Don't Be Afraid Of A Different Path

Hi everyone! My name is Hailey. I am a qualified Anatomist and currently a second year medical student studying at the University of Dundee.

I always knew I wanted to do medicine from a young age. However, coming from a low progression high school and a very deprived area, people getting into medical school was rare (and I mean rare!).

This worried me a little because I was unsure about the level of support that I would get and whether or not I would have a fighting chance of getting into medical school. Despite getting the grades and experience, I unfortunately didn't get into medical school when I was leaving high school. I was so distraught at the time and I honestly had no idea what I was going to do because my mind was so set on medicine. It was all I ever wanted to do. I also felt I had let so many people down as I was the first person in my family to even consider medicine and I know I had so many people cheering me on.

I wish I knew the alternative options to getting into medicine in much more detail at the time. I feel this would have helped me to make an informed plan of my future and make me worry less about what I was going to do. I also feel that not getting into medical school should be talked about more often because it is hard. Medicine is not the easiest to get into and people should be made aware that success can still come to those who take a different path. It doesn't mean we weren't good enough or smart enough at the time, but instead it's more that it wasn't the right time. And that is okay! I feel we are sometimes conditioned to getting things right the first time around and if we don't, it is seen as failure. But as a matter of fact, it is quite the opposite. It's a learning curve and sometimes in life, we have to try a few times before we get there.

It took me a while to realise that not getting into medicine the first time around was actually a blessing. I ended up going to Glasgow University to study Anatomy for 4 years and it was honestly the best decision I had ever made. I quickly realised I was not ready for medical school at the age of 17. I had very little confidence in myself, and my abilities. I gave myself time to grow, experience the world and figure out if medicine was really what I wanted to do. I experienced university life, met so many intelligent individuals and I had so many learning opportunities that I have come to be extremely grateful for.

After 4 years, I was still set on going to medical school and becoming the doctor I had always wanted to be. This time around I felt ready, and I knew this was where I wanted to be in life. Luckily, I managed to get into medical school and got into a medical school I always wanted to go to, Dundee. I am now in 2nd year and having the best time. I love learning and I have met so many amazing people along the way.

My advice to you all is if you don’t get into medical school the first time, don’t fret. There are so many other avenues to get into medical school and sometimes those are the best ways. Whether that would be another degree, going through Gateway or taking a gap year, take your time. There is no rush. If medicine is what you really want to do, keep working hard and get the support you need to get over any hurdles that may come your way. You will get there. What is for you, won’t go by you!