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Medicine
Why study Medicine at Cambridge? Undoubtedly, it is a demanding course, but it is also very rewarding. A combination of superb lecturers, a wealth of resources and scientifically rigorous course makes for a unique experience. The outline of the course can be found here: www.cam.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/courses/medicine/outline.html
Emily Smith
Churchill
Medicine, 4th Year
Nottinghamshire
One of the key things to note is that the course has a very traditional structure, with a split between the pre-clinical (years 1-3) and clinical (years 4-6) years. This means that there is very little patient contact in the first three years – but also that you have a solid grounding in the scientific foundation of medicine when you start learning the clinical aspects of the subject.
“ The course is intensive, letting you fully explore your scientific interests ”
Pre-clinical teaching is done through a mixture of lectures and practicals in the centre of Cambridge, along with supervisions (in small groups of about 2-4 students) with other medical students from your college. A typical week in the first year consists of 9 lectures, 3 practicals (including 4 hours per week of dissection as part of anatomy) and 3 supervisions. Supervisions are a key component of the course, because they are a means by which you can be supported in your learning: if there is an aspect of the course that you’re struggling with or don’t quite understand, you can get some help with it in a more informal setting. Equally, if there is something that you want to explore in more depth, this is a chance to do so.
The third year of the course offers you an excellent opportunity to pursue an interest in more depth – most students study a biological subject, with some choosing to complete a research project, whilst others decide to broaden their studies by taking a subject unrelated to Medicine, such as biological anthropology or a foreign language.
Best thing? Sense of camaraderie amongst medics
Around half of Cambridge pre-clinical students complete their clinical years at Cambridge, the other half going to medical schools in London or Oxford. The three clinical years are spent mostly on placement in various hospitals and GP surgeries, gaining experience in the major medical, and also surgical, specialties. There is a big emphasis on learning by practical experience on the wards, through interaction with patients and doctors. This is complemented by lectures, seminars and supervisions, helping to consolidate ward-based learning.
Outside of the course, Cambridge has a lot to offer. Medical students have the same eight-week terms as other undergraduates for the first three years, so you are able to embrace the wide variety of other activities going on in Cambridge. The short terms also make for very long holidays, particularly during the summer months. This means that you are able to work, study, volunteer, travel, do research – the list is endless – during these periods. There are often many grants and bursaries that students can apply to in order to support your plans.
Worst thing? Seemingly endless 9am lectures