Dilruba Boksh (DB): To start, could you introduce yourself and take us through your educational journey, from your GCSEs and A levels through your first degree and how that path eventually led you to studying medicine?

Daanish Mahmood (DM): I’m Daanish, 27, from the UK, currently in my final week of medical school at the University of Aberdeen.

It all started back in 2014 with my GCSEs. I took sciences, maths, English, and a few other subjects. At A level, I studied chemistry, biology, maths, and economics, though I dropped economics after the first year. I ended up with three Cs. I’d been a strong student but lost focus in the final year and didn’t know how to study effectively.

I applied for medicine and got an interview at Nottingham before my results were out. I had no idea how to prepare and treated it like a normal job interview. I did badly and didn’t get an offer. The other universities rejected me too, so I accepted my fifth choice: Biomedical Science at Aston University.

At first, I wasn’t sure what I was doing. But in second year, I became more focused, spoke to mentors who had transitioned from Biomed to Medicine, and realised once more that medicine was for me. I enjoyed tutoring, loved subjects like anatomy, and began gaining work experience—care homes, GP surgeries and preparing for the UCAT. But balancing it with my degree was tough, so I decided to finish my degree first.

After graduating with a 2:1, I reapplied. My second UCAT score was much better, and my personal statement improved a lot. I applied only to 5-year undergraduate courses, avoiding the more competitive graduate-entry programs.

This time, I was ready. The interview went really well. I was confident and prepared, and I got an unconditional offer. Studying medicine felt like a fresh start. These five years went really well. Starting later taught me how to study, work effectively, and maintain balance. I learned those lessons through experience.

(DB): Many students reconsider their goals after rejection or exploring new interests during their first degree. What helped you stay committed to pursuing medicine afterward?

(DM): Nothing else gave me the same satisfaction. I looked into careers like physician associate, biomedical science, research, and psychology. I compared salaries, career growth, and work environments, but most roles were either in labs or at desks, and I enjoy working with people. Psychology came close, in fact I am now aiming for psychiatry, but it lacked the medical depth and range I wanted.

My parents supported me, especially my mum. She believed I had the qualities of a doctor such as being caring, empathetic, a good listener, and capable of managing the demands of the course. While working at medical school open days, I received individual guidance from a medical admissions lead, which kept me focused.

Nothing else excited me or offered the same challenge, growth, and global opportunities. Medicine was the only path that truly fit.

(DB): What made you choose the 5-year medicine course over the 4-year graduate entry route, and was the application process any different?

(DM): The 5-year course have lower entry barriers. UCAT scores and work experience were more manageable compared to the highly competitive graduate entry route, which expects higher scores and hands-on clinical experience. Most applicants have strong CVs and have often applied before.

The 5-year course was challenging, but more achievable. As a graduate, my maturity, academic background, and interview confidence gave me an edge. At Aberdeen, everyone was assessed together, so I felt I stood out among school leavers.

A first-class degree helps. My peer with a first got more interviews. I might have aimed for it, but a 2.1 still got me in, so it is possible.

(DB): Looking back, which elements of your application do you think strengthened it most, whether academic or clinical work experience and how did you approach building those experiences?

(DM): My undergraduate degree mattered most. I scored 2660 on the UCAT, above average that year, though performance can vary with situational exams.

For work experience, I volunteered weekly at a care home for two years and spent a week full time at a GP surgery, shadowing doctors, nurses, and phlebotomists. I also had two weeks in plastic surgery at Birmingham Children’s Hospital through a university lecturer. I attended clinics, ward rounds, ICU, and theatres, and saw leading surgeons in action. I even joined a research project on hand surgery by helping collect data.

Outside medicine, I mentored students on careers and UCAS, tutored to improve my own learning, and worked as a student ambassador. That built my public speaking and connected me with staff who supported my application. Being proactive was key.

(DB): How did you prepare for the UCAT, and which resources or strategies did you find most effective?

(DM): The key was daily timed practice for 6-8 weeks, at least three hours a day, ideally over summer with no other commitments or distractions.

The first time, I took a Medic Portal course to understand the exam. The second time, I used free YouTube content. No question bank is perfect, so I used a mix. Overpreparing is best, as real scores are often lower than practice ones.

(DB): What interview format did you have, how did you prepare for it, and is there anything you would do differently in hindsight?

(DM): It was an MMI. I focused on speaking practice, especially common questions like why medicine and work experience. I simulated interviews by recording timed responses and reviewing them for tone, body language, and clarity. I watched public speakers and read about body language. The interview course was not very helpful, but I made good connections. Arriving early in Aberdeen helped me rest and speak with students, which gave great insight. I would not change my preparation. It worked well.

(DB): How did studying medicine compare to your biomed degree, and what challenges or advantages came from entering with prior university experience?

(DM): Medicine felt very different from my biomed degree. I was more engaged and motivated, since it was something I truly wanted. Paying for the course also pushed me to take it seriously. I was already used to uni life, independent study, and living away from home, so I adjusted quickly.

Challenges included the age gap with most classmates. Sometimes it was hard to relate due to different maturity levels and life experiences. I was thinking about jobs, specialties, and side projects, while younger students were in a different phase. Fortunately, I found a group of peers my age outside of med school, which kept things balanced.

(DB): Since medicine is highly competitive, many students end up accepting offers far from home. What advice would you give to someone preparing to move away and live independently for the first time?

(DM): If someone gets a medicine offer, they should accept it regardless of location, as course content and final exams are standardised across UK medical schools. Lifestyle and cost of living are worth considering, ideally, one should live somewhere enjoyable and affordable.

The people around also matter. Ambition and pace can vary by region. In cities like London, students often pursue research, attend conferences, and run side projects. In quieter areas, that drive may be lower. So, it helps to build a circle of motivated, like-minded individuals to stay focused and inspired.

(DB): Is it feasible for medical students to support themselves financially during the course? What kind of work or side hustles are most practical to balance with the demands of medical school?

(DM): Yes, it is realistically possible for medical students to support themselves with part-time work or side hustles, but it requires good time management. Medicine does offer some flexibility, especially on weekends and holidays. Many students take up roles like healthcare assistant, which offer 12-hour shifts and decent pay. Picking higher paying jobs or building skills for remote work like photography, video editing, virtual assistance, or sales can help one earn more in fewer hours.

Still, it is not easy. Staying organised is key to avoid falling behind in studies. Financial pressure can be a major struggle for some, especially without family support. I have been fortunate to have that support, which has made a difference in how I manage work and study.

(DB): You are planning to go for residency in the US. What made you choose that option, and how does the US training pathway compare to the UK in your view?

(DM): I chose the US residency route because the training is more focused and efficient. In the US, you start working in your chosen specialty from the beginning, which saves time. The system is private, better funded, and doctors focus on clinical work like diagnosis, treatment, and leadership, not admin tasks. In contrast, the NHS relies on junior doctors for routine tasks during F1 and F2, delaying specialty training.

I already know I want to do psychiatry, so I would rather not spend two years rotating through unrelated specialties. While US training is intense with longer hours and shorter maternity leave, the pay is higher, and the professional development is stronger. The exams are tougher, and matching is competitive, but US trained doctors are globally respected. That standard is what I am aiming for.

(DB): Can you explain the process of applying for residency in the US, including the USMLE steps and what is involved in getting matched successfully?

(DM): First, one registers with the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) and ensures their medical school is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools. Then comes Step 1, which tests basic sciences. It is now pass or fail but still important. Step 2 assesses clinical knowledge and provides a numerical score that plays a major role in matching. Both exams are around 8 hours long and require months of preparation.

Before applying, one should aim to graduate and gain US clinical experience through electives or observerships. Strong letters of recommendation from US physicians are important. More rotations help.

Applicants then join the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). Some visa categories require Step 3 before the match. The process is expensive; exam fees, application fees for each program, and travel costs for interviews can add up. After applying, programs invite candidates for interviews. Match Day is every March on the third Friday. If matched, training usually starts in late June or early July.

Research and publications also strengthen applications, especially for competitive specialties. One should aim to meet and ideally exceed the minimum requirements to stay competitive.

(DB): What advice would you give to someone just starting medical school, and is there anything you wish you had known earlier in your journey?

(DM): If someone is studying medicine in the UK, my advice is to enjoy the degree. Getting higher grades does not always change the outcome, so do not stress unnecessarily. More importantly, start planning early for what comes after graduation. Think about possible specialties and countries where you might want to work. Having a clear target helps avoid uncertainty later.

I also wish I had known earlier how to study and stay organised more effectively. My current methods are much better than they were in first year, but that improvement came with time and experience.

This conversation took place on 18 ^th April 2025. The editorial team would like to thank Daanish for his time and contributions.