Article by Panayiotis Laouris, University of Cambridge.
Medical school lasts notoriously longer than most other university courses and makes up the first five (or six) years of a lifelong journey. While most medical students are world-experts at describing how hectic examination periods can be to their non-medic friends and peers, and how overwhelmingly large the volume of information to be memorised is, fewer people often choose to talk about the vast diversity of opportunities we can embark on during the rest of the time. Upon entering medical school, I myself was led astray from tales of horror coming from the people in the years above, and had very little guidance by those peers as to how one can make their time much more enjoyable and productive.
My first year of university went by quietly, with me spending lots of time studying in the library (the popular “Gonville and Caius” library, which I believe to be one of the seven wonders of the modern world – if you don’t believe me, check the pictures). As that academic year was coming to an end, quite steadily yet dryly, I was approached by a fellow Cypriot who was at the time a junior doctor. He advised me to chase after opportunities and make the most out of medical school, as there will come a time a few years down the line, when these will prove to be useful. I took his advice, and gradually became an “opportunities person” over the following years. Like myself, a couple of years ago, I feel like there are many other medical students who are now beginning their journey and need to know that medical school might be full of challenges, but is also packed with opportunities. These do not only give you a competitive edge, but also make you a better doctor and person.
What will follow is a couple of tips on how to make the most of your time, which are based on my personal experiences.
- Getting involved in societies
I begin the list with one of the easiest, perhaps, ways to get involved and make a change, whilst showcasing some of those leadership and teamwork skills that job applications chase after. These may include both clinical and other societies (e.g. your university’s Cypriot or Hellenic Society might be a nice one to get involved in). Clinical societies, in particular, can give you the chance to organise events or conferences, which checks that tickbox for organising abilities, and may allow you to get involved in teaching sessions. Additionally, if you know that you may be interested in one particular specialty, then joining that respective society either as a committee member or a member can expose you to a wide range of resources that may prove useful.
- Intercalating or doing a Masters
While some of the medical schools in the UK offer a compulsory intercalated year, for many other universities an intercalated degree may be optional. This may be the perfect opportunity for anyone with interests outside medicine, or anyone looking to expand their education, as you can choose from a wide variety of subjects which you may have interests in, including global health, medical law, anatomy, biochemistry etc. Intercalated degrees are also a great way of boosting your portfolio and getting additional points in your Foundation Year application. You can find out much more on intercalation here: https://cyprusmedicalsociety.org.uk/intercalation-a-land-of-opportunities/.
- Participating in competitions
Academic awards and prizes praising your examination performance will certainly be a big advantage when it comes to applying for the Foundation Programme and jobs down the line. However, medical school can be competitive and this may sometimes be hard to achieve. That is why there are hundreds of other opportunities out there for you to distinguish yourself. You can participate in medical essay writing competitions, such as those organised by the Royal Society of Medicine, where you have the option to submit an essay on a topic concerning the specialty of your choice (https://www.rsm.ac.uk/prizes-and-awards/prizes-for-students/). Great essays receive recognition and financial prizes. Additionally, there are various other competitions, such as the Duke Elder Undergraduate Prize Examination on ophthalmology, hosted every year by the Royal College of Ophthalmologists. My advice is that if there’s a specialty in particular that you are leaning towards, look up any opportunities regarding this on Google, you may be surprised with how many of them you can find.
- Publishing work and participating in conferences
Research and medicine go hand in hand, whether this is clinical or translational research, and it is a great way to start building an academic career. Prospective employers, and principal investigators (if you are interested in research-based higher degree e.g. MD/PhD) love to see that you have some previous experience. There’s plenty of chances for you to do that, whether this is during your intercalated year, during a summer internship, or even during your SSC (Student Selected Component). It is important to join a group where the chances of publishing your work are high. This comes to be really important when you are applying for the Foundation Programme, as each publication can earn you a number of points. The same goes for presenting your work at conferences. There’s plenty of local, national or international conferences that may be relevant to your work, and that you may apply for.
- Teaching & Education
If you are interested in a career in academia, then looking out for teaching opportunities may be wise. In medicine there is a strong emphasis on peer teaching. This may either be individually with your friends, by teaching a small group of students from the years below, or a larger cohort of students as part of an educational talk, which may be organised by a clinical society. Clinical schools are increasingly providing more of such opportunities nowadays, and may provide you with a teaching certificate at the end. Not only would this prove to be an invaluable experience, but it will also help you refresh your memory on a topic.
- Volunteering
I know this one may not come as a big shocker, given the nature of our job, and how much emphasis is given on having volunteered prior to applying for medical school, as an application boost. However, with the course being so long and with the relative ease with which one may sometimes lose their motivation or become preoccupied with other things, volunteering is a good way to remind yourself of what your ulterior motives are and for making a change even as a medical student.
If you are looking for ways to develop your personality and skills, and add to your portfolio, any of the above will do. The most important thing, however, that any of these will offer, is helping you to establish your network. Each of these opportunities will bring you into contact with experts and leaders, and people whose career and mission might inspire you. One opportunity leads to another, so don’t be afraid to test the waters and see where the road goes.
