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Accept offer or reapply in the UK

  • 07-08-2018 8:44am
    #1
    Aiezsedai
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2 ✭


    Hello,
    I have been offered a place for a GEM course in Ireland. I applied to Ireland a bit spontaneously because my attempts to get into a UK programme for two years have been unsuccessful (I found it a bit weird to be honest that interviews are nonexistent in Ireland but certainly helped me get in easier). I am not from the UK, I am Bulgarian, but I have done my undergrad and MSc in the UK. I have been looking though the forums here and the situation with Ireland’s medical training post-GEM seems pretty grim. Few consultant posts, very low quality of life and complaining people seem to be the norm? With Brexit looming and not being a UK citizen I think that studying in Ireland would mean training in Ireland. So, is there any recent improvement in the HSE? Is there light in the tunnel? And how are things looking for neurology and psychiatry specialities in Ireland? Is it really still the case that you get moved around the country every six or twelve months? And that even as a neurologist you end up looking after patients with problems unrelated to neurology (cardio, endo, gastro, etc)?

    My other option is basically deferring Ireland and reapplying in the UK. However, I am going tove 26 in October and starting to feel old...


Comments

  • #2
    Celestial12
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 346 ✭✭Celestial12


    There's not really a right or wrong decision in this situation, you have to go with what you think is best. I don't think 1 year is going to make a difference in terms of age - so don't let that affect your decision. If you think it's worth applying to the UK again, then go for it. However, if you get an offer you'll be starting the course post Brexit.

    Irish medical schools have a good international reputation, so I don't think you'll be limited in any way in terms of training opportunities. A lot of Irish Medical Graduates complete training abroad. You'll get a GEM offer from Ireland again next year if the UK option doesn't work out.


  • #3
    Rainbowdash1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 63 ✭✭Rainbowdash1


    26 is not old! !!


  • #4
    futuremedic777
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 67 ✭✭futuremedic777


    Aiezsedai wrote: »
    Hello,
    I have been offered a place for a GEM course in Ireland. I applied to Ireland a bit spontaneously because my attempts to get into a UK programme for two years have been unsuccessful (I found it a bit weird to be honest that interviews are nonexistent in Ireland but certainly helped me get in easier).  I am not from the UK, I am Bulgarian, but I have done my undergrad and MSc in the UK. I have been looking though the forums here and the situation with Ireland’s medical training post-GEM seems pretty grim. Few consultant posts, very low quality of life and  complaining people seem to be the norm? With Brexit looming and not being a UK citizen I think that studying in Ireland would mean training in Ireland. So, is there any recent improvement in the HSE? Is there light in the tunnel? And how are things looking for neurology and psychiatry specialities in Ireland? Is it really still the case that you get moved around the country every six or twelve months? And that even as a neurologist you end up looking after patients with problems unrelated to neurology (cardio, endo, gastro, etc)?

    My other option is basically deferring Ireland and reapplying in the UK. However, I am going tove 26 in October and starting to feel old...
    Oh wow great to see another student from the UK, I'm also in your shoes, I couldn't get into a UK uni this year but received an offer to ireland, should I also wait another year? I chose not too, because why wait another year? there really isn't a difference in terms of prospects, if we wanted to move back after completion, nothing will hold us back, unless there's another reason why you'd need to stay in the UK?
    And this wasn't a spontaneous decision for me as I applied for irish med-schools last year, but couldn't get in with my previous gamsat score, so I've spent a while researching ireland's healthcare system. 
    To be honest, from what you've considered, We shouldn't worry about where you'll end up as an intern after GEM, the point is to get in and finish with flying colours. A good number of irish GEM-students tend to get their training abroad, whether they're EU or international students. I've heard some UK students in irish schools start in the NHS straight after graduating. I might plan on returning to the UK, Canada or stay in Ireland after graduating.
    But in terms of finding work, or a suitable placement post-GEM, you'll have a lot to pick from, irish med-schools have prep-courses for med-students planning to train in the US,UK,Canada,Australia etc. It's like a great environment for expat-meds.
    HSE > NHS in terms of  salary for interns/Junior Doctors, but flips around once you specialise or reach consultancy level.


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