Why is gaining experience important?

Why is gaining experience important?

• Typically, many top-performing students have the aspiration to become doctors. However, very few eventually make it due to inadequate preparation. Do note that there are a few highly selective courses in which grades alone is not enough to guarantee entry. Other examples are Law and Dentistry. While work experience is not stated as an entry requirement, the course is so competitive that selected students do have some form of experience or the other.

• Medical schools want to see that you understand what a career in medicine involves.

• Work experience, and other related experiences, are only as valuable as the way you talk about them. While you will be expected to show some understanding of what it is like to be a doctor, part of this involves demonstrating that you know what it is like to work in a responsible role, particularly with the public.

Key skills and and core values needed to study medicine

• Motivation to study medicine and genuine interest in the medical profession

• Insight into your own strengths and weaknesses

• Academic ability

• Problem solving

• Dealing with uncertainty

• Manage risk and deal effectively with problems

• Ability to take responsibility for your own actions

• Conscientiousness

• Insight into your own health

• Effective communication, including reading, writing, listening and speaking

• Teamwork

• Ability to treat people with respect

• Resilience and the ability to deal with difficult situations

• Empathy and the ability to care for others

• Honesty

Applicants are advised to reflect on how they might demonstrate the core values and skills needed to study medicine. In particular they should think of examples when they have demonstrated these values and skills. These examples can be used in aspects of the selection process including interviews and personal statements.