This is looong over due but I'm starting to get calls for how its done.

First of all, we all have different things going on in our lives and there are different paths to get to the same place. I cannot guarantee that what worked for me will work for you, but at least when you walk, you are not walking around mindlessly.

The administrative process

In my time (3 years ago) you needed this:

a) Grades
I managed to get Four As (Math, Chemistry, Physics and Computing) B3 for GP and Merit for S papers (Physics and Math). Not exactly topper grades, but decent, product of my hard work, parents nagging and teacher's last minute guidance, consolation and hard work over the years.

b) Two testimonials
I got my "grand boss" to write me one since I had discussed my initial thoughts with him. Since I was working under him, he had a good gauge of my character hence whatever he wrote came out brilliant (I owe him alot!). Besides that, he gave me a good overview of what it entailed (both good and bad) and encouraged me when he knew I was sincere. Other doctors I spoke to gave me half-hearted answers (like giggling and saying : don't be a doctor. You'll regret it)
I used a secondary school testimonial because it covered aspects of my character in a way others did not. And it ended off on a very flattering note.

c) A one page CV (thankfully, I couldn't have gone beyond that)
Well, covered all the basic things (like academics and CCAs). I also reminded people that I was a magician. I think it is important that you let people know that you have a life.

d) An essay test
I do not know how important this is but prepare a little bit. Be aware of the kind of issues facing doctors today (read the newspapers). Read a few books. I think Complications by Atul Gawande is a nice book, but I only read it recently.

e) Two interviews
The first one was by greying academics. Some were cheerful, some were not but no one was being a dick (my friend got that in hers). The overwhelming question in their minds was why a) I was switching over to medicine from engineering and b) why my second choice is still engineering. They asked it to me in three different ways. The second one was informal and conducted by a specialist and a house officer (read: intern). It was fun me getting to know them and for them getting to know me. I had a memorable incident during this interview which you can ask me about when you meet me. It seems that this one is to be able to know your character better.

I prepared for both my reflection and discussion and most importantly my friend helped me do a mock interview which helped a lot. (Thanks Alf.)

The thought process

A bit of self introduction. I NEVER wanted to be a doctor. Maybe for a short while when I was five but I've mostly wanted to be a zoologist or a hacker (read: IT guy). This changed about somewhere in 2007. I was doing my "service"at a big green organisation, if you know what I mean. I was in a medical environment, seeing patients, handling drugs and medical equipment. Some of my colleagues were nurses and my grand boss was a doctor.

It allowed me to think about whether I wanted to enter this field and why. Initially, it was a bit discouraging, the amount of studying doctors need to do and the working hours, the lack of respect and wrenching ethical decisions. I had practical experience with medical emergencies and the nitty gritty of medical life. But I thought it was too le-che to do it for the rest of my life.

Yet one night while I was reading Richard Dawkins "The Ancestors' Tale", I recall my hair standing on my end and thinking this it is. I felt that medicine gave me a good mix of science and service. And the fact that there was soo much more left to be learnt about our bodies by science. It seemed like a fertile field ready to be plowed. The evolutionary perspective gave biology a context, it was no more something you simply memorised, it was something that was networked. I thought it would be enjoyable to actually study it. I think I am reaping the rewards.

You also need to get your attitudes right. Ask yourself why you are doing this. Challenge that conclusion. Ask yourself if something else can give you the same or similar satisfaction (your backup plan) and importantly talk to medics/nurses/physiotherapists etc. Get to know things first hand.

A website some of my friends found useful is here, it gives you a broad overview of medical school in singapore and medical life afterwards.

I hope it helps, let me know if I've missed anything

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