I’m seriously considering GEM next year. For context I’m 31 and have a 1 year old.

I need honest responses about how hard GEM is bearing in mind I have a young child, so I need to know about how much time you spend revising, on placements etc. any shared experience of those with kids would be appreciated!

Thanks

The NHS being a sh*tshow isn't exactly old news but I am increasingly concerned about the prospect of unemployment after foundation training. I hope to plan strategically during medical school to help ensure I have a good portfolio and minimise some of that stress later down the line, but I am still afraid that will not be enough.

I already have a degree so I did my best to get a number of conference presentations and - fingers crossed - a first author publication underway. Fortunately, I also have very good relationships with my supervisors who are consultant radiologists so for sure I will be using their connections as much as possible haha And I am aiming to get more research experience/(hopefully) publications/other portfolio points during medical school. I can happily admit I am most certainly not a genius, just someone who puts in the extra hours, however, there seem to be plenty of anecdotes of incredibly high-achieving candidates who are unable to enter specialty training (and let's not even get started about the pay), which is making me nervous.

I think maybe for one of the years I will try and do an internship in consulting/MedTech/data analytics so I have something to fall back on, but it just feels sad that I have to plan for such a circumstance. I'm also researching potential exit plans of going abroad, but I would be lying if I said that upheaving my entire life to live somewhere else was my ideal plan.

I completely get that there are hard truths that I'll just need to suck up and deal with. I think I've just been flip flopping between having faith that if I work smart it will be 'okay' vs it will all go to shit no matter what I do. I've been trying to talk to as many current doctors or those just entering specialty training to get their advice and opinions and so far of the people I know they have been fine getting into specialty training this year, but the online discourse is heavily negative so I want to try and make sure I'm being realistic.

I'm not really 'entirely' sure what the point of this post was, I think I just wanted to have a vent and see what other people are thinking. Thanks for reading <3

Hello, I’m a year 12 student and contemplating whether I should apply for medicine or not. My parents are typical Arab people, and they want me to do medicine; practically my whole family are in medicine. My dad is a consultant doctor, and he is convincing me to apply, saying it’s the only secure job that also guarantees a good pay, so I wanted to ask if this is true is the pay good? I’m scheduled for work experience later this year to really see what it’s like. Is it worth doing or not, and how do you decide if it’s the right thing to do or not? Because it feels like with medicine, it’s more than just a job it’s like your whole life. My parents have all only been friends with doctors ever since I was a child. How do you decide if it’s the right career for you?

Due to graduate Biomed in May and currently averaging a First. I want to apply to GEM but my A-Levels are terrible. Is my best bet trying to obtain the necessary volunteering experience and applying to Warwick? I'm aware Newcastle, KCL and Southampton don't look at A-Levels but their UCAT thresholds are fairly high and I'm not anticipating I'll score highly enough for them.

This should suffice for Warwick's GEM work experience 'expected outcomes' right?

Hey everyone!

I have my MMI at UCLAN preston campus in roughly two days. Don't know what should I focus upon right now. Open to any suggestions/ideas as to how should I prepare and feel confident before the real interview.

Would really appreciate guidance from those who have already attempted the interview!

Many thanks

Hi

I'm trying to decide between 2 offers for GEM- Nottingham and St George's. From what I can tell, the structure and teaching methods of the courses seem very very similar.

Any info from current students on either of these courses would be much appreciated!

I think for my personal life, St George's is a clear winner but financially obviously Nottingham so they both kind of have 1 point each in my mind. Trying to let the merits of each course/uni have the final say.

Thanks!

I’m in my last year of A levels doing physics, maths and statistics I have already applied to universities for physics and maths degrees, however I have decided I would like to study medicine.

The issue is I don’t have chemistry or biology A levels so I am ineligible for most application pathways. I had considered doing an Access to medicine HE diploma but they’re all targeted at adults who either have no A levels or have been out of education for 3 years minimum.

Is graduate entry after completing my undergraduate the only chance I stand at being able to apply for medicine? I’d appreciate any advice on the matter.

Hi all, I hope you are all well!

I am 31 with a 2.1 in pharmacy hoping to get into Manchester graduate program. Manchester is my dream university as I am from Manchester and it would honestly mean the world if I managed to get in. From what I know their GEM program is a relatively new program. I know all GEM programs are hard to get into, but to those that applied, how difficult is it to get into Manchester GEM? Is the post interview offer rate low? Are UCAT cut offs high?

I did not manage to study in Manchester when I did pharmacy, they rejected my application without even offering an interview because I did an access course within 2 years of finishing A levels. Since then I got this mental block thinking I am not good enough to get into Manchester. I know this is silly as I am an experienced healthcare profession who would be an asset to any university so I am trying to sort out this mental block.

Apologies for the rather long post, I would appreciate any advise. Thank you 😊

I am 21 and on my final year as a History student at a Russel group university in the UK with a predicted grade of a 2:1. Over the last 3 years I’ve had an almost complete u-turn in where I want to be career wise. I have 3 a levels in maths, politics and history and no science background. However, I want to go into medicine. What pathways do I need to take? I am willing to do what is needed, I am happy to redo any A-levels and am confident I could get any grades needed.

I’m in my first year at medical school and I was wondering if it’s possible to apply to another medical school via UCAS while already at university. I’ve heard a lot about people applying and getting into other unis during their first year (albeit not for medicine)

I know this will be an unpopular post as people will wonder why I’d want to change schools and possibly start over from first year, and that it doesn’t really matter which medical school you go to, and people will find it strange that I’d be willing to go through the whole process again (UCAT, PS, Interviews), but I do have my own personal reasons for perhaps wanting to do this

Would this be considered “transferring”? Or would I just be considered as a normal applicant if I would just start at Year 1 anyway.

It's a pretty inconsequential question. I am just wondering what you do if you have achieved grades/degree and received "conditional" offer, which the condition is to provide evidence that you have those grades. Because technically they are conditional offer and you can firm one and insure one. People in this same position do you firm and insure or just firm the one you like?

mostly in terms of teaching, students and ranking

Hi everyone! I'm a forth-year medical student from Malaysia and I’m planning to do my elective placement in the UK this coming October to November, for about 3 weeks. I’m particularly interested in surgery, but I’m open to general hospital experience too.

I’d really appreciate suggestions for hospitals or institutions in the UK that are less competitive and more likely to accept international students.

Also, I’m working with a total budget of around £1000 to £1500, so more affordable cities or placements would be ideal. If you've done an elective somewhere that was a great learning experience and relatively easier to apply to, I’d love to hear about it!

I’m also a bit short on time to apply, so any place with a faster or simpler application process would be ideal.

Thanks a lot in advance.

I’ve been accepted into the foundation year at UCLan for Medicine. I’ve been doing some digging and I’d really love to hear from any former UCLan med students about what things are like after graduating.

If you’ve studied Medicine at UCLan (or know someone who has), how was the process of finding a job after finishing? Any advice you wish someone had given you at the start?

Honestly, any insight would be amazing and massively appreciated. Feel free to comment here or drop me a DM if you're more comfortable with that.

Thanks so much in advance 🙏

I think all the buzz around Newcastle as professionalism has died down over the last few years so I'm wondering whether they've taken student feedback on board or not.

I am currently a Biomed Anatomy Student and plan to apply for ScotGEM once I finish. I have two questions but can't find the answer anywhere.

So I know the degree is fully funded provided you do 4 years of GP work in rural areas. I hope to do OB/GYN as a specialty, but I'm unsure how this GP work might affect this choice, would it be like a regular residency where you complete the 4 years and then choose a specialty to train under or is it more complicated for this course?

Has anyone who studied ScotGEM commuted there for uni, I live in Aberdeen and since I have pets, I'm a bit concerned about moving :/

Thanks, Sarah

Hey everyone, I need some honest advice about my partner’s future

So, I’m a software engineer living in the UK. I’ll be getting my British passport in 2029, and after that, I plan to move to Saudi for my career.

About my partner: • She’s currently in her final year of MBBS in Pakistan, graduating in December 2025. • She’ll complete her house job by December 2026. • We’re considering getting married in January 2026. • Her long-term goal is to become a plastic surgeon, ideally trained at a reputable institute. • She’s open to giving the UKMLA while still in Pakistan.

Now here’s the situation:

I know that Saudi and Dubai don’t really offer strong education pathways for specialisation. I’m also not fully aware of the current landscape for international doctors in the UK, but I’ve heard it’s not great.

So my question is: What’s the shortest and most realistic pathway for her to specialise (like MRCS or something else)? Ideally, we want to minimise the time we spend in a long-distance relationship.

We’re open to realistic options and suggestions – we just don’t want to waste time and energy in the wrong direction. Any help would be appreciated!

Hey everyone, I’m incredibly grateful to have received offers from both Nottingham and Lincoln medical schools, but now I’m really torn on which one to choose.

Prestige isn’t a huge factor for me—I’m more focused on where I’ll thrive the most and I know i'd get the UoN degree regardless. I’ve lived in Nottingham my whole life, so part of me is tempted to choose Lincoln for a change of scenery. That said, Lincoln is a much newer medical school with a smaller cohort (around 80 students), and I’m wondering what that means in terms of making friends, getting support (like passing notes), and the overall learning experience.

And my parents are pushing Nottingham much more but I'm on both sides of the bridge- I just want to hear what you guys think and if anyone has any major ideas on what might sway me?

Thanks in advance!

Received offer from Warwick a while back, received rejection from Southampton and thus I accepted the offer from Warwick believing that was my only option - 8 days later Southampton confirms I'm actually on waitlist, is confirming offer from Warwick a permanent decision or can I still be considered for soton waitlist?

I'm a 23 year old GEM applicant (now offer holder) at my dream university. I've then also finally been offered a job using my original degree after nearly two years of applying since graduating.

For context I did graphic design, which itself is an industry on its backside.

The salary is 30k which is seriously high outside of London and the company works closely with the government (rather than making toothpaste packaging for example (no hate x))

It's seems like a really fantastic role, which has come after a long long time of feeling like I just couldn't live or progress in any way, especially financially, etc.

12 months ago, before any hope of getting a realistic role in design I started the GEM process, did great in the GAMSAT (also no science A-levels so medicine feels like a real success) and ultimately have now received an offer from my top choice.

This past week I've been excited to start in September before I then unexpectedly got this news of a job offer.

I've seen no end of doom and gloom right through this sub and r/doctorsuk beyond, leaving me with concerns not only about the financial, time and life impacts of study, but then also the prospect of a career in medicine.

I should also mention I have had some really great shadowing experiences both in Primary (GP) and Secondary (Radiology) so feel like my own experiences perhaps don't align with what people say a medical career is like going forward.

It's been tearing me apart for the past few days as to what I should do. Delay what feels like my whole life for a minimum of 4 years and study - entering a profession with even a prospect of no jobs?! Or take this role (which is admittedly so much more than I could have hoped for) and live now for what sort of feels like the first time.

Lots of unknowns for me, and lots of anxiety as to the 'right' choice. So if someone could share what they think that could really help put me at ease.

On the whole it still feels like Medicine is the better bet? What with AI and its threat to design, medicine's job security and satisfaction etc?

Oh my goodness need some advice thanks

Has anyone one else received a waitlist offer following rejection? Seems a bit out of the blue after a load of emails telling me I was unsuccessful 😅🤣

Anxiously waiting😖just wondering if anyones on the same boat (without offers too)

Hi all,

I aim to apply to medical school in 2025 as a graduate entry student, and I need some advice regarding work experience.

I have completed a BSc in Psychology with counselling and achieved a 1.1. I have over seven years of experience working as a secretary; I am involved in two additional businesses within the automotive industry and hold a mostly public-facing role. I have completed multiple online 'work experiences' and attended lectures from doctors describing the profession. I am currently signed up for a few workshops, with one upcoming revolving around cardiac arrest. I am also studying some academic material via open-learn, i.e., chemistry, cellular communication, and the respiratory system, to gauge my ability to tackle the academic side of medical school.

My issue lies in gaining clinical work experience. I have phoned and emailed all my GP surgeries within 20+ miles asking for shadowing; I have applied to numerous work experience opportunities in various hospitals, i.e. a week of rotation through various specialities, and I have applied to multiple volunteering and paid positions within the NHS. Unfortunately, I am either ignored or met with rejection letters. I am slowly running out of options as I have applied to all potential positions within a 20+ mile radius.

Where else could I look for work experience? I understand that care homes are a good option, and I am strongly considering this. However, my first and second choice universities greatly emphasise gaining work experience within the NHS. I welcome any advice.

Thank you in advance!