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In Focus - Robyn Creeden

Robyn Creeden

Year of Study: Year 5

Robyn Creeden tells us all about her journey to medicine, including getting work experience, exploring BSMS on an Open Day, and thinking about what to do if you don’t get into medicine on the first application. Read Robyn’s answers in full below.

What made you want to study at BSMS?

Brighton is such a beautiful part of the country and all the students I met at the open day were super friendly. BSMS is a welcoming place to study which is helped by the relatively small year group (it has grown a bit since I started but still seems smaller than some other medical schools). I didn't get in the first year I applied to medicine but BSMS were really helpful at communicating with me on results day and encouraged me to reapply, so I did and the friendly faces at interview confirmed it was a good decision and here I am now!

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

I applied to my local hospital for the week-long work experience programme they offer to anyone interested in a carer in healthcare. There was an incredibly long waiting list, but I did manage to spend time shadowing the urology ward team and the neurology and neurosurgical team. It was a great opportunity to see different aspects of medicine and join all members of the multidisciplinary team and understand their role in patient centred care.

I decided to take a gap year when I didn't get into medical school the first try so I applied for a job at the hospital and worked as a research assistant for a year in the stroke and cardiovascular team. I am really pleased with the way it all worked out as it meant I could earn some money to support my finances through medical school and pursue my interest in clinical trials early on in my career.

I spent some afternoons volunteering with the activities team in a dementia care home which was a great alternative if hospital work experience is proving difficult to organise. This was another interesting way to interact with the community and learn about communicating with individuals with different needs.

How did you prepare for the BMAT/UCAT?

The BMAT and UCAT websites are very informative and helpful and I used the practise tests online. I also did go to a few courses run by the local universities and worked through a few books of practise questions.

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

There are lots of key topics that I knew I needed to read up on to prepare for the interviews which I mostly found on individual medical school websites. I read up on the NHS values, a little bit of history about it and revised a bit about the books or specialties I'd mentioned in my personal statement. I found some common questions for medical school interviews and wrote out some answers and then practised with my family and family friends a few times to get me used to the pressure of interviews.

What’s your top tip for interviews?

I think the best thing is practice interviews out loud with different people. Preparation on paper will help you have the answers but didn't help me get over my nerves. It's okay to be nervous but if you are feeling a bit more practised and confident, it'll allow you to communicate all that preparation you've done! Looking back, I think previous job interviews also helped build my confidence and be myself on the day.

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

There's no rush - although it feels like a race when you are applying! I never intended to take a gap year but really enjoyed my experience of working in the research team and learnt a lot that I haven't learnt at medical school. The great thing about medicine is that there are lots of opportunities along the way, so it doesn't need to be just about the end goal of graduating as a doctor.

How did you choose which medical schools to apply to?

I chose mainly by location as I didn't want to be too far away from home. I looked at those that were a few hours drive away and then visited them to see if I could imagine myself in the city and went from there!

How did you find/ manage the transition to university?

It was very exciting but also quite overwhelming so I tried lots of different things to work out what worked best for me whether that was sports, societies, nights out, or study style. I think I managed my expectations so was prepared to have ups and downs during such a huge change. I was very lucky to make lots of great friends and was able to check in with them if I was unsure of anything.

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

I definitely went into medicine for the vocational aspect of the course so clinical placements in hospital have been a really interactive way to learn. I find it easier to understand a condition if I have had the opportunity to speak to a patient experiencing it.

What has been your BSMS highlight so far?

I've really enjoyed being part of lots of societies, especially Teddy Bear Hospital where we have visited primary schools and wrapped teddies in bandages with the children to combat white coat syndrome. It's been really cool to be a member of some very active student led societies.

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

This year I live 5 minute's walk from the beach so I have definitely made the most of walks along the beach and swims in the sea after placement!

Do you have a favourite place to visit in Brighton?

Brighton beach (of course!!) and Sea Lanes (which is on the beach).

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

Be resilient! A great skill to learn whatever profession you go into is how to pick yourself up when things may not go as expected. Find a hobby or have a think about ways to relax or unwind when things get a bit overwhelming because it is very normal and will stand you in good stead for your career.