Dr Austen SpruceMedical Careers Day

Health Care in Birmingham

Entry requirements for medicine: Selection for

interview

Medicine at Birmingham

Two different degree programmes 5-year (after A-levels) Graduate entry (4-year)

Biology-related degree first usually Able to relax A-level grades

Getting the numbers right

345 places; 2,250 applications National data: 8,000 places; 20,000 applications Conversion rate (percentage of applicants who

accept an offer) – 50% So, make 750 offers Interview >1,200 (an increase)

Means of selection for interview Using UCAS data ……. Predictors of success?

Best evidence for school-leaving qualifications Aptitude tests - (UKCAT NOT used) Personal statement / reference

Selection primarily based on academic results But, contextual information will be used to select

proportion of interview candidates

Academic Profile

GCSEs: Preference for A* in Science, Maths and English Relaxed for applicants who meet contextual threshold

International Baccalaureate – 36 pts Biology and Chemistry at Higher Level

Academic Profile – contd. AS-levels: used for selection

Final result at end of year 12 (not unit marks)

Threshold – AAAA (relaxed for candidates identified using contextual data)

A2-levels: Three subjects (no advantage with four)

Chemistry + Biology + other academic subject

Concern if additional two subjects are insufficiently academic (e.g. Drama and Art)

What else? Academic results do not identify best doctors No psychological testing – not useful anyway? But, looking for “well-rounded”, motivated

individuals Work experience and extra-curricular activities

Extent of “involvement” judged using personal statement – acceptable threshold?

Assessed formally at interview

The interview and getting the right work experience

Work experience Direct clinical observation not required

Not used to full advantage

Negative influence on in-depth research!?

Investigate the career Information from news reports

Evidence of commitment to a “public servant” role Health care experience: Long-term; caring for

vulnerable people

Incl. paid work

The interview – New mechanism Multiple Mini-Interviews Initially, only 4 stations – 5 min at each Assessed characteristics:

Interpersonal communication Motivation and understanding of medicine Ethical reasoning Logical reasoning Compassion

Format: 1-to-1 discussion; Interaction with actor; task to complete