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In Focus - Amelia Duggan

Amelia Duggan

Year of Study: Year 2

Second year student Amelia Duggan discusses her top tips for medicine interviews, what she found surprising about studying medicine, and how she decided which medical schools to apply to.

What made you want to study medicine?

I have always loved science and discovering interesting things but wanted to pursue a vocational course. I remember being about 7 and seeing a documentary-type programme about being a doctor and thinking "that's what I want to do". From there, the seed was planted and as I got older I realised how much I loved helping people and working in a team so medicine was perfect for me!

How did you choose which medical schools to apply to?

I looked at the methods of teaching/curriculum first and then looked at the area/city the university was in. This was because I knew that certain types of learning were better suited to me than others, but also knew I would have to love the city and feel comfortable in order to do my best.

What made you want to study at BSMS?

The way that BSMS set their course out is suited to my learning style. The early clinical contact and anatomy were two things I knew were non-negotiable if I wanted to become the best doctor I could due to the way I learn. As soon as I visited I fell in love with Brighton too because it is important to remember that university is both about studying and enjoying where you live whilst doing so.

What are your top tips for the UCAT and/or the BMAT?

Start practice early. Don't compare yourself to others. Pick a study method you're comfortable with and stick with it. Don't be afraid to retake and try again if you don't feel that you did your best.

How did you prepare for your medicine interviews?

My school provided an MMI practice session which was enormously helpful. I also found scenarios online and got my friends/fellow medics to test me and give me honest feedback. A really good way to prep is to get used to having difficult or uncomfortable conversations and maintaining composure. Finally, I took part in as many public speaking opportunities as I could find and got used to people asking me questions I hadn't prepared; if you can do it for a big group of people you can easily do it in your interview.

Do you have any tips for online interviews?

Pick a quiet place that you are comfortable in to complete the interview; if you’re comfortable with your surroundings then you're more likely to do your best. Don't over-prepare on the morning of - have some key points you want to mention/bits of information you feel could be important and read over them. Have a glass of water to hand. And count to three before answering any questions - this helps stop you from blurting out something you know isn't the best answer, and allows your brain to calm itself so you can articulate the best response you can.

Do you have any advice for managing the transition to university?

Go out to clubs or societies to meet other groups of people and bring lots of photos from home to help personalise your room so you don't get homesick. Also get in good habits from the start, whether that be domestic or studying!

Are you involved in any sports and societies?

Yes - I'm captain of BSMS women's football and I love every second. It's a great way to meet people in other years and just have a laugh whilst exercising which has been a great benefit to my mental health.

What is your favourite part of living in Brighton and Hove?

Having the best of everything - beach, town, and lovely green spaces all very close together

Is medicine what you expected?

Yes and no at the same time - yes, the course is as challenging as I expected and I expected to love living in Brighton as much as I do. But I didn't expect to have so many hobbies and opportunities to develop myself as a person outside of the course. Studying medicine has helped me to understand who I am as a person better

If you could go back in time to give one tip to your younger self, what would it be?

Don't compare yourself to anyone else, whether this is at interview, school or open days. The things that suit you most won't suit other people, so you should focus on your own journey to get the best out of it. Applying to medicine is about you, so don't worry about anyone else.

Describe your medical school experience in three words.

Interesting. Growth. Stimulating.