University: The University of Western Australia

Undergraduate Degree: Bachelor of Biomedical Science, Integrated Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (IMSCP) | Assured Pathway to Doctor of Medicine

School Subjects: Human Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics Methods, Mathematics Specialist, Music, Engineering, English

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I had never thought too much about what I wanted to pursue after school until around Year 11. What helped me in deciding what to choose was reflecting on my experience with the ATAR subjects I did. I really enjoyed Human Biology ATAR in school and was (and still am) extremely fascinated by the human body. This led me to think about Medicine as a course that I would find interesting and rewarding to study. This interest has eventually driven me to get where I am now as a third-year uni/first-year medical student.

Degree Structure

At UWA, there are essentially two main entry pathways: the leavers assured pathway and the postgraduate pathway. The leavers assured pathway is the Year 12 entry pathway, which I took. Essentially, it involves two years of undergrad in a Bachelor of Biomedical Science (with a med-specific major), followed by direct entry into the standard four years of postgrad medical school. Medical school is then broadly divided into 1.5 years of thoroughly learning the key content/theory and clinical skills, followed by 2.5 years of learning through placements in hospitals.

The postgraduate pathway is for graduates in any degree. This involves completing an undergrad degree, then applying through the postgrad pathway to enter the standard four years of postgrad medical school (same as pathway one, as described above).

If you wish to gain entry through the leavers assured pathway, you’ll have to do UCAT, and for the postgraduate pathway, you’ll do GAMSAT. Both of these are accompanied by an interview process, and for Curtin Medicine, you’ll do a Casper test. I would highly recommend preparing for all of these as early as possible due to the highly competitive nature of medical school applications.

Following completion of medical school (the four years of postgrad medicine), the common route most people take after graduating is:

Theory vs Practical Content

The two years of undergrad are almost entirely theory-based. Following on from undergrad, MD1 (Doctor of Medicine Year 1, which is my third year of uni) and half of MD2 are also mostly theory-based. However, there is a key practical component, which is clinical skills. Once students begin to move to placements for the rest of medical school, the content becomes predominantly practical.

My Experience with Med School Admissions

I began preparing for UCAT in Year 11 but ramped it up in Year 12. Although I do think it’s always better to start early, be careful not to overstudy, as it can lead to burnout. I would say starting UCAT prep in Year 10 is a bit too early. I recommend using free online resources, but also look into paying for UCAT programs if you want extra support and preparation.

It is also just as important to be prepared for the interview stage. Talking to older students to gain an understanding of what to expect in the interview and how to approach answering interview questions (in terms of communication skills) is vital. However, be aware that you aren’t guaranteed to get the same exact questions as a previous person, as med interviews can change over the years. I also found it useful to reflect on and recall past experiences before the interview so that you have these fresh in your head when you have to think quickly on the spot.

At the same time, it’s extremely important to simply be yourself. Don’t put on an act or recite answers like a robot, because most, if not all, of the questions are personal.

Advice to Prospective Medical Students

Medicine is no doubt an intense and difficult course, but if you enjoy the content and find it interesting, I believe it will make studying Medicine so much more rewarding. Therefore, as a word of advice, if you are thinking of doing Medicine, make sure you really want to do it and that there is an internal motivating factor that will help you get through the course. It’s something you’ll be doing for the rest of your life, so it’s important that you enjoy it too!