Perhaps your students ask, “Is medicine right for me?” They
probably already have the ability to score well in exams and
gain admission to a medical school. But before they make one of
the most important decisions of their life, they need to have a
realistic idea of what to expect. Here are some things you could
point out that they need:
Aptitude
The entry criteria for medicine are designed to ensure students
possess the right qualities.
Leaving Certificate points
measure academic abilities and proficiency in core subjects. The HPAT
tests cognitive and emotional reasoning skills, as well as the ability to perform under extreme
pressure.
These are all skills that doctors require.
Passion
Few people succeed in any career without passion. Yes, medicine
is an incredibly interesting subject to study, but students also need
a genuine interest. There’s no better way to develop students’
passion than to research the careers of medical practitioners
and read about their journey. Our own Head of Education,
Dr Ann Deely, shares some of her experiences and passion in our HPAT workshops.
Commitment
Students should be realistic about the commitment they’ll be making. Medicine is a
career that involves lifelong learning. In addition to 5-6 years
of university studies, it can take up to ten years to
independently practice some forms of
medicine.
Then the real commitment begins. Most people understand the rewards but it’s difficult to get a
realistic
idea of the challenges of medicine. Being responsible for people’s health requires commitment and
sacrifice.
Understanding
Before they make a decision to study medicine, we highly recommend
that your students speak to as many practicing physicians as possible,
read case studies, and carefully research the medical entry
process.