Creating a Departure Lounge to become World class Medical doctors and Bio Medical Scientists: The Value of Pre Medical study programmes
Sri Lanka and the surrounding region has been producing world class scientists to the world. The thousand dollar question for parents and students is; how can we get there and from where? This article concentrates mainly on Medical and Bio Medical Science areas.
Medical programmes typically requires high marks at the Advanced Level examinations. For example in the UK , the top ranking Universities such as the University of Aberdeen requires 03 “A” grade passes in Advanced Levels in the London stream and 02 “A“and 01 “B“pass in the Local stream to enter the screening process seeking admission to a medical school. Thereafter, they will have to achieve an IELTS score of 7.0 in all bands (no band less than 7) and are required to pass the UKCAT exam. This allows them to move in to MMI ( Multiple Mini Interviews). After successful completion, finally they are allowed to gain entrance to the Medical school. The important point here is that the outcomes of University of Aberdeen Medical School is recognized by the General Medical Council ( GMC), UK and the graduates will obtain the provisional registration with the GMC. This will allow them to apply for internships in all Commonwealth countries opening doors to become an international medical doctor. If the student does not possess an Advanced Level grading as mentioned above they could enter in to a Pre Medical Studies programme where the entry qualifications is 03 “C” passes in both forms of ALs. Upon completion, they would be eligible to apply for the screening programme to pursue medical education at the University of Aberdeen. In case the students are not selected for medicine they could move in to Bio Medical related studies with a one year exemption of those programmes where professional status and perks are equal or more than the medical doctors. ( average salary of a Medical doctor in the UK is between £55,000- £80,000)
With the changing healthcare and biomedical science environment today, young students who are pursuing avenues to become Bio medical scientists appear at the forefront. Bio Medical Sciences also creates many other pathways to be Geneticists, Human Embryology and developmental Biologist, Immunologist, Pharmacologists, Microbiologists, Molecular biologists, Physiologists and Exercise & Sports scientists.
Biomedical scientists carry out a range of laboratory and scientific tests on tissue samples and fluids to help clinicians diagnose and treat diseases. They also evaluate the effectiveness of treatments. For example, they may work on medical conditions such as cancer, diabetes or AIDS, screen for and monitor a range of diseases or carry out tests for emer- gency blood transfusions.
Starting salaries of Bio Medical Scientists in the UK range from £ 22,128 to £ 28,746 per annum. With experience and/ or specialist knowledge, you can earn a salary of £26,565 to £35,577 per annum.
Sports and exercise scientist : An exercise physiologist will investigate how people respond and adapt to muscular activity and will use their skills and knowledge to improve perfor- mance and fitness levels or to help prevent or treat illness. Exe rcise phy s i o l o g i s t s employed in the sports sector may earn between £18,000 and £ 35,000. If you work in highprofile sport science, salaries can exceed £ 60,000 and may reach up to £100,000.
Therefore, premedical study programs open up avenues for students to pursue medicine or many other health related careers.