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In Focus - Izzy Templeton

Izzy Templeton

Year of Study: Year 4

Izzy tells us about her work experience before starting at BSMS, her top tip for interviews and her favourite part of the course so far. Read her article below.

What made you want to study at BSMS?

The main thing that stood out to me was how friendly everyone was at the open days, as they were student led. It is a relatively small medical school compared to others, and you get to know everyone on the course. I also loved the city, there is so much going on, and it's by the sea!

What work experience did you undertake before applying to medicine? How was it beneficial?

I actually took 2 gap years before medical school, and had the opportunity to work as a health care assistant in a hospital, which gave me insight into what a hospital environment is like, what it is like to work in a hospital team and with patients. Whilst I was at school, I worked at Specsavers on a weekend which additionally gave me important skills. I think it was beneficial for me because I could understand what being a medical student and doctor would be like, and reaffirmed to me that I did want to study medicine.

How did you prepare for the BMAT/UCAT?

There were some useful resources and practice papers on the BMAT and UCAT websites, which can be timed so you can see the time pressures. I also bought a UCAT practice questions book, which I felt helped me understand what the questions would be like.

How did you prepare for your interview(s) for medical school?

I tried to get as many people as possible to ask me interview questions. I got family members, family friends, teachers, doctors from the hospital I worked at all to ask me questions, and do 'mock interviews'. It can feel a bit silly, but it can help you to realise what some of the most common interview questions can be, and also prepare for questions which you hadn't thought of before. I made key points of what I wanted to say to try to get a clear idea in my head, but didn't want it to sound rehearsed or scripted.

What’s your top tip for interviews?

Don't be afraid to pause and have a think about the questions, remember to use eye contact and try not to fidget if you can, but most importantly be yourself!

Is there a piece of advice you wish you could have given your younger self when thinking about/applying to medicine?

Be confident that you can do it! It can be easy to forget because there are so many stats flying around about what a low proportion of medical school applicants get accepted, but a large proportion of people are selected for interviews and given offers. Also, I think it is important to remember that if you do want to study medicine, and are determined to do it, you can (even if it means taking a few years out to reapply).

How did you choose which medical schools to apply to?

I just started by making a list of all the medical schools (there's not actually that many!), looking at their entry requirements, what GCSE requirements they need, what the student experience is like and made notes on all of them. There were some universities where there was no point in me applying as I didn't have the correct entry requirements or predicted grades so that cut the list down. I didn't want it to be too far away, I tried to speak to current medical students to see what they thought of it, their experiences, and based it off that.

BACKGROUND IMAGE FOR PANEL

How did you find/ manage the transition to university?

It was definitely a step up (especially going from 2 years of not studying), but was 100% manageable. The first term we had at Brighton felt like a recap of some A-level knowledge, which I felt eased us in to learning. Also, trying to keep organised and up to date with lectures really helped. And just remember, pretty much everyone else is the same, most people have just moved out to come to uni, living on their own, all going through the same transition as you.

Which part of your course have you found the best or most interesting so far?

Clinical placements! I loved learning anatomy in the first and second years (I am intercalating in clinical anatomy because I enjoyed it so much), but it became so much more interesting when you see patients with the conditions you're learning about. Because I found it interesting, it made it much easier to learn too.

What has been your BSMS highlight so far?

There are so many! Probably just meeting loads of new people, making loads of new friends and exploring the city together. Having a medic family was really nice because it means you automatically get to know people in your year and the year above from day 1, and helps you to feel settled (I have since been living with my medic sister and we went travelling together over one of the Summer holidays).

What is your favourite thing about studying and living in Brighton?

I love the city. It's relatively small so very easy to get around, but there is loads to do in the city centre, and from there, you can walk for a few minutes and you're on the beach.

Do you have a favourite place to visit in Brighton?

The beach! It's so nice to go there in the evenings and watch the sunset, and we all have amazing memories of going to the beach after exams to celebrate.

What is your top tip for prospective applicants applying to study medicine?

I remember I would feel quite awkward writing personal statements and answering interview questions because I almost felt like I was boasting about what I had done or learnt, but remember you're trying to showcase why you will make a good medical student, and why they should choose you to come to their medical school. Don't be afraid to mention things in interviews and personal statements, as long as you can relate them to qualities you have gained.