InterMedic Diaries

The UKFPO announced last year that it would be making some major changes to the foundation programme starting 2024 and I was part of the first cohort to be affected by these changes. Before delving into my experience, let’s walk through a brief background of what has changed and what this means for future junior doctors.

As the curtain draws closer and closer to the end of medical school, one question that keeps getting asked is “what are you going to specialise in?”. On the one hand, we have various doctors trying to convince us why their chosen field is the best, while on the other hand, we are met with some doctors telling us to steer clear of so and so specialty, or even worse, some telling us to leave medicine altogether and run away from the UK while we can!

I remember the hurdles I faced as an international student applying to UK medical schools – the rejections, the never ending expenses, and the uncertainties. It was during this journey that I discovered the importance of exploring alternative pathways to reach our goals. From universities with international campuses to specialised foundation courses, we'll uncover a range of opportunities designed to accommodate diverse backgrounds and circumstances.

With the UK being home to many prestigious and reputable universities and a gateway to many opportunities, it is no surprise that this is one of the most sought-after locations for international students wanting to study medicine. As someone who was once in the position of scavenging the internet for any tips or guidance to help me figure out how to pursue my dreams, I know how daunting the process can be, but don't fret! This post aims to make things a tad bit easier.