My Path To Medicine – Why it’s important not to give up!

My Path To Medicine – Why it’s important not to give up!

By: Holly Egan

Hello all aspiring medics, my name is Holly! I am a 3rd-year Biomedical Sciences student in the midst of sitting my finals – finally with a place at medical school waiting for me! I have been in a similar situation to this before, but I am determined for this time to be different. That’s why I wanted to tell you my story and give you insight into my path to medicine. Hope you enjoy…

While my unconventional route into medicine is not that unique, it does have its individuality and is one which I believe can be beneficial to those going through the same process or thinking about studying medicine. It contains a key piece of wisdom – it is always wise to have a backup plan (take it from someone that has learned the hard way). 

(Editors note: Important to this story is to know that in the United Kingdom students generally begin medical school after secondary education. This contrasts with the US and Canadian systems, where a bachelor’s degree is required for entry to medical school.)

Like many aspiring medical students, medicine was really the only thing I wanted and still want to do. It’s cliché, and we all know that it isn’t what medical schools want to hear, but in some cases it is true! This is my case (at age 4 I was already determined of my goal) and I began as all those on the same journey do:

• I took up volunteering placements and work experience opportunities early and continued this over the course of college (and beyond).
• I worked hard, just as those around me with the same goals did, and ensured I took part in all educational and extra-curricular activities that would make me stand out in the application process.
• I studied hard to make sure my transcript was impeccable and made time to spend with family and friends.

To me, I was the perfect candidate – little did I know at the time this was not the case. 

Although I did secure a place to study medicine at St. Andrews, my early courses did not go quite to plan and I was left stuck in limbo. I began the application to medical school thinking I didn’t need to put down an insurance course on the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), and deep down hoping that medical school was the only path and life for me. 

This was one of the worst yet best decisions of my life. I had a horrendous week after hearing back from St. Andrews, and for days I didn’t know the extent of my future as I had been careless in only applying for medical schools. This meant I had to go down the ‘dreaded’ route of clearing (Editor: this is a method for finding un-filled spots, seemingly similar to the “Scramble/SOAP” of NRMP Residency Match).  This is something many students see as being a failure of their hard work, but doesn’t have to be the case at all! Yes it isn’t fun, and it is by no means easy sailing but it teaches you determination and resilience to fight for what you want and shows you that every goal is achievable if you want something so badly. 

I was lucky enough to be offered a place to study Biomedical Sciences at Newcastle University having rung one of the staff working within Biomedical Admissions and telling them of my situation. I haven’t looked back. The last 3 years have been the best of my life – I have laughed, cried and learned so much about myself and others, but more importantly, I have realized that medicine is 100% the route for me.

Doing a degree prior to medicine isn’t for everyone – but it was definitely right for me, and its something I would highly recommend to those who feel they would benefit from learning how to live at university and being independent before beginning the degree which will determine the rest of your life’s work. 

The path of a pre-degree has paid off hugely for me – applying for 2019/20 medicine I have been extremely fortunate to have been offered 4 places at medical school. This is something just a few years ago I didn’t think was possible. I have had to become a better version of myself, work on my interpersonal skills, gain voluntary placements, learn how to study efficiently and sit the UKCAT again and again and again.

For those who are in a situation similar to my own, or may be in such a situation soon, then I want you to know one thing – all good things come to those that wait. You will go to medical school. You will be a doctor. You will succeed and find your own path to medicine. But all in good time – don’t rush. You have so much time and so many other goals to reach, so make all of them count. A few extra years of your life studying before medical school isn’t a lot – and if it means you make it to your goal with lots of other accomplishments along the way then it is definitely worth it, right?

(Editor note: While this story about the UK medical degree system, it applies broadly. There are many paths to medicine/medical school and being a physician. Maybe you need to add a Master’s Degree in the US. Maybe you have to do a preliminary residency year before matching in your dream specialty. The point being, don’t let an extra year or two stand in the way of your dreams – in the long run it’ll still be worth it!)

Holly Egan is a new medical student at the University of Manchester starting in 2019. Outside of medicine, Holly is a normal girl with big ambitions, and strives to constantly be the best version of herself! She enjoys spending time with family, hanging out with friends, and making the most of every opportunity. If not exploring or studying, Holly writes blogs at her site https://dreamsofamedic.com showcasing life as a student! She also can be followed on Instagram and Twitter at @dreamsofamedic. Give her a follow!

Holly also wrote the excellent post:

5 Things I’m Worried about Starting Medical School

Give it a read as well!