Medicine as a mature student. Considering deferring due to long covid

[Itsprobablynothingbut]

I have accepted a place to study graduate entry medicine as a mid 30- something, no kids. I am 100% certain I want this (long story as to why I did not do it when younger) and was overjoyed to get the offer.

However, I have had long covid since last year and am still experiencing problems with taking in information, concentration, fatigue and memory which are improving slowly.

Because of this I have started considering deferring for a year.

My age is making me lean towards ploughing onwards and getting to the foundation years as quickly as possible. However, I am concerned about not being at my best and not risking making a shaky start as my capacity is reduced.

The course starts in September so i have a few months to go yet.

I just needed to get this out but would be grateful for any advice. I'm well aware I'll likely be one of the oldest on the course and would like to get cracking.

Also, I want a family so feel like I should get this part of my life underway so as to be settled sooner. I understand that deaneries will try and reduce commuting for those with kids during the foundation years.

I honestly am excited about this huge opportunity but it just feels like the timing is not ideal.

I’d crack on. Deferring a year could end up meaning giving up as you don’t know how life will pan out. You’ve got a good few months til then, concentrate on looking after yourself and getting well

Will they actually agree to you deferring or would you have to reapply? This might make a difference to your decision as getting into medicine on a graduate entry course is very competitive. If you aren’t well enough by September is there any guarantee that you will be any better in a years time? Medicine is a tough course so talk to the medical school and find out what your options are - they are used to students having health problems and can make adjustments like having placements near by or extra time in exams. You can wait until the last minute to make the final decision so don’t risk losing the place when you might be well enough to go.

Thanks very much redtartan and Sarah for your replies.

I'm leaning towards forging ahead as I know that life has a tendency to get in the way as you say, and I have put so much into getting this offer.

I haven't confirmed with the uni about whether they would defer in this case but I'd expect to have a good chance as I have an underlying condition (usually well managed) that has, I think, exacerbated some of the long covid issues. You're right in suggesting I find out what's possible though. I know you can only defer one year.

I would hope to be better in a year as I have been slowly picking up, to either start then, or be back on form by second year.

I would press on for starting in September. That’s still a while away and you can reevaluate nearer the time.

If they won’t let you defer, I think you should make them aware of your extenuating circumstances for exams, etc and start as planned. It’s such a competitive course, I wouldn’t risk reapplying.