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In Focus - Eleanor Deane

Eleanor Deane

Year of Study: Intercalating

Eleanor tells us about her experience of being a student at BSMS, how she prepared for interviews and what brought her to study medicine in Brighton. Read her answers below.

What made you want to study at BSMS?

I had heard about the early clinical exposure, high satisfaction rates and the small family-feel. I also wanted to live in one of the sunniest places in the UK and by the sea. BSMS also have exams at the end of each of the 3 terms which was useful as I could work during the holidays.

What work experience did you undertake before applying to medicine? How was it beneficial?

The biggest part of my work experiences was working as a home carer in the community. It gave me a good idea about how people with a chronic condition requiring support and their families live day-to-day. It also made me sure I could survive some of the sadder and also less glamourous sides of medicine. I also volunteered in a hospital, carrying out patient experience surveys which gave me some insight into how patients experience hospital care.

How did you prepare for the BMAT/UCAT?

I tried to find and attempt lots of past questions. There are lots of hints and tips to be found online!

How did you prepare for your interview(s) for medical school?

I tried to find common interview questions and practised answering these. I thought about how I could demonstrate attributes through things I had experienced.

What’s your top tip for interviews?

I’d try and imagine you are an interviewer. What kind of qualities would you like to see in someone who one day might be your own doctor? And don’t forget to smile!

Is there a piece of advice you wish you could have given your younger self when thinking about/applying to medicine?

It’s good to have lots of interests that are not related to medicine, they usually end up helping you in some roundabout way.

How did you choose which medical schools to apply to?

I looked at how the different courses were taught. I thought about where I could see myself living for 6 years.

How did you find/ manage the transition to university?

I came straight from college and I was just very excited. I would recommend going to the freshers' fairs and getting involved with sports and societies. At BSMS you get to choose sport clubs and societies from BSMS, the university of Sussex and the university of Brighton. There is a lot to do that is free or very heavily subsidised.

Which part of your course have you found the most interesting so far?

Lots to choose from, but probably my psychiatry placement as I got to see forensic psychiatry, early intervention psychosis, the eating disorder service, perinatal psychiatry, and inpatient psychiatry.

What has been your BSMS highlight so far?

Probably being part of societies. Through these, I have taught in schools and helped run conferences, events, and balls.

What is your favourite thing about studying and living in Brighton?

It is close to the sea and the south downs. Brighton has lots of the perks of being a city but is still small enough to walk or cycle most places.

Do you have a favourite place to visit in Brighton?

There are lots of good places to cycle or run. I like Ditchling Beacon, Devils Dyke, Undercliff Walk and Stamner Park. Also, North Laine and The Lanes are both great to explore.

What is your top tip for prospective applicants applying to study medicine?

Find out as much as you can about the course and the area. When you are excited to study somewhere it can really help with your own motivation and really shines through at interview. Make sure to have a look at the Medical Schools Council’s document on core values and attributes needed to study medicine before your interview.