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In Focus - Jack Whiting

Jack Whiting

Year of Study: Recently qualified FY1

Jack tells us about his experience of being a student at BSMS, how he prepared for interviews and what brought him to study medicine in Brighton. Read his answers below or watch his video here.

What made you want to study at BSMS?

I loved the idea of early clinical exposure, small class sizes and full cadaveric dissection - but in the end visiting Brighton and BSMS for myself was what swung it. An inclusive and vibrant city, a beach, great music scene and night life, premier league football, surrounded by areas of outstanding natural beauty - what's not to love about Brighton?

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

I volunteered helping to teach Makaton at a school for children with disabilities (I had no experience of Makaton, so it was a learning experience for me as well!). This hugely developed my communication skills, and helped me manage challenges with communicating with people from different walks of life. I also worked at McDonald's, which was hugely beneficial - working in a fast paced, stressful environment, with high standards in hygiene and demanding customers was perfect preparation for life as a doctor.

How did you prepare for the BMAT/UCAT?

I used the free resources online, and practised little and often so that I didn't tire myself out!

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

I bullet pointed answers for key questions, so that although I knew the general areas I would cover, it never sounded scripted. I also found people I was scared of, and didn't know very well - senior teachers, parent's work colleagues etc, to ask me question about medicine so that I could get used to answering questions in stressful situations. Applying for normal jobs and undergoing those types of interviews is also very useful!

What’s your top tip for interviews?

It's fine to be nervous - everyone else is as well. Take a deep breath, and use that nervous energy to power you through. Don't try to be someone you're not - medical schools are looking for the 'diamonds in the rough' so they can polish you up. Don't worry if you don't feel like you're the final product yet - you're not meant to be at this stage!

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

You will be very used to being the cleverest, most outstanding high achievers at your respective schools. When you get to medical school, you'll be with the best of the best - and that means many people will be cleverer, more outstanding and even higher achieving that you. But that's okay - you've earned your place there, and you have no idea what else you'll achieve in the future. This is just the beginning.

How did you choose which medical schools to apply to?

I looked at their teaching style (I knew I wanted an integrated course with lots of clinical exposure, and cadaveric dissection) and then I looked their geographical location. I was keen for a small-ish city, in the south of England.

How did you find/ manage the transition to university?

The first night being in halls was scary, but after that, I never looked back. The jump from A-Level to undergraduate education is not as hard as you think - in fact, I think its less than the jump from GCSE to A-Level. In conclusion - don't worry! You'll meet loads of people who are all in the same boat as you, and you'll get on absolutely fine.

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

I have loved the clinical aspects of the BSMS course - I love being part of the team on the wards, and I feel extremely privileged to have seen and been part of things that many other people would never get to experience.

What has been your BSMS highlight so far?

I have had so many highlights at BSMS, it is hard to pinpoint one. Passing my finals exams, especially during the coronavirus, was undeniably an incredible feeling, but there were so many more. Playing sport for BSMS, meeting friends for life, presenting my own research at international conferences, getting involved with the nationally recognised BrightMed programme - I have a lot to thank BSMS for.

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

I love the scenery - on one side of my house I have a 5 minute walk to the beach, and the other I have miles and miles of uninterrupted South Downs countryside. Having premier league football on my door step at the AMEX has also been very satisfying...

Do you have a favourite place to visit in Brighton?

Brighton has so much to offer, and our socials tend to rotate to keep things fresh, but I always love the Sidewinder pub in Kemptown, and VIP pizza is a must-visit for newcomers to Brighton. Make sure you book though, it’s always jam packed!

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

Reflection, reflection, reflection. Think about everything you've done, and how that's changed and developed you as a person. How will that make you a good medical student, and eventually, a good doctor? Keep a journal/list of all these experiences. Be sure to work these reflections into your personal statement and all of your interview question answers.