Applying for medical school is stressful in normal circumstances, without considering the impact of a global pandemic. With huge pressures on NHS staff during the pandemic, it is unlikely you will be able to have a clinical or patient facing work experience placement like previously planned. If you have managed to secure such a placement, be sure to keep safe and refer to guide on how to make the most out of your work experience here.
For those who are still searching for work experience, think outside the box and consider how else you can show your interest in medicine. Remember, having clinical work experience is not a requirement and information about medicine is everywhere. Read on below for ideas!
Volunteering:
Consider volunteering at a care home, hospice or even a charity shop like a British Heart Foundation near you (check details of when these are open). Volunteering might be more feasible to take part in, and you will probably be making a huge difference to whichever organisation you are volunteering in. You can sign up to be an NHS volunteer as well, however it is not guaranteed that you will be required to complete any work as part of this. Age UK is also looking for volunteers across the country, to support the elderly community, especially in a time when they are particularly vulnerable.
Virtual work experience:
Research virtual online work experience placements or any learning opportunities such as the Brighton & Sussex Medical School Virtual Work Experience. This course is free to register for and you will go through 6 different medical specialities and explore common medical scenarios and the skills required in each one. Importantly, you will be encouraged to reflect on these experiences which we hope you will continue to do after the course as well.
The Royal College of GPs new platform, Observe GP is a great way for students aged 16-18 to see pre-recorded videos in the GP practice setting. Once again, this will allow you to see some of the realities of medicine which is the essence of work experience.
Conversations:
If you have any family members or friends who are working in healthcare, consider having a phone conversation with them and understand the impact of COVID-19 on their working life. While they won't be able to tell you about specific patients due to confidentiality, you will get firsthand insight as to how hospitals have adapted in the pandemic, and also how the workload and expectations of doctors has changed.
Podcasts:
If you cannot think of any contacts, podcasts provide a huge resource which can teach you about specific topics within medicine and healthcare. Here are some of our favourites:
Sharp Scratcher - a podcast by Student BMJ which answers questions about medical school nobody else can.
The Food Medic Podcast - if you are interested in fitness, wellness healthcare and nutrition, the Food Medic covers a lot of useful topics in detail on her podcast.
The Nocturnists Podcast - a wealth of resource with different doctors give short snippets of their day to day experiences, their own emotions as they navigate medicine.
Reading and independent learning:
Staying informed with healthcare news, both in relation to COVID-19 and otherwise will also keep you up to date. You might come across something you find particularly useful which you can read around. Independent learning through the news and free research articles will not only further your own interests but also help you understand how research is carried out in medicine. As before, there are many books written by doctors such as Atul Gawande which touch on key issues in medicine, or some which give a more personal view such as When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi. While books like The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat are common for students to read, be sure to research alternative books about areas you are interested in, which will give you a different perspective on medicine.
There is so much information out there and many ways to find out about medicine without actually being in a hospital. These are just some ideas of what you can do from home, but as always if you have any questions or want further help, please drop us an email!
For more information check out this page by the Medical Schools Council: https://www.medschools.ac.uk/media/2636/guidance-on-gaining-relevant-experience-for-studying-medicine-in-the-time-of-covid-19.pdf
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