When applying to medical school, gaining work experience is essential because it shows that you have taken the initiative to understand the realities of a medical career. Medical schools look for applicants who are genuinely interested in healthcare and have done the necessary research to explore the realities of a doctor; in fact, many medical schools may ask for specific work experience requirements. This is more common for graduate entry applicants but may also apply to undergraduate applicants. Work experience allows you to reflect on the demands, challenges, and rewards of working in medicine, which you can discuss in your personal statement and interviews.
Work experience can fall into two main types:
1. Direct observation of healthcare e.g., hospital/ GP shadowing.
2. Working with people in a caring or service role e.g., those who are ill, disabled, or disadvantaged – this can be voluntary or paid.
Whilst directly shadowing a doctor can be valuable, medical schools understand that it's not accessible to everyone. Volunteering in settings like residential care homes is equally valuable. Even a weekend job in a shop can provide useful experience.
What Is the Most Valuable Type of Work Experience for a Medicine Application?
Medical schools value a range of work experiences, and it’s not always about shadowing a doctor. Volunteering in care homes, hospices, or even non-medical public-facing roles can be just as beneficial as clinical placements. Whether it’s a paid job or volunteering, gaining people-focused experience helps you understand the importance of care and service.
Here are some qualities that medical schools look for in work experience:
· Interpersonal experience: Dealing directly with people, especially those who are ill, disabled, or disadvantaged.
· Realistic insight into healthcare: Understanding the physical and emotional demands of caring for others.
· Skill development: Building key attributes constantly prevalent in a medical career such as communication, leadership, teamwork, and empathy.
Medical schools appreciate quality over quantity, so it’s not about having a long list of placements. What’s more important is how well you can reflect on what you’ve learned from your experiences – and how well you’re able to speak and reflect on what you have seen and learnt, and NOT list what you have done.
Types of Work Experience for Medicine
1. Hospital Placements: Shadowing healthcare professionals in a hospital setting to observe medical practice and patient care.
2. GP Placements: Spending time in general practice to understand the role of primary care in the healthcare system.
3. Volunteering: Working in care homes, hospices, or charities can give you valuable experience in caring for others.
4. International Placements: These are an option if available, but local volunteering is often just as valuable.
If you struggle to secure in-person work experience, virtual options are available, like Brighton and Sussex Medical School’s free virtual work experience course, or RCGP’s Observe GP program. These resources can offer valuable insights into healthcare, particularly if clinical placements are hard to come by.
How to Get Medical Work Experience?
The best way to secure work experience is to ask around and be persistent. I found that emailing consultants and their assistants directly was a great way to get work experience – just reach out and tell them you are interested in medicine and would be extremely grateful if they allowed you to shadow! Contact local NHS Trusts, GP surgeries, care homes, and hospices to inquire about volunteering opportunities. It’s essential to plan, especially because you’ll need time for other tasks such as preparing for the UCAT and writing your personal statement.
If you're unable to find in-person placements, remember that volunteering in a public-facing role (even outside of healthcare) can be beneficial, as it allows you to develop communication and empathy skills. Virtual options are available, like Brighton and Sussex Medical School’s free virtual work experience course, or RCGP’s Observe GP program. These resources can offer valuable insights into healthcare, particularly if clinical placements are hard to come by.
Making the Most of Your Experience
Whatever work experience you gain, the most important thing is to reflect on it. What did it teach you about a career in medicine? How did it help you grow personally? Medical schools are looking for applicants who not only have experience but also understand how that experience has shaped their views on healthcare.
In summary, work experience for medicine is about more than just ticking a box; it’s about showing your commitment to understanding the realities of the profession. From hospital placements to volunteering, each experience you have can provide valuable lessons that will strengthen your medical school application.
Good Luck!
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