Dawn Sellars

Name : Dawn Sellars
Employer : St George's Medical School
University : University of Cambridge
Subject : BA natural sciences
Graduated : 1997

I didn’t consider studying a medical degree whilst I was at school. However, I have since had a long-term interest in medicine and healthcare. After graduating, I held a number of positions including NHS trainee manager, care assistant and a research position at the Institute of Cancer Research. I’d thought about medical training for a number of years and applied for graduate entry programmes through UCAS. I was required to sit the GAMSAT exam and after being invited to interview at St George’s, was offered a place to study.

The course

The main component of the course is problem-based learning (PBL), and this is integrated with clinical study, working with patients and formal lectures. During a PBL session, a group of students are presented with a case and required to discuss it. Extra information is given at each stage, just as in a real-life situation and students suggest diagnoses. From these sessions, students find out what their study needs are and are supported in this self-directed learning through additional study groups and lectures. 

Exams are taken at the end of each module in years one and two, and at the end of the year in years three and four. The best part of the course is the early patient contact. I also receive financial support from the Department of Health – without this, I would not have been able to study. The grants are set to change but at the moment you can get a grant in excess of £5,000 a year, depending on your financial circumstances, age and geographical location.

Advice to others

It’s important to get work experience in relevant areas to make sure that medicine is the right career choice for you. Most courses will require proof of your commitment to the medical profession and work experience is the best way to demonstrate it.