Medical schools are looking for students who possess the necessary skills to become excellent doctors. When assessing applications, medical schools seek candidates with three key skills that can be developed through work experience and volunteering: caring ability, communication skills, and reflection ability.
Caring Ability
Medical schools want students who can demonstrate an understanding of how to be caring. This skill can be developed in various ways, including clinical placements in hospitals, GP surgeries, shadowing community nurses, and hospices. However, securing these placements can be challenging, so students should not feel discouraged if they cannot obtain clinical experience. Volunteer work in a care home, with children, or assisting older family members can also provide valuable experience in caring.
Communication Skills
Doctors need to communicate effectively with a diverse range of people daily. Therefore, medical schools look for students who can demonstrate their ability to build relationships through communication. To develop communication skills, students can participate in long-term volunteering, join societies, and observe healthcare professionals.
Reflection Ability
Reflection is a vital skill for medical students and doctors. It enables individuals to think critically about their experiences, identifying what went well, what could have been improved, and the impact on their personal and professional development. Medical schools value students who can demonstrate reflection skills in their personal statements. Keeping a reflection journal is an effective way to develop this skill.
In conclusion, medical schools want students who possess caring ability, communication skills, and reflection ability. These skills can be developed through a range of work experiences and volunteering opportunities, including clinical placements, volunteer work, participating in societies, and observing healthcare professionals. Developing these skills can significantly enhance a student’s medical school application.
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