Hi, I’m Cameron,
I’m currently completing an intercalated MSc in Healthcare, Ethics & Law
at the University of Manchester between my third and fourth years of
medicine. My journey into medicine helped me appreciate the value of a
good mentor when preparing an application.
I’m originally from Suffolk where I attended state schools throughout my
school career. In sixth form, I was one of two medicine applications in my
year. Prior to this, my school had no applications for medicine in three
years. Unlike many schools, I did not have the benefit of a medical society
with an established network of contacts to assist with my application.
Although, giving credit where it’s due, my head of sixth form and a few
other teachers where fantastic when it came to helping me practice for
my interviews, supporting me as best as they could.
Most elements of my application were self-organised. I was lucky enough
to secure a week of work experience with a local GP which cemented my
interest in medicine. My local hospital has a well-established ward
volunteer programme which I attended for two hours each week over six
months. This was an invaluable opportunity for me to build up my
experience in a caring role and gave me an insight into life on the wards.
When it came to preparing for UCAT and interviews, the support of
experienced mentors was extremely useful in refining my preparation.
Whilst revising for my A-Levels and preparing for my university
application, I realised that a more independent style of learning was
better suited for me. I applied to medical schools offering problem based
learning (PBL) and was successful in getting all 4 offers, choosing
Manchester as my first choice.