how do you become a doctor?

HOW DO YOU BECOME A DOCTOR?

There are a number of ways to ‘get in’ to study medicine

1. Graduate entry: Study an undergraduate degree and then sit the GAMSAT

2. Undergraduate: Apply for direct entry as a school leaver and sit the UMAT

19 universities in Australia (School of Medicine)

Queensland universities offering MBBS

University of Queensland (UQ) Griffith University James Cook University (JCU) Bond University

NSW University of New England

(UNE)

Medical degree format

30 – 40 hours/ week contact time (+10-20 hours/ week extra study time)

Varies at each University Within a medical degree:

Examine the normal human body: Structure. function . Development.

Abnormal structure, function and development of the human body.

Common disease states: Recognising illness. Diagnosing illness. Developing clinical reasoning. Managing common conditions from an evidence

based approach. Clinical skills are developed through participation

in certain skills, general practice and ward-based sessions.

The role of the doctor within the profession wider society: including the social, economic,

population and cultural bases of health in contemporary Australia. (this incorporates Indigenous health issues).

Skills in communication, physical examination and professional practice are further developed.

These clinical years also consolidate and integrate the students’ experiences in the early years of the program.

Prepare for internship.

The universities…

UQ

Over 500 positions per year Can apply as undergraduate or postgraduate

Either way, applicant must complete an undergraduate degree

Located in Brisbane Cost $10085/ year ($40340 in total) MBBS is a 4 year degree 50% of these places for undergraduate and

50% for graduate entry

Undergraduate

Must achieve OP1 UMAT – mark >192 (2012) out of 300 Must complete any degree offered by UQ

(must receive GPA of 5 or above)

This form of entry guarantees the applicant a position to study medicine (assuming degree

completed within allocated time)

Postgraduate

Previous bachelor degree with GPA ≥5 within 9 years

GAMSAT entry results (year dependant) School subjects don’t matter for graduate

entry

Non-bonded entry 2013: 71 (Commonwealth Supported Places)

Bonded (Rural) 2013: 69 (4 year Rural) Bonded (Remote) 2013: 61 (4 year Remote)

Griffith University

150 domestic places, 15 international places (full fee paying) 50-70 from Bachelor of Medical Science (2 year

fast track degree) ~100 postgraduate students

Cost $10085/ year ($40340 in total) 4 year degree Located at Gold Coast, Logan, Brisbane but

can study year 3/4 DD/ SB/ Lockyer

Undergraduate

Must do the Bachelor of Medical Science (without need for UMAT, GAMSAT, or interview) VERY COMPETITIVE!!! 2 year fast track degree

Must achieve OP 1 With prerequisites (Math B, Chemistry, Physics)

GPA ≥5 Must pass Human Skills for Medicine

Postgraduate

Completion of undergraduate bachelor degree within 9 years (GPA 50% weighting)

School subjects don’t matter for graduate entry

GAMSAT result (year dependent) 2013 entry: mid 60’s (50% weighting)

Interview (GUMSAA) Griffith University Multi Stations Admission

Assessment

JCU

Undergraduate degree only 6 year degree

4 years in Townsville 2 clinical years (Townsville, Cairns, Mackay,

Darwin) Cost- $10085/ year ($60510 total) Takes about 150 places/ year (10-15 for non-

year 12 applicants)

Application

Apply via QTAC OP dependant (changes yearly) Requires year 12 English, Math B, Chemistry GPA used if entering as postgraduate student

Written application form Interview JCU does not use the UMAT as part of its

entry requirements

Bond

Private university, therefore no CSP Cost $317,114 Located at Gold Coast Undergraduate degree only 4 years & 8 months (clinical) duration

Undergraduate

Apply via QTAC Based on overall secondary academic results

which must include Year 12 Chemistry, Maths B (or equivalent) and English

UMAT results Structured interview ranking

Only uni with mid-year intake (for Medicine)

Postgraduate

Still study undergraduate degree Based on GPA (within 9 years) Interview ranking GAMSAT is not required

UNE

Undergraduate degree Can apply as undergraduate or postgraduate 5 year degree Located in Armidale, NSW (can study at

Newcastle) Cost $9425/ year (CSP), $40, 840 (full-fee) Takes 170 places/year (110 CSP)

Application

On-line application Apply using UAC process ATAR 94.3 (2013)/ GPA UMAT Interview (8 stations)

What undergraduate degree should I do?