Medicine is a challenging career which is constantly evolving with each day bringing new developments in medical knowledge. Qualifying as a doctor is only the beginning of a lifelong journey of specialist training and continuous professional development. Working with patients and their families preventing and treating illness is a highly rewarding career which requires compassion, good communication skills, teamwork and resilience to work in a fast paced environment.
If you are interested in becoming a doctor it is advisable to start your career research early. Try to get some work experience in the healthcare sector in Transition Year or take part in one of the TY programmes such as RCSI MiniMed. If you are considering applying to the UK it is important to start your research in 5th year as you will have to sit the UCAT admissions test in the summer before you start 6th year and submit a UCAS application by 15th October of 6th year. If you are considering studying medicine overseas further information is available here
First step to becoming a medical doctor is a recognised degree. An undergraduate degree in medicine can be five or six years long. If you have achieved the required grade in Leaving Certificate Chemistry there are a number of colleges where you are not required to do the foundation year.
All undergraduate medical courses in Ireland require you to sit the HPAT Health Professions Aptitude test. A combination of your Leaving Certificate results and your HPAT are used for consideration for entry to medicine. Further information on HPAT is availablehere.
GAMSAT-Ireland is the route for graduates of any discipline who are applying to medicine via the graduate entry route. Further information is availablehere
On successful completion of the medical degree doctors register with the medical council.
Newly qualified doctors are required to complete a year as a medical intern continuing their education and training in a clinical setting before specialising in their chosen field.
The intern year involves a minimum of twelve months including three months in General Medicine, three months in General Surgery and three to four months in other specialities such as Emergency Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Paediatrics, Psychiatry, Radiology, Anaesthesia, Surgery and Medicine. The recruitment campaign opens in October of each year for posts commencing the following July. Further information is availablehere.
On successful completion of your internship you will be awarded a “Certificate of Experience” by the General Medical Council of Ireland which will enable you to apply for registration in the Trainee Specialist Division of the field you wish to pursue.
Depending on which area you choose to specialise further training will take between three to seven years. This involves supervised clinical training in accredited hospitals throughout Ireland in rotations of up to six months at a time so you must be prepared to move around.
Anaesthesiology, emergency medicine, obstetrics & gynaecology, intensive care, geriatrics, paediatrics and psychiatry are only a few of the diverse range of options available, including training as GP. A full list of medical disciplines, specialities and training pathways is availablehere.
Further information on becoming a doctor is available from the Irish Medical Council.
A selection of providers who offer GAMSAT, HPAT and UCAT preparation courses is listed below. It is important to research other options and make sure that any course you sign up for meets your needs.
GAMSAT
Prepare - GAMSAT - Graduate Medical School Admissions Test - ACER
Gamsat - Some tips from Graduate Entry Medical Students
Gamsat Preparation Courses Ireland
HPAT
Preparation - Health Professions Admission Test - HPAT Ireland
HPAT Ireland - Career Services
UCAT