Your Medical School Dream… is still loading
We are living in an unprecedented time right now. The world is currently on an enforced ‘holiday’ with schools, universities and businesses grounded due to COVID-19. The effects of the pandemic have been wide-reaching, negatively impacting societies and the lives of numerous people around the world.
The impact hasn’t been lost on Year 11s and Year 12s like yourself. Right now, things may seem to be in disarray. Your GCSE / A-level exams might have been cancelled. The placements you dutifully lined up to enhance your medical school applications may have fallen through and it may seem that your carefully crafted plans have been for nothing. For some, this situation could be very frustrating.
You may be worried, scared and confused about how COVID-19 is going to affect your futures. However, there are creative ways you can still enhance your application, even in this time of social distancing and quarantine living.
1. Read books on life as a doctor written by doctors! Medical schools are looking for applicants who have a realistic view of what life as a doctor entails and reading books written by doctors gives you an accurate picture of the more challenging and less glamorous parts of the job. Being aware of this will make you a well-rounded candidate. Good books to start with include ‘Complications’ by Atul Gawande and ‘Do No Harm’ by Henry Marsh.
2. Look out for the elderly and the vulnerable around you. The simplest thing you can do right now is to support your family, friends and neighbours via video or phone call. You can also offer help with shopping or errands for those at high-risk of the virus, who are self-isolating at home.
3. Sign up as an NHS Volunteer or to local volunteering groups. The NHS needs help and you can get involved. You can apply to be an official NHS volunteer to help the millions at high-risk who are unable to leave their homes. If you prefer to stay home, you can volunteer remotely – for example, sharing official information from the government, NHS or Public Health England, online or by telephone. You can also contact your local Volunteer Centre or visit the Do-it website. They can help you find out where your help is urgently needed. Remember to stay safe while supporting others!
4. Stay ready – I know exams and placements have been cancelled. But this is no time to become complacent. Keep up with your learning so you can be ready for when the world finally reboots its system and starts again.
Stay safe, stay home and remain hopeful. You will get through this. Your Medicine dream is still loading. Stay blessed.
Dr Tobi Adeniyi-Zaccheus, FY1 doctor.