Childcare during med school/as a doctor

[Childcaremed]

Hi - have a 1st in my (not quite med but med related) BSc and have been looking into graduate med school. Have found a uni which does it 30 mins away from me. I'm wondering what others did and do for childcare throughout their medical degree and during the foundation years as a single parent, and also once becoming a doctor, though know this depends what area you go into. During my first degree I received the childcare grant from student finance, not sure I'd get this again but even if I did I'm assuming I need to factor in overnights etc and not just before and after school clubs which is what I've used in the past. Is this also whilst doing the actual degree or whilst doing the initial degree part do you just do normal day time hours? I do know this is extremely competitive and difficult and I'm not set on this and still weighing up options so don't need anyone to tell me that it'll be a struggle - trust me I know this - but if I DID do it, what works best childcare wise? I would obviously like to keep costs down but I can afford any childcare I need.

Thanks in advance

How old are the kids? Are they all at school?

My first reaction is you need an au pair who can cover evenings, weekends and overnights.
You might also need additional (daytime) childcare to keep the hours down for the au pair.

Hi, not sure if it's the same for every deanery, but our med students finish latest 10pm but can opt to do nights, many do to learn more but this is in year 4 or 5.
Once you become a FY1 and above you'll be expected to do all shifts: nights/lates/days/weekends bank hols. There are some part time or family friendly training roles once you get further up in CT/ST land.
Most docs that I work with began their families once qualified.

Ring the school you're interested in and ask though!

I agree with PP a live in Nanny or Au Pair maybe best for you unless you have support from parents?

It's possible but not easy, or cheap I imagine! Good luck!!!

Dc (just the 1!) would be 9 when I started the degree so obviously early teen by the time I get to FY. Would be happy to use both before and after school club and another form of childcare to make it easier. I only have a 2bed home, so don't think I could have live in if they need a separate bedroom. Maybe someone nearby who does overnights but has their own home too. There is definitely space for a bed in my sons room though so if this was not every night I would be willing to put another bed in DC room for myself or even sleep on the sofa bed we already have downstairs and give them my room when I needed them for nights? Not sure if this is okay or how that works really, only ever used the school clubs and a childminder before. I will look into that. I do have some parental support but I wouldn't want to rely on it being a regular thing and become a burden if I make this decision for myself. I will ring the school, that's a great idea.

Thank you both for responding!