We advise applicants to have a range of experiences, either voluntary or paid, in both healthcare settings and areas that require interaction with people. Clinical work experience is not an essential criteria for applying to medicine.
Work experience will allow you to demonstrate that you have a realistic understanding of medicine, including the demands of a medical career, the importance of teamwork and the social context of healthcare.
Your experience will also help you to demonstrate in your application and interview that you understand, and are committed to, teamwork and the social context of healthcare. It will help you to develop some of the values, attitudes and behaviours essential to being a doctor.
If possible, gaining experience in a range of caring or service situations, observing or working alongside healthcare staff will be beneficial to an application.
These places could be care homes, hospices, pharmacies, community voluntary organisations, general practice surgeries and hospitals.
We also advise that you explore both the positive and negative aspects of a medical career through talking to doctors and other healthcare professionals.
Visit the Medical Schools Council website for guidance on relevant experience for applying to a UK medical school.
Keep up to date with health news
We would also encourage applicants to keep up to date with topics relevant to health and social care in the UK through local and national press, relevant podcasts, websites. Here are some suggestions