Judd Thomas - Choosing a Medical School: An Essential Guide to UK Medical Schools

First edition 2009

Second edition December 2011

ISBN 9781 4453 8150 3

Previous ISBN 9781 9068 3911 6

e-ISBN 9781 4453 8568 6

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A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library

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www.bpp.com/health

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The process of applying to medical school can be a somewhat long and arduous process but the rewards of a career within Medicine are infinite. BPP Learning Media and BPP University College School of Health are committed to supporting aspiring and current doctors to progress their career through our comprehensive range of books, personal development courses and degree programmes. I often say there is no other vocation that provides such breadth and depth of career options for the individual to follow and specialise in. Whether it is the fast paced nature of the A&E department or the measured environment of Pathology, there is something for everyone.

There is no greater privilege than being responsible for leading the treatment of patients and sharing in their recovery. There are few other careers that provide such diversity on a daily basis. A passion for helping others, clear communication skills especially empathy, excellent team working and leadership qualities as well as the ability to strike a work-life balance are all skills that an accomplished doctor should possess.

The decision to follow a career in Medicine is something that should not be taken lightly and you should undertake careful research to ensure it really is for you. A career in Medicine is not for everyone and I would urge readers to ensure they have undertaken sufficient work experience to gain a balanced insight into what becoming a doctor really entails.

I first began mentoring aspiring medical students seven years ago when it was clear that many individuals were not gaining access to the help and support they required to successfully apply to medical school. It was with this in mind that I embarked on publishing our Entry to Medical School Series to provide a clear insight into the various facets of successfully getting into medical school. Whether it is help with choosing the right medical school, how to prepare an outstanding personal statement or how to succeed in your medical school interview, our comprehensive range of books provide the advice that is so often hard to find.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you the very best of luck with applying to medical school and hope that you pass on some of the gems of wisdom that you acquire along the way to other aspiring medics.

Matt Green

Series Editor Entry to Medical School

Medical Publishing Director

Free Companion Material

Readers can access an interactive map, with links to each UK medical school, for free online.

To access the above companion material please visit www.bpp.com/freehealthresources

The authors would like to thank all of the contributors who helped to provide the latest, most pertinent information about life at their respective medical schools.

Gregory Young

Phillip Lucas

Charlotte Adams

John Paul

Miles Gandolfi

Rosie Ives

Andy Mahon

Oliver Reed

James Thomson

Louise OReilly

Raphael Rogans-Watson

Harsimran Singh

Matthew Kuet

Bnar Talabani

Amy Ruffle

Claire Farrington

Kenneth Mackenzie

Mairi Crawford

Emma Scott

Arma Patel

Laura Woodhead

Steve Knight

Lopa Patel