• Question: I am really interested in your fields of science and was wondering which course you would reccomend specialising in at the moment?

    Asked by cspooner to Julia, Amy on 16 Jun 2011.
    • Photo: Julia Griffen

      Julia Griffen answered on 16 Jun 2011:

      Hey cspooner, some good questions you;ve had on here… I’m loving it! 🙂

      SO going by your profile you;re aiming for medicine… RESPECT!! That takes alot of work and commitment! it certainly wasn’t for me!

      As in what to specialise in.. (I’m persuming you mean in the medical field).. I’ll be honest and say I have no idea.. I think it’s best to decide as you go along and see which areas you get a feeling for.. best thing is to be open minded..i’ll give you an example:

      A friend of mine did medicine and wanted to be a pediatrician, so she followed and concentrated on these options throughout her studies she enjoyed all her placements etc. Now she’s graduated she’s got the job in the field, but unfotunatley isn’t enjoying it.. she regrets she was so narrow minded… Learn from this!!!

      Hope this helps… know this sounds soft and not very scientific.. but you gotta enjoy what you do.. priority is happiness 🙂

    • Photo: Amy MacQueen

      Amy MacQueen answered on 16 Jun 2011:

      Hey cspooner! As Julia said your questions have been brilliant!

      I’m really glad that you are interested in what we do! My best friend in school has just become a doctor and she is really enjoying it. I think during medical school you get to do lots of rotations in different departments and areas (like renal, cardiac, geriatrics etc) which will help you decide what sort of medicine you want to speicalise in…so I wouldn’t worry too much about that yet – but see what you enjoy during the course and what interests you the most!

      It is a good idea to stay as broad as possible for as long as possible I reckon – so don’t limit yourself too early. The broader your experience and interest the more you can apply what you have done to a new job or situation – obviously at some point you need to specialise in things but until the time comes try to keep your options open!

      If your question relates to what subjects etc you should specialise in at the moment then I think you should find out what the Universities you are interested in require and then build up from that. Do what is needed and then, if you enjoy them, some of the things that are suggested or would make you better equipped for the course.

      It also helps to show that you have an interest in medical things out of school as well – so practical skills like working in an old folks home, or portering/cleaning at a hospital when you are old enough show that you are keen and interested and give you a handle how things work in these environments.

      But remember not to neglect the fun stuff that you like doing to – its good for doctors to be well-rounded people so if you like sport/playing a musical instrument/have a hobby don’t give it all up just to do doctor stuff. Its important that you are still you as well! 🙂 🙂

      Hope it all goes well! What year are you in at the moment? 🙂

Comments

  • Photo: cspooner

    cspooner commented on :

    Thanks very much for the advise! I am currently in year 10 and will be doing my GCSE’s in 2012. I will keep in mind what you have said about making sure I am not too set on one path. Regarding experience, in Singapore you have to be over 16 before you are allowed to work in a hospital and student competition is fierce so I may have to find an old people’s home to help in instead.