Medicine & Surgery

Medical school? Is it really for you?? The trouble is it's hard to say without actually doing the course itself.
Birmingham University will read your application and then may invite you for an interview. Birmingham Medical School was the most impressive medical I had seen out of Cardiff and Southampton. The building has history and is attached to the Queen Elizabeth hospital (QE). Inside there are statues and paintings of relevant medical staff from years back!!
Upon interview I was questioned by 3 people all sat round this huge table, which may seem intimidating but the people themselves weren't. I was expecting questions about the lastest ethical and medical news however they were only really interested in myself as a person. I like this as it's focusing on what matters, you!
I was accepted to Birmingham and am now finishing my 2nd year. The first year is very exciting, especially because it was my first time living away from home. This year is very busy. Exams in January and June and some dotted throughout the year, so you're always kept on your toes. There are many lectures to attend and also small group sessions, where your attendence is noted!!! You will see a dead body, spend one day a fortnight in a gp practice, and many other things. You lose many people at the end of the 1st year as people realise it's not for them.
However the 2nd year is where most people falter. It gets tough. The first term is ok, but in the 2nd the work load is piled on, and really tests you mentally to the max! There are many lectures as well as 2 essays and many presentations to do. I found with so many presentations you get used to it and it is not so nerve wracking!
I myself failed 2 modules this summer and am resitting in August, this was due to a bout of depression and anxiety and inability to cope. During this time I seriously questioned whether this was really what I wanted to do in life, as I realised there is more to life that being a dr, but it seemed a shame to give up when I'd come so far and I regained enjoyment of the course back again as I became better. Also this enabled me to take advantage of the staff who are there to help you through and I have to say they were truely brilliant. Always there whenever I needed them and willing just to sit and chat and to help you make difficult decisions.
So Birmingham Medical School has all the attributes a good medical school should have. It's an exciting course, with an added safety net. Getting involved with patients early on in the first year develops your people skills along with a module entitled communication skills. Anatomy sessions are reinforced by visits to the prosectorium to see cadavers, however time is limited and this inhibits learning somewhat. The course is problem based, which helps you to think about what you've learnt and apply it. The course involves computer skills which are so needed these days! There is a huge computer room available all the time in the medical school, with internet access. There is also a med cafe, which supplies hot and cold food and drinks. If you like Birmingham itself, then I don't think you would regret coming here.