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Medicine is a five/six year course studied at university and in hospitals which qualifies you to become a doctor.
"Doctor" is a broad term encompassing many careers including GP (general practitioner), surgeon, specialist
(pathologist, anaesthetist, etc.).
Completing a degree in medicine is the only way to legally become a doctor in the UK. Be aware that many
courses offered do not do this and are purely science degrees e.g. medical sciences, biomedical sciences,
clinical sciences, etc.
A Rewarding and Varied Career
Medicine is a rewarding and varied career. You will cover subjects as wide-ranging as broken bones, skin
conditions, mental illness, open-heart surgery, pregnancy and post mortems.
It is also very demanding and challenging and you need to be 100% sure that this is the career for you
before embarking upon the course. You will be required to make important decisions and the way you interact
with people can have a large impact on people's lives.
Although most doctors work for the NHS, there are opportunities in other exciting settings such as the armed
forces, prisons or the Home Office working as a police surgeon.
Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science
Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science are perceived as among the most challenging choices of study at
University.
The workload is very demanding with continuous rounds of assessment. A doctor needs to be committed to life-long
learning and study as the field is constantly changing; another set of tests or exams are always around the corner
at all levels.
Getting into Medical School
Entry into Medical School is not based on solid academic achievement alone. Students need to be well-prepared and
well-informed about issues in medicine, be comfortable in the interview, gain suitable work experience and have a
genuine and strong ambition to become a doctor.
Medicine is also emotionally and spiritually demanding and skills such as interacting with patients and managing
extremely stressful and distressing situations are essential to becoming a successful doctor.
Rewards and Costs of a Medical Career
Doctors are generally well paid and their working hours have improved in recent years; however, students should
be aware that due to the longevity of the course they may amass substantial debts while at medical school as a
result of tuition fees, living expenses and the purchase of books and equipment.
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