The Unofficial Guide to Getting Into Medical School

Bogdan Chiva Giurca BMBS has worked globally in widening access to medical school, through setting up Medefine Education - a network of 500+ successful and enthusiastic medical students and doctors from all over the UK. For his achievements, he has been granted a series of outstanding awards including New Leaders Award (2018), Student Leader of the Year (2016-2017), Medical Student of the Year (2017-2018, College of Medicine), as well as meeting HRH Prince of Wales on two occasions and receiving an honorarium for community impact.

Reviews of the previous edition:"This book comes from experience of the nightmare that many young students face trying to become doctors. I wish there had been such a useful and easy accessible guide when I decided medicine was for me! I can see it will be an invaluable tool to hold the hand of any prospective medical student and guide them along the first path towards becoming a medical practitioner. Luck has a part to play but preparation is paramount to make it over the first hurdle and this book has it all." --Professor Peter Abrahams MBBS FRCS(ED) FRCR DO(Hon) FHEA. Prof Emeritus of Clinical Anatomy"This highly readable book debunks some of the myths associated with successful application to medical school and will be of benefit to applicants, careers advisors and teachers. Painstakingly researched using personal testimonies from current medical students this book succeeds in demystifying the application process. Widening participation remains one of the big challenges in Medicine today. This book demystifies the application process and gives welcome encouragement to all contemplating applying to UK Medical schools." --Dr Kate Lovett. Dean, Royal College of Psychiatrists"This book takes a refreshingly new approach to the issues of deciding to apply to medical school and the processes involved. It is particularly relevant in that it is written by medical students who have recently gone through the process. The work takes a practical and pragmatic approach to hurdles and advises how to overcome the problems associated with such a new venture for usually young persons. It is written in a light-hearted style and provides answers to many of the commoner questions that are asked by those launching into a new career and in an area that is quite frightening in many ways in that it deals with people and their bodies, their worries and their fears, their illnesses and their expectations." --Dr Christopher Gardner-Thorpe MD FRCP FRCPE FACP. Consultant Neurologist. President, Faculty of the History and Philosophy of Medicine and Pharmacy, and History Courses Director, Society of Apothecaries, London."Every entry process has its hoops and processes and `The Unofficial Guide to Getting into Medical School' is designed to help you navigate these and demonstrate why you are special and why you should be offered a medical school place. It is written by a distinguished group of medical students, who have based their book on numerous surveys, discussions, and personal experience. This innovative book represents the definitive guide for anyone wanting to maximize their chances of becoming a doctor. As you go through the application process use this book as a guide through the toughest storms until you finally succeed. Endurance lies behind the success of every great doctor and this book will help you to reach that starting point of the best career ever." --Professor Michael Dixon LVO OBE FRCGP. Chair of the College of Medicine. Social Prescription Champion NHS England. Visiting Professor University College London."This unique book represents a comprehensive step by step guide of the medical school application process. Its content is based on real life examples shared by hundreds of successful medical students and current applicants. The style of writing is inspirational and motivational at times, empowering medical applicants to aspire reaching their full potential." --Dr Mahiben Maruthappu. Senior Fellow to the CEO of the NHS and Chair of the UKMSA

• 1. Introduction: Setting Up the Scene2. Medicine: Past, Present and Future3. UK Medical Practice and Career Progression4. The Different Roles of a Doctor5. Medical Ethics and Law6. Work Experience: Getting Involved7. Mastering Entrance Exams: The UCAT and BMAT8. Dissecting the Perfect Medical School Personal Statement9. Acing the Medical School Interview10. A Guide for Nontraditional Applicants