BSMS > About BSMS > Information for schools, teachers and parents > In Focus - Oli Reigler

In Focus - Oli Reigler

Oli Reigler

Year of Study: Year 4

Oli Reigler 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 in full below.

What made you want to study at BSMS?

There were numerous reasons why I applied to BSMS. I did BrightMed from year 9 and so had a lot of experience within the medical school and absolutely loved those sessions. The attitude, humility and helpful nature of those BSMS students who were the mentors convinced me of the kind of environment I would be enrolling into. This in combination with the welcoming staff who did the hard work of organizing these sessions showed me the support I would get as a medical student. I thought the opportunity to do dissection rather than prosection was a privilege, but also a unique learning opportunity and the experience of the dissection suite has only improved since I started back in 2017. I preferred medical schools with a tight-knit, community feel which I felt more likely to be able to get at a smaller medical school, which was echoed in the student satisfaction ratings. Lastly, growing up half an hour outside Brighton I always loved the city and it's location was an added bonus to the more important academic components of the course.

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

I shadowed a nursing drop in clinic throughout a half-term during college that was part of a homelessness shelter. Not only showing me the importance of community care, but also allowing me a deeper appreciation of some of the healthcare inequalities that are felt by the homeless community. I also took part in the dementia R.E.A.C.H program at my local DGH which was aimed to communicate with patients suffering from dementia and preventing the feelings of loneliness that can often occur when on a protracted hospital stay.

How did you prepare for the BMAT/UCAT?

Past questions, past questions and more past questions. On reflection, I should have been more organised and allowed myself more time to get to grips with the abstract reasoning in UCAT, which I found the hardest. BMAT ninja was my weapon of choice for BMAT preparation and tackling these questions with a friend helped no end. Discussing answers and contrasting our methods was a good way for me to reflect on my understanding.

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

I attended every college session that discussed interviews and after asking a couple of people around the college was able to organise a medical school mock interview, as not many people from my college had applied to medicine before. Always ask your college! I found the BrightMed mock interviews really helpful as well.

What’s your top tip for interviews?

Understanding when to take a deep breath and give yourself five seconds is the most important thing I discovered when doing my preparation. Give yourself the time to set up a logical answer in your head and when you start speaking be confident. They want to hear your viewpoint so of course provide balance, but allow your confidence to show.

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

Don't put so much pressure on yourself! Sometimes 1 hour of intense revision is better than 4 when you're tired or need a break. Everyone has their own method and path - don't waste time trying to copy someone else's.

How did you choose which medical schools to apply to?

Student satisfaction was significant to me as I felt it reveals a lot about life in general at a university. The course itself is important and the feel it gives you if you decide to go for an open day. Consider your grades as well as you only get 4 choices so make them count - some even look way back to your GCSE grades!

How did you find/ manage the transition to university?

I didn't find it to be too significant a jump. The biggest change was in presentations, which I had to improve quickly but I had come off the IB which involved a lot of coursework so I felt well equipped for the essays. However, I think for me those were the two areas where the biggest jump was. After the first term, you learn new content which is both exciting but a little more difficult!

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

Studying the brain has probably been the area I've become most interested in. My psychiatry placement definitely accelerated this initial intrigue. In fact, I recently did an intercalated degree in Neuroscience because I've enjoyed my teaching on the brain so much.

What has been your BSMS highlight so far?

Meeting the people of the medical school. This includes the friends that you make along the way, the incredibly supportive staff and especially the patients when you get to clinical years. Meeting patients reminds you why you wanted to do this course in the first place.

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

Studying at the campus just outside the city is fantastic as it allows a sense of community within the university, but also allows you to be only 5-10 minutes away from a vibrant city. Brighton is home to a whole host of activities that cater to everyone which allows everyone to relax on the weekend! Also, who doesn't like the beach (even if it is a bit stony)?

Do you have a favourite place to visit in Brighton?

I've been to a few gigs at The Dome in Brighton. I've never had a bad night there!

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

Work hard and work smart. The value of digging deep and really trying is a lifelong skill and one that you need to have in medical school. However, knowing when to give yourself a break, understanding how best you study are key things that most students take an age to discover. Finding out what works for you early will help guide you in the future.