The Doctor Shortage
Unless you’ve been on an extended news sabbatical, you’ll know that the UK is experiencing an extremely serious shortage of doctors. The doctor shortage isn’t necessarily new news, but it’s getting worse, with Brexit making it harder still to fill vacant positions.
With a lack of international talent, we need to be producing our own doctors, and fast. If we are to fill the pipeline with worthy candidates, we must be educating our brightest students in the Sciences to the highest standards.
Of course, there are other routes to medicine, which we will come on to later. However, by far and away the most common route is directly from A Level to Medical School.
According to the British Medical Association (BMA), Medical schools will generally require candidates to have Chemistry at A Level, and often A Level Biology as well.
One other science subject is frequently required, such as Physics, or Mathematics. A high A Level grade in a non-science subject will usually be accepted as a 3rd A Level.
It’s also worth noting that the majority of Medical schools will not accept A Level general studies, and an increasing number will also not accept A Level critical thinking subjects as relevant qualifications.
As you can see, getting Science qualifications at high grades really does smooth the way forward!
However, while there are numerous other routes to becoming a doctor, there is one in particular which I believe will become more common in the immediate terms: Graduate Access to Medical School Admission Test, otherwise known as GAMSAT.
With so many graduates struggling to find the employment they studied for, the GAMSAT route provides a new range of opportunities.
GAMSAT offers graduates an opportunity to go to Medical school to those who do not have the requisite Science A Levels as outlined above.
As someone who has studied for, and passed the GAMSAT exam, I can tell you it is not for the faint of heart.
GAMSAT is designed to rigorously test a candidate’s reasoning skills as well as all round intellect. This is amplified by the reduced learning time-frame of around 6 months.
GAMSAT is divided into 3 sections to assess capabilities of:
- Reasoning in Humanities and Social Sciences
- Written Communication
- Reasoning in Biological and Physical Sciences
If one is seeking graduate entry to Medical school or considering a career change, I can personally recommend this option to those that are prepared for the task ahead. I am sure that if more people were aware of the GAMSAT option, it would go a long way to solving the doctor shortage.
From a preparedness perspective, this is another area where seeking the help of a private GAMSAT tutor to ensure your significant investment of time is worthwhile.
Each year I successfully tutor and mentor GAMSAT candidates to successful outcomes.
If you would like more information, please get in touch via the Contact page, by emailing me directly or by calling 0207 686 4307.
