Unsuccessful Application to Medicine

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JohnJuniorV3

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Hi all,

So today I found out that all my applications to various varsities have been unsuccessful. I have decided to not let this set me back as my dream is to do a form of medicine and help others as it feeds my happiness, regardless of how long it will take.

So I know of the GEMP program which is currently one of my options after 3rd year, however I’m seeking advice as to whether it is possible to transfer from BSc mid-course to MBCHB? I know that TUKs offers the chance to transfer mid-year and at the end of first year as they have 30-50 positions available for BSc students (one of my friends sibling is a medical student there thus I know).

My question is: do other varsities offer this option too, or is GEMP the only option? I have phoned around but I receive different answers each time.

I am currently looking at overseas universities too, however I think the medical opportunities and experience that can be gained here are more beneficial so I would prefer remaining in SA.

I would really appreciate some advice as to what I should do regardless if the process adds a few more years.
 
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Try talking with the head of department for medicine at the university you wish to study, they should be able to guide you.
 
That sucks man. I know of a few people who had transferred from doing a BSC to dentistry - this was about 5-8 years ago. I think you just need to choose subjects that match the mbchb course as much as possible to be able to switch.

I know of a few others who went to other places like Mauritius and Cayman islands but they faced strife coming back to home countries. HPCSA treat them like second class docs .it's a bit difficult.

Good luck.
 
Johnatan56 said:
Try talking with the head of department for medicine at the university you wish to study, they should be able to guide you.
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I have fortunately managed to setup a meeting with a professor at WITS, but the issue with this is that I’m definitely not the only one who is seeking for answers so the departments are so bombarded that I can’t even get through on their phone lines.
 
InternetLuddite said:
That sucks man. I know of a few people who had transferred from doing a BSC to dentistry - this was about 5-8 years ago. I think you just need to choose subjects that match the mbchb course as much as possible to be able to switch.

I know of a few others who went to other places like Mauritius and Cayman islands but they faced strife coming back to home countries. HPCSA treat them like second class docs .it's a bit difficult.

Good luck.
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I also read about the troubles of returning to SA which is also one of the reasons I would like to stay here. Thank you for the advice though :) Is not really familiar with choosing subjects, I thought it is set in stone once you register for the degree?.. I know BSc first year is the same as medicine first year if not more.
 
I know Stellenbosch used to offer that option. I also know of people that have tried this route, and failed, despite finishing their Honours in Sc at the top of their class.

I'm mighty glad I got in 20 years ago - I can assure you less than 10% of my class mates would have gotten in by today's standards.
 
Wew no wonder my mentee was worried back in 2013. He got 8 distinctions and average 92% but was still worried about not being accepted in UCT Medicine. Is competition that tough?
 
HashiraMadara said:
Wew no wonder my mentee was worried back in 2013. He got 8 distinctions and average 92% but was still worried about not being accepted in UCT Medicine. Is competition that tough?
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I guess it will depend within which part of the quota system you fall into. The competition for the groups who has smaller quotas will be much harsher.
 
oliverwww said:
I think the quota system is designed for fairness, I didn’t let is defer me- infact it only made me work harder.
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Yeah, fairness. Drama at my stepdaughter's school as two friends applied. The one with higher marks didn't make it, the one with lower marks did. High marks white girl, lower marks Chinese girl.

Fair?
 
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For interest sake OP, what part of medicine interests you? eg. Is it the knowledge of the human body and processes itself, or the working with ill people or even making money? Maybe there is another field that aligns just as well with your interests.
I for one love the physiology, biochemistry, anatomy and even psychology fields, but I have no interest in being a doctor - I just don't have the personality for it. But were I just done with school and trying to find a field to study, doctor would come up first because it ticks most boxes.
 
Wits definitely used to let you transfer across. I have a friend that went the BSc route at Wits. He applied ever year while doing his undergraduate but only got accepted in his honours year. So he only got in on his 4th application. This was 15 years ago so not sure if the policy has changed.
 
Another option I would recommend is biomedical engineering. My brother recently finished it. With medicine more and more interfacing machines with the human body it is an interesting field. Its a very tough degree with the highest drop out rate of just about any degree but with that CV I think you could manage it.
 
oliverwww said:
To be honest, I’m very interested in helping the sick while being interested knowledge of the human body. After doing community service at various hospitals I have found a passion to follow the trauma surgeon around - the rush and excitement of seeing something new all the time has become like a drug.
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If you like helping people and the rush of the trauma surgeon, wouldn't becoming a paramedic interest you?
 
South Africa really needs Private Medical Colleges like how they have for Business and IT.
 
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