Question: Hi, in your work history it said you were a junior hospital doctor, im planning to maybe become a doctor have you got any tips that could help me along the way?

James Chan answered on 25 Mar 2011:

Hi Leonie,
Great to hear you are considering medicine! Yes, lots of tips. I have sat on the interview panel for a medical school so I have a good idea what people like.
Obviously, you have to study hard to do well in your exams as you’ll need to get your A’s, but one important thing is that you’ve got to show that you are a well-rounded individual. In other words, medical school likes to see somebody who is enthusiastic not only in their studies, but in an extracurricular activity, whether it’s art, music, sports or whatever. You must also show that you are a team player with leadership qualities and that you have good communication skills, so taking up positions of responsibility at school like becoming a prefect, or being in some sort of society would help. Equally important is to demonstrate that you’re serious and keen about becoming a medic and so you have to arrange to do lots of work experience, in hospitals, nursing homes, laboratories and so on. I hope this is helpful!