, and you will be working with them in the future. Enjoy the ride! 5-6 years is a long time, and here you will make some of your closest friends and have many memories, learn so many skills, and you will look back during your senior years and say you enjoyed it. Some helpful links : https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/wiki/Medical_School_Foundation_and_Widening_Access_to_Medicine_Programs http://www.getintomedicine.co.uk/medical-school-foundation.php 📷 Written by Perside Mpisi Sources used : GMC 2015-2016 medical students report (https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=http://www.gmc-uk.org/2015_16_MSAR_medical_students_numbers_and_national_demographics.xlsx_68229188.xlsx).

Maintain a Professional Image University is a life changing experience and should be enjoyable, but always remember that university is setting you up for your future career. This means you have to carry yourself in the way you would like your employer to see you. As a medical student you are also viewed as a student doctor by the majority of the public, therefore you have to behave as such but remember you are not a doctor yet, your journey is only beginning. Watch the way you speak about your medical experiences in public places, the patient or cadaver you may be speaking about may have a relative in the viscinity. Always remember that being a party of the medical profession is a great privilege. Your fitness to practise can be negatively impacted by engaging in any illegal activities. Your social media needs to be closely monitored, be careful of what you post and make sure you switch set your privacy settings to ‘friends only’. Look after your Health Medical School is incredibly stressful and it very easy to become overworked. The fact of the matter is you will not know everything but what you can do is study strategically. Make sure you establish some ‘me time’ in your schedule plan a schedule for reading a book, sports, hanging out with friends, cooking a nice meal, or a similar activity that will allow you to recharge. Also do not neglect your health, make sure you register with a local GP and if you become overwhelmed speak up. There are several people you can talk to family, friends and student support officers, so do not suffer in silence. Try and get enough sleep University tends to be filled with late nights and early mornings but it is incredibly important to plan your time. Sleep deprivation can negatively impact your studies and daily functioning meaning you will not be performing to the best of your ability. Be ready to learn Medical School hits you like a tonne of bricks on the first official day of lectures so it is important to be prepared. Make sure you start organised, have your note taking strategy ready as well as any other equipment you may need to make the learning process easier e.g. Dictaphone, notebook etc Make Friends Everyone tends to be in the same position at the start of the semester in university; having left home and desperately in need of new friends so it is okay to be nervous. Try and be friendly and sociable, speak to you flat mates as well as course mates and the rest will be history. The process of finding friends in university tends to be quite seamless and natural so don’t stress about it. Budget Living at home is much different to living by yourself. Now you are in complete  control of your income you need to decide how and where to spend your money as well as consider saving. You can’t spend ridiculous amounts of money on nights out and then be left with nothing to eat for the rest of the week. Check out our Money Management Blog Post. Join Societies You have the opportunity to try a variety of new things and a fair amount of free time. Through this you can make friends as well as refine certain skills and characteristics as there are opportunities for leadership and community interaction. There are several medical based societies giving you an insight into different specialties through practical workshops, talks from doctors within that speciality and opportunities for work experience. Learn how to cook You will soon learn that living on takeaways is not an option, not only is it expensive but it is incredibly unhealthy and quite frankly not a feasible way to live. There are many University friendly meal recipes available e.g. The independent Freshers recipes Modify your expectations University is not all fun and games, it is tough mentally, emotionally and physically. At time you may feel you aren’t good enough, but remember you earned your place at Medical School, the admissions team saw something in you and felt you will make a great doctor. Everything about Medical School is different to A-Levels, the depth, style and pace of teaching is a big jump. But do not worry, everyone is in the same boat. Don’t rush into buying textbooks Medical textbooks are expensive and heavy and there are so many to choose from. We recommend you wait a few weeks before buying your textbooks to give you time to ask for advice from older year medical students or you may just decide to borrow them from the library. Some universities also provide online versions of particular textbooks. Check out our Recommended Medical Textbooks Blog Post. Keep up-to-date with current medical affairs As you will be entering the healthcare field it is important to understand what you are going into, what challenges is this sector currently facing. Keeping up with what is going in the NHS is particularly important as it a major part of the healthcare sector in the UK. Also try and read about recent medical advances, research and journal articles. The world of medicine is evolving at a rapid pace and as you’ve devoted yourself to a career involving a lifetime of learning you need to stay updated. Keep in contact University can become a very lonely place, it’s easy to be surrounded by people but still feel lonely. You have to make the effort to keep in contact with your family and friends regularly. They can support you and also provide you with advice and motivation when needed. Form good relationships with your lecturers Do not be afraid to ask questions, lecturers are a great source of advice and they tend to be the one’s who write your exams. Talk to your lecturers and let them know who you are, this is a good way to help you pursue a speciality you are interested in and possibly get work experience.

Live within your means Know how much money you are working with and do not compare your spending to other people. If you know you cannot afford to buy something or go on a night out, then be wise and don’t go. Resist the pressure to have the same material things as the people around you and even the people on social media. Don’t try and live a lavish lifestyle with a low budget, be realistic. 2. Distinguish between what you want and what you need This is important, sometimes we convince ourselves that our wants are necessities but in reality they aren’t essential. Prioritising is a great tool to direct your spending,we definitely advice prioritising bills as late fees can eat away at your money. 3. Hesitate before you buy things Sleeping on it or calling that frugal friend for advice before you make a purchase can be enough time for you to realise that maybe now is not the right time to buy the desired items. Writing a list before you set out also makes you slow down enough to review your planned purchases. 4. Avoid Overdraft Believing that your overdraft is free money is a naive perspective to have. If you genuinely want to avoid raking up a crazy amount of debt whilst your young, I would suggest you avoid an overdraft and only get it if you really, and I mean really need it. When your young you set the foundations of habits that will last a lifetime so if you end up getting an overdraft to improve your credit, get once you know you have disciplined yourself with your money. 5. Look for deals Take your time to look for deals and compare prices. As students, you are privileged to get Discounts in several shops with NUS or Uni-days, make use of it. 6. Plan your time to make your own meals A lot of our money tends to be spent on buying food while we are out and as an African mother would often say, “there’s food at home”. Taking that extra time to plan your meals at the start of the week and prepare them in bulk or the night before can make a lot of difference and save you a lot of money. 7. If you can avoid paying for it then do so I know this point can easily be misconstrued and I’m not telling you to go and steal or engage in fraudulent activity  but what I am saying is if your parents are willing to help you with particular expenses then accept their support. Asking for financial support for the odd textbook or something you know your parents would be willing to pay for, is perfectly reasonable however if your parents are not in the position to provide financial aid then do not exploit them or place them under additional pressure. 8. Save/ Plan for emergencies We recommend that you create a savings account that you only have access to through going to the bank; knowing your money is accessible means you are less likely to view it as your savings and more likely to dabble into it. Another alternative is if you have 2 bank accounts and decide to use one as your savings give your card to a trusted family member, or if you are in university leave it at home, this way you can’t easily access it.  Have a target of how much you intend to save per week or per month, no matter how small, it all adds up at the end of the day. I would recommend that you have a certain amount of money in your account that you do not touch, but only use in the case of real emergencies. 9. Budget Budgeting ensures that you are spending less than you are bringing in and planning financially for the short and long term. Alongside setting a budget, it is very important that you also track your spending and keep up to date. Life is unpredictable so try to review your budget and your spending and be flexible if there’s a change, or at least every couple of months. Here’s the link to a great University Budgeting Template: University Budgeting Template – Created by Temi

“Experience is the teacher of all things” – Julius Caesar Work experience is an important part of your application when applying to Medical School, merely being  a high academic achiever is not enough anymore. Medicine combines science with humanity, having a love for one and not the other makes it a very difficult career to go into and enjoy. Due to the demanding, rigorous nature of the course, when deciding to study Medicine it is extremely important to go into it with realistic perspective of what a career in medicine entails which can only be gained through relevant experience in a healthcare setting or working with other people in a caring or service role. It is crucial that you demonstrate that you are a well rounded individual who has thoroughly thought about their reasons for wanting to be a doctor. THE PURPOSE OF WORK EXPERIENCE: To develop and refine some of the attitudes and behaviours essential to being a doctor such as Confidence, Empathy, Compassion, Leader, Forthright, Respectful, Thorough, Inquisitive and Team Player. To gain a realistic understanding of Medicine and the physical, organisational and emotional demands of a medical career To gain experience providing care or help to other people understanding the realities of working in a caring profession To help you decide whether medicine is the career for you To demonstrate your commitment to medicine TYPES OF WORK EXPERIENCE: Clinical Work Experience UK:There is no specific requirement of a particular type of work experience done, neither is there a specific number of hours done. However engaging in a particular form of work experience for an extended period of time shows commitment to Medicine particularly in the 2 years before your application is submitted. Any form of work experience is deemed acceptable if it reflects the purposes of work experience stated above. Clinical work experience (e.g. shadowing a GP, hospital placement) is great at demonstrating the doctor patient relationship,  you can also learn about how the hospital is run and see what happens on medical wards but requires you to display maturity and professionalism. Abroad:Clinical work experience gained overseas is great as it allows you to observe the difference between healthcare systems in different countries. However  Medical schools do not generally support or encourage overseas clinical work experience. Medical schools are looking for applicants who have a sound  understanding of the UK healthcare system this may be by undertaking clinical work experience or by talking to UK doctors. However, if you have elected to arrange clinical work experience abroad this should be justified in your personal statement. Gap Medicsoffers International Medical work experience. 2. Volunteering There is a range of voluntary work that is available in a number of different sectors including the health service and can provide helpful work experience. Voluntary commitments to community groups (for example religious groups or other groups such as Scouts or Guides) may also provide valuable experience of taking on responsibility, dealing with people and communicating effectively. Volunteering in a care setting (Hospice; Youth Club; Disability centres; Elderly People’s Home or Care centre) is a great way to develop empathy and is a really good way to improve your communication skills which is extremely useful for medical school. Caring for the elderly is also excellent experience even though this can often be challenging, as you may need to deal with patients with dementia, hearing loss and physical disability. However, it is also extremely rewarding and an eye-opening experience. 3. Paid Work Paid employment may provide valuable work experience, especially where it involves extensive interaction with people and team working . It can help you demonstrate some of the attitudes and behaviours needed to study medicine such as professionalism and responsibility. There are also many paid jobs that don’t require  prior training or experience for you to do e.g. health care assistant, support worker or hospital porter, all of which will give you a different perspective of the healthcare system and provides an excellent experience working with patients. A job in this sector is particularly useful if you are taking a gap year or if you are going into medicine as a graduate-entry student. Again, it shows your commitment to medicine and a willingness to reach your goal. You can also work part time in many of these jobs. WORK EXPERIENCE OPTIONS Hospital Specialist clinic Gp Pharmacy Youth club Scouts/ brownies/ boys brigade/ guides etc Charity shops Care/ nursing home Disability centre/ special needs school Hospice Homeless Shelters/Soup Kitchens, Drug Rehab Centres, Mountain Rescue, Mental Health Day Centres, Dentists, Meals on Wheels, Prison Visiting, Babies Clinics/Community Midwives, Opticians, Refugee Centres, Blood Donation centres Counselling or support work Tutoring or Mentoring Work experience placements in some areas of medicine are difficult to gain (especially before the age of 18) because of the nature of the work and patient privacy, but a placement in a healthcare setting or anywhere where you deal with vulnerable people may give you the chance to find out about the work of healthcare professionals and will demonstrate your interest in people. The ability to demonstrate and reflect on what you learn, about yourself and about medicine and about how effective care is delivered and received that counts, through work experience is the key thing medical schools are looking for when they assess your work experience. In your personal statement and interview focus on what you learnt not what you did. If you have any questions or suggestions feel free to contact us! Like & Comment!

“If I have seen further than others, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” Isaac Newton 9 REASONS YOU NEED A MENTOR! They are experienced with their own success stories and know what it takes to succeed. They provide a different perspective and can see where we need to improve even though we may not see it. A mentor can help to identify skills, strengths and weaknesses that others have not noticed. When we discover the exact field, there is a more precise match with our abilities. Provide knowledge and information – Mentors are able to fine tune and transform your vision using their knowledge. They provide ideas, thoughts and insights that challenge and enable you to see beyond your sphere of influence. Mentors amplify visions by elevating your thinking capabilities. Find ways to stimulate our growth. Mentors coach and prepare you for change. You cannot operate solely on hard work but rather on smart work. They encourage you to get smarter about people, relationships, processes, opportunities, and strategies. Great mentors help you get smarter with their wise counsel. Mentors push us past our limits. They prevent us from doing less with our lives than what we would if left unassisted. Are encouraging, motivating & inspirational. They praise your successes, guide you in extracting lessons from your failures and by doing so push you far. Push you to go further and challenge. Are honest as well as disciplinarians – Their guidance prevents missteps that could otherwise derail your success. Mentors protect and nurture their proteges from premature exposure. Give advise – Mentors are able to give life lessons and want you to succeed and use their words and actions to support you. A great networking tool – Mentors elevate you by making their shoulders your platform. They carry you up, demonstrating their trust as their extensions is a critical validation that will eventually open doors and grant you access to opportunities beyond your circle. Free – Mentors tend to give their services for free as they have a genuine interest in seeing you succeed therefore are willing to commit their time and level of expertise to help your journey. MY MENTOR EXPERIENCE At the start of my second year in Sixth Form (year 13) my friend informed me of a mentoring scheme set up to help young Afro-Caribbean students aspiring to study medicine in my area. The mentoring organisation set up by a group of doctors with experience having completed the admission process and worked as part of the admissions department for many medical schools. I was introduced to the founder Dr A, a young GP and told her a bit about myself and my journey to study Medicine. We conversed regularly via email and she encouraged me to write my first draft of my personal statement. Over the next 6 weeks I would redraft my personal statement about 3 times per week. Initially, I was shocked at how honest and cutthroat she was and many times I would feel discouraged but with each adaptation to my personal statement she would encourage me and leave a motivational message reminded me of my goal at the end. She organised practise interviews for me with other doctors acting as the interviewers and made sure I was able to answer particular questions confidently with sound answers. As well as encouraging me to read a lot of news about healthcare advances and the NHS as well as not to rehearse my interview answers too much. Dr A provided me with constructive feedback and made be feel prepared for each of my interviews. Dr A also made the effort to meet my parents as she felt it is important to understand the support system I had as well as ensure my parents were comfortable with the mentoring. This resonated well with me and my family and we were able to form a friendship with Dr A. Every time I look back on my journey to Medicine I can’t help it remember Dr A as she was a great part in ensuring my success and made my application much better than it originally was. After my successful entry we continued to keep in contact and it is amazing sharing my progress with her. Her guidance and advise helped mentally prepare me for Medical School and built up my confidence. I would strongly recommend any student applying for medicine to find a mentor as they really give your application that extra edge. WHERE CAN I FIND A MENTOR? 📷 African Caribbean Medical Mentoring (ACMM) is an organisation which helps mentor prospective Afro-Caribbean medical students through their throughout their application to Medicine. Their mentors are qualified doctors or current medical students who provide one to one support with personal statements, interview preparation, admissions tests and so much more. Check out their website: http://www.acmedicalmentors.co.uk/

The UKCAT (UK Clinical Aptitude Test) is an admission test used by certain universities to select the students with the “most appropriate mental abilities, attitudes and professional behaviours required to be successful in their clinical careers and is committed to fairness in selection to medicine and dentistry and to the widening participation in medical and dental training of under-represented social groups” (www.ukcat.ac.uk). It is a 2 hour computer-based test that is delivered in Pearson Vue test centres around the UK and does not contain any curriculum or science content. It is made up of five individually timed subtests which look at a range of mental abilities identified by university medical and dental schools as important.  Each subtest contains a number of items in a multiple-choice format. Subtests: Verbal Reasoning (22 mins), Decision Making (32 mins), Quantitative Reasoning (25 mins), Abstract Reasoning (14 mins) and Situational Judgement (27 mins) including 1 minute instruction time for each subtest. These individual areas look at your ability to critically evaluate information whether numerical or written, your ability to make sound  decisions and judgements as well as identifying relationships and looking at your ability to understand real-life situations and identify important information. SectionQuestionsTimingScoringVerbal Reasoning4422 minutes300-900Decision Making*2932 minutes300-900Quantitative Reasoning3625 minutes300-900Abstract Reasoning5514 minutes300-900Situational Judgement6927 minutesBand 1- 4 The UKCAT is necessary for those applying for Medicine or Dentistry at universities which use it as part of their admission process alongside UCAS applications, academic qualifications and interviews. Although it is not entirely possible to revise for the UKCAT you sure can practise. So I have gathered some of the best tips that have been used. Start 3-6 weeks in advance of your test Practise little and often to help develop consistency in timing (2-3 hrs a day) Use Medify https://www.medify.co.uk/ukcat Use Kaplan books and 600 questions book (or borrow some old ukcat books from a library)📷 Identify your weakest areas early on and give yourself time to really concentrate on them when practising Initially do not place yourself under time constraints just to get a feel of the questions and then Practise under time constraints Use the UKCAT candidate toolkit on the UKCAT website Try and do all the mock tests before your test date Set yourself a target Be patient Do not plunge straight into trying the question, try and attempt practise questions after developing an understanding of how to approach them (technique). Do not spend too much time on a question (if you don’t know how to answer them within 20 seconds move on) Never leave a question blank (i.e. guess if you have to or flag the questions and go back to it after) Do not feel compelled to attend courses, may people have done fine without them but it is at your discretion Try and take the test early so you can adjust the med schools you want to apply to if need be (I would recommend taking it in the summer holidays) Don’t do more than one mock a day Try and practise using keyboard shortcuts (Alt-N for next and Alt-F for flag, (numlock)) Verbal Reasoning Question– read the question first and pay attention to the wording, try and improve your reading speed and comprehension, Situational Judgement – read Good medical practise by the GMC. Remember to use common sense. Only deal with the situation provided in that specific question Abstract Reasoning – look at the simplest box first. At the start of each set of questions, take a look at Set A and Set B for links between the two groups. This will help you answer all the questions in this section of the test. Consider what the shapes have in common; this can include size, shape, number of items, shading, colour, direction, position, etc. Quantitative reasoning – practise using an online calculator early on and brush up on basic maths skills e.g. Ratios, percentages, speed equations, conversions, addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) as well as fractions. Use your notepad during the test to help you work out answers. You can skip difficult questions and return to them later. Decision Making was previously included in 2016 as a piloted subtest however now will contribute to your final score if sat in 2017. Advice for the day – get a good nights sleep, flag questions if you’re not sure, prepare everything you need the night before, try to remain calm, arrive early, use the toilet before, keep an eye on the clock, be comfortable 2016 AVERAGE SCORES: Verbal reasoning: 570 Quantitative reasoning: 695 Decision Making: 647 Abstract reasoning: 629 Situational Judgement: N/A Total scaled score: 2540 UKCAT UNIVERSITIES UKCAT is weighed differently in many universities so know what you’re aiming for. The universities that currently use the UKCAT as part of their admissions processes are:  Aberdeen, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Dundee, East Anglia, Edinburgh, Exeter, Glasgow, Hull York Medical School, Keele, King’s College London, Leicester, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, Plymouth, Queen Mary- University of London, Queen’s University Belfast, Sheffield, Southampton, St. Andrew’s, St. George’s London and Warwick (grad only). IMPORTANT DATES FOR THE UKCAT IN 2017.: Registration opens: 1st May 2018 Testing begins: 2nd July 2018 Registration deadline: 18th September 2018 Bursary application deadline:  18 September 2018 Last test date:  2nd October 2018 UCAS application deadline: 15 October 2018 COST: £65 before 31st August 2018 £87 from 1st September 2018 onwards £115 for Non-EU test-takers Bursaries are available to cover the cost of the test. See https://www.ukcat.ac.uk/ukcat-test/bursary-scheme/ for application details. For further information about the UKCAT test and to register* please visit www.ukcat.ac.uk. USEFUL WEBSITES: http://www.kaptest.co.uk/ukcat/what-is-ukcat https://www.ukcat.ac.uk/ (thresholds) https://www.ukcat.ac.uk/media/1197/using-my-2017-ukcat-result-v2.pdf If you have any questions or know any successful tips, please leave a comment or email us: melaninmedics@gmail.com

Preparing to go to university can become pretty overwhelming, so in order to help you start your preparation I’ve decided to share the checklist I used to decide what to take to university. This checklist only serves as a starting point, not everything is necessary so adapt it to yourself. The type of accommodation you will be in also determines a lot of what you will be needing, and I’d strongly advise that you check what your accommodation will be providing first. I’ve also linked the google drive link of a printable version below. https://drive.google.com/open?id=0By8P2CZN_oQTR1BGUFhOcFdmN28 DOCUMENTS Passport photos Passport Provisional Licence NHS number National Insurance number CV and references Bank account details Contacts list Local map Old textbooks and notes List of phone numbers Diary or Calendar Doctor and dentist details Other university documents Exam certificates Room insurance STUDYING Desk lamp Message board with erasable marker Diary/planner Dictionary and thesaurus A pad of lined paper/notepad Ream of printing paper Folders Pens, pencils, paper, files, highlighters, sharpies Cellotape Stapler, hole punch Post-it notes White Tac – so it doesn’t mark the walls Stamps and envelopes Pencil Case OUTDOOR Sports gear Raincoat Umbrella KITCHEN Tin/Bottle opener Mugs x6 Glasses x6 Knives, forks and spoons x4 Plates x6 Bowls x4 One-person casserole dish Small frying pan 1 small, 1 large pot Scissors Chopping knives Chopping board x2 Vegetable peeler Cheese grater Wooden spoon Cooking Spoons e.g. spatula Store cupboard ingredients – coffee, tea, milk, sugar, eggs, margarine, cooking oil, salt and pepper, pasta, seasonings Sandwich bags Plastic bowl or box with lid Microwaveable bowl Cling film/ Tin foil Sieve Tea towels Oven gloves Washing-up liquid/Dishcloth/Scrubbing brush Tray HEALTHCARE Painkillers Basic first aid kit – plasters, antiseptic wipes, bandages Paracetamol Cold/flu remedy Anti-allergy pills – e.g. Cetirizine A cold/hot pack Cotton Wool/ Buds BATHROOM Bath mat Bath and hand towels/ flannel Basket for shower supplies Wash bag Toilet roll Toothbrush/toothpaste Soap Shower gel Shampoo/Conditioner Deodorant Perfume Hair spray/gel Hairbrush/Comb Razor Shaving cream HOUSEKEEPING Febreeze Air Freshener Laundry bag Clothes hangers Dustpan and brush Kitchen towel Cleaning products (anti-bacterial, bleach) Washing powder/liquid Door wedge BEDROOM Sheets Duvet and duvet covers Pillows and pillow cases Mattress cover Hot water bottle Air Bed Cushions Posters (Bible Verses) Photos of family and friends Rugs Fairy lights Blanket/throw Pot plants Makeup Storage Bin Mirror Clothes/Dressing Gown ELECTRICAL Calculator Laptop Computer Mouse USB Printer Network cable Bedside lamp Mobile and charger Headphones Batteries Multi plug/extension lead Clock Fan Torch Iron/ Ironing Board Speaker Toaster Kettle Blender CLOTHING Dressing gown T-shirts Jumpers Trousers Underwear Socks Shoes/trainers Sliders/ Slippers Ball gowns/evening wear Shirts/Suits FEMALE SPECIFIC ITEMS Hair Ties/clips Make up Jewellery Box Jewellery Moisturiser Baby Oil Nail Varnish Hair removing cream Hair dryer/straighteners Tampons/sanitary towels

This is me writing to you: I am in 4thyear now and you’re only just beginning your time at medical school. I’m sure you’re excited about starting your first year in the course you have been waiting to start for so long. Taking that gap year was really worth it after all, I know you weren’t that happy about making such a sacrifice but look at you now. So in this letter I wanted to tell you a few things that might help you get through this year a lot better than I did before. I know you must feel like you’ve got this and nothing can derail you in this year but I’d like this letter to prepare you for what is to come and get you ready for things you may not have expected. This is not to lecture you on how to do you this year but I’m trying to help you navigate your way better through this year. After all I am a lot older and wiser now so take it from an older version of yourself , you’ll thank me later. Keep your confidence.This first year will challenge you in so many ways , remember yourself and your confidence in all these situations. You will be put on the spot and your knowledge will be tested constantly,  in 6thform you were used to always knowing the right answer but it’s  very different here. The first time your answer gets shut down , don’t recoil in yourself or beat yourself up too much. I let fear get the best of me after this happened and I let my voice get small and allowed myself to think it was okay to be a wall flower and keep my knowledge to my self even when I would’ve been right. I just want to remind you that your confidence is key , it doesn’t matter if you get things wrong , you’re learning and you’re not expected to know it all. So be confident in your ability and remember you don’t have to reduce voice to protect yourself from making mistakes. Mistakes are there to be made , you’re not a doctor yet all that knowledge accumulates and when you get to my year you’ll see how it all comes full circle. Prioritise your workload: Studying for medicine will be different from studying for your A-levels. I know that for your A-levels you had to know every little detail and it was a lot easier to do this. There is more content to be learned in your first year of medical school and it can all get quite overwhelming. It’s all new and some of it may take you longer to get your head around. A quick heads up : Don’t let Biochemistry be your undoing , you’ll soon realise that you don’t need to know every pathway or  every reaction because you’re not studying a biochemistry degree. Don’t let your work overwhelm you , there’s so much to learn but what you’ll realise is although the work load is greater it’s not all that difficult to grasp. Pace yourself and remember to study smart so you don’t burn out . Don’t compare yourself to others : Medical school can be a very competitive place to be in. When you first start you realise that everyone is in medical school because you’re all of similar intellect. Unfortunately, you realise that you’ve been out of education for a year and you think that you’ll be behind. Yes, it’s intimidating to begin with but you should realise that you’re not left in the dust. You are all learning the same new information , it’s a new experience for you all and that should put you at ease. What I need you to remember though is that comparing yourself to others won’t help your cause. I know it’s difficult not to , when everyone is sharing their knowledge , sharing what they’ve already managed to do just in their 1stfew months its hard to ignore. But the take home message here is that you need to focus on you, as it’s only you who will see yourself through to finish this degree. You won’t always have it together : I know you’ve always been used to having everything under control. When it comes to education you’ve got this and nothing phases you. You’ve always been so organised and you’ve felt that you’ll be able to keep this going especially  for this first year. So when your work load starts to increase and the time you have isn’t matching this , that plan you had starts to come apart. This has never really happened before because you’ve always been organised and whatever plan you make to get things done follows through. So I’m here to tell you that it’s okay not to have it all together , you’ll get bogged down trying to bring your plan back to order and all you’ll do is stress yourself out. The best advice I can say is : regroup and adapt, this will serve you well as the years carry on so let’s start this early. Take care of yourself :Lastly, everything doesn’t revolve around your degree. I know it means so much to you right now that you’ve made it here and you feel that you have to do everything to keep your place here. I get that, you want to do everything you can to make sure you’re successful in your 1styear. However, that doesn’t mean that nothing else matters, taking time out to do other things will help you maintain a balance in yourself and you won’t burn out. I think that letting go a bit sometimes won’t be all that bad, so maybe take up that society that you think you won’t have time for. And don’t put off meeting up with friends because they will be your best form of support moving forward. Keeping a balance is key so remember to take care of you. That’s all from me,I hope you take on some of the advice I’ve written up for you. I’m pretty sure you’ll make it through your 1styear so stop being annoying and worrying so much about your  exams, I’m in 4thyear now so you’ve done pretty well so far. There’s still things I’m working on even now but I’m getting there and so will you. Enjoy this year and remember to make the most of it. Written By Michelle Chirimuuta