University: Curtin University

Degree: Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)

School Subjects: Mathematics Methods, English, Chemistry, Physics, Human Biology

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Starting medical school is a leap into the unknown, but my experience has been more rewarding than I could have ever expected. Now 2 years into the 5-year course, I’m confident in saying I’ve grown academically and personally. My appreciation for medicine’s complexities has deepened, all the while the sense of community within the MBBS cohort is what has made this journey all the more special.

My 1st year of Med School

The first year at Curtin Medical School (CMS) is all about laying the groundwork. Subjects like anatomy, biochemistry, and physiology take centre stage, with limited but essential clinical exposure. Problem-Based Learning (PBL) is a standout feature for me. Through working in small groups on weekly clinical cases, PBL ties theoretical learning to practical scenarios. I love this practical aspect as it not only helps me see how everything is applicable in real life, but it also taught me how to think like a doctor – a core skill throughout any medical career.

A core pillar of the CMS curriculum is clinical skills, which runs alongside theoretical learning throughout the program. In first year, this means learning the basics of taking patient histories and building confidence in communication. By the second year and beyond, you transition into practical exams like performing a prostate examination or assessing the cardiovascular system. These moments make you feel like you’re truly becoming a doctor. The integration of these skills from day one ensures that by the time you enter hospitals, you’re already familiar with the tools and techniques needed for patient care.

My 2nd year of Med School and what comes next

The leap from 1st to 2nd year is known as the biggest step-up in the program. Where the 1st year focuses on “what is going right in the human body,” the 2nd year shifts to “what is going wrong.” The curriculum becomes more clinical, with a year-long medicine unit divided into focused blocks including neoplasia, respiratory, renal, cardiovascular, obstetrics, pharmacology, haematology, immunology, embryology, and endocrinology. These blocks challenge you to apply foundational knowledge to complex medical problems, a shift that is both intense and rewarding.

By 2nd year, the integration of clinical skills becomes even more pronounced, complementing the theoretical knowledge gained in these blocks. It’s during this year that you start to feel like a doctor in training, as the skills you learn are directly applicable to patient care. These focused ‘blocks’ continue into 3rd year with content such as neurology, psychiatry, musculoskeletal, and gastrointestinal systems being taught.

One of the biggest highlights of CMS is the practicality of the work, and 4th and 5th years are exactly that as they’re fully based in hospitals, focusing on management and treatment. These years are where you put all the pieces together, working alongside healthcare professionals to refine your skills and apply your learning in real-world settings.

Tight-knit Cohort

One of the most rewarding aspects of CMS is the strong sense of community. You get to know your cohort quickly, which is fantastic given how much time you spend together. Whether it’s working on group projects, attending lectures, or tackling PBL cases, being surrounded by like-minded individuals fosters strong friendships and a supportive environment. I found that this sense of camaraderie is invaluable as you navigate the challenges of medical school.

Student life at CMS is also vibrant, with numerous student-run clubs that offer opportunities for academic support, networking, and socialising. Joining these clubs not only helps you stay balanced but also deepens your involvement in the med school community. It’s a great way to meet people outside your immediate cohort and gain insight from students in other year levels.

Medical School Admissions – My Experience

I began UCAT preparation at the beginning of Year 12 and treated it like an ATAR subject. I dedicated approximately 10 hours per week to prepare for it, just like I would for any other subject like Chemistry etc. I used a paid program called ICanMed, which provides you with a schedule, resources, and informs you of what progression you must reach and by which time frame. Despite starting early in Year 12, this was considered a very late start. I had to play catch-up to meet the expected progression signposts throughout the year. Hence, my biggest tip is to start as early as you can – preferably during the school holidays after finishing Year 11. The resources I used were purely from ICanMed, and then a few weeks out from sitting the UCAT, I used the free resources given to everyone. In my opinion, these free question banks are not enough as you must have refined techniques for each section before you attempt the UCAT, otherwise, you will be wasting these resources.

Med interviews are tough to offer reliable advice as they’ve changed significantly over the past few years. ICanMed also has a paid interview program, which I’ve heard is great. However, I didn’t use it, so I can’t give my personal experience with it. General pieces of advice are to be up to date and opinionated on relevant social and global issues. Having a strong argument and developed ideas for classic ethical debates (e.g. abortion, euthanasia etc.) and, most importantly, a strong answer to “Why do you want to do Med?” is essential. Answering with “I like science, and I want to help people” is a guaranteed way to get overlooked. Preparing a strong personal anecdote or recalling an experience that demonstrates tangible evidence of your passion for a medical career is important.

Curtin medicine also requires applicants to sit the CASPER test, which is new, so I didn’t have to do it. If you want to read about it, click here.

Advice for Future Uni Students

CMS isn’t just about academics; it’s a holistic journey that combines knowledge, skills, and community. For new students, my advice is to embrace every opportunity. Get involved with student clubs and lean on your cohort for support. The friendships you form and the skills you develop will carry you through the program and beyond. I’m always on the lookout to connect and guide the future generation of med students, so always feel free to reach out!