In this episode, Belle, a fourth year medical student, shares her experience taking a gap year before medical school. She discusses the benefits of gaining hands-on experience, the importance of personal growth, and the positive response from universities. Belle also talks about working as a healthcare assistant, emphasizing the lessons learned and the value of respect. Additionally, the episode offers advice for potential medical students, including the impact of COVID-19 and the benefits of being prepared for university.
Taking a gap year before medical school allows for personal growth and valuable work experience as a healthcare assistant, enhancing understanding of patient care and communication skills.
Working as a healthcare assistant during a gap year provides firsthand insights into the realities of patient care, helping students make informed decisions about their career path and demonstrating commitment and maturity during medical school interviews.
Deep dives
Importance of Gap Year
Taking a gap year before starting medical school can be beneficial for several reasons. It provides an opportunity for personal growth and maturity, allowing students to enter university with a clearer sense of purpose and commitment. Gap years also offer the chance to gain valuable work experience, such as working as a healthcare assistant, which can enhance understanding of patient care, improve communication skills, and provide unique insights into the medical field. Additionally, a gap year allows students to take a break from academics, recharge, and potentially save money for their future studies.
Benefits of Work Experience
Working as a healthcare assistant during a gap year can be a valuable experience for aspiring medical students. It offers the opportunity to develop interpersonal skills, gain exposure to different healthcare settings, and understand the realities of patient care. Being a healthcare assistant provides firsthand insights into the daily operations of a hospital or medical facility, helping students to make informed decisions about their career path. This experience can also be advantageous during medical school interviews, as it demonstrates commitment, maturity, and a genuine interest in healthcare.
Taking Time to Reflect and Reevaluate
A gap year can provide valuable time for self-reflection and reevaluation of career goals. It allows students to confirm their passion for medicine, especially if they were initially unsure about their career choice. During this time, individuals can explore other interests and experiences, gaining clarity about their personal and professional aspirations. Taking a step back from academics and immersing oneself in different experiences can offer a fresh perspective and help students enter medical school with a renewed sense of purpose and determination.
Gaining Confidence and Resilience
A gap year can help students build confidence and resilience, which are critical attributes for success in medical school and beyond. Working as a healthcare assistant, for example, exposes students to various challenges and situations that require adaptability, problem-solving, and teamwork skills. This real-world experience can boost confidence levels and provide a solid foundation for handling the demands of medical education. Additionally, overcoming obstacles and setbacks during a gap year can enhance resilience and the ability to persevere in the face of future challenges.
Thinking about taking a gap year? Not sure whether it is right for you? What do universities think of gap years? In this episode, Lucy and Ciara talk to Belle, a fourth year medical student studying at Cardiff University all about her experience taking a gap year. Belle shares her advice on going through the application process again (yes, you need a new personal statement and have to sit UCAT/BMAT again!). Belle also shares her experience working as a healthcare assistant during her gap year, talking through how to apply and what she learnt from it.
Don't forget to follow us on @howtobecomeadr on Instagram and comment under the post for this episode with any questions for Belle!
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