Medicine 2023 Entry Part 5 (June 2026 Support/Check-In thread)

[Peachy2005]

Hello all! Not sure if I have done this correctly but I know in 2025 there was suggestion of a new thread for us to keep in touch - I think the thread ran out before it had been set up (or else I missed it).

Fingers crossed, assuming no bumps in the road, the DCs are now finishing Year 3 and soon to be in Year 4. If anyone would like to check in or add more names from the original threads who might be interested, please do.

Hope all are well and surviving the continuing rollercoaster of supporting med students!

@opoponax @kackle @mumsneedwine @coffeeandbiscuittime @ScissorsPaperStone

Hi. Hope all going well for everyone.

Hi great idea for a thread! I remember all the help and support when they were all applying!
DS at Birmingham. Having a week in a primary school this week, and then a 3 week elective in palliative care in a hospice and Year 3 is done!
He is intercalating next year. I think he needs the break, third year has been a bit of a grind.
How are other's DC doing?

It’s a hard old slog really, isn’t it? I’m stating the obvious of course, and it’s not news to anyone but everything I hear from wards and placements as well as in the media makes me wonder why anyone would want to work in the NHS 🙃Plus there are hundreds in DD’s year, so many she still doesn’t know everyone (approx 400-500 I think). That’s an incredible number to be churning out year on year from just one med school…

Probably too many. UKGrad prioritisation will help but foundation, speciality and consultant jobs have not increased so if expansion carries on there just won't be enough jobs. Unless someone realises you can employ a doctor cheaper (& more efficiently) than a PA or ANP 🤞

Its tough. And knowing not all grads got F1 places this year, and that it is random, is very disheartening.
Anyway DS in a primary school.being tempted by another difficult career!!!

Support the strikes. It's not just about money. It's about jobs for doctors in the future. Already they've won starting pay from £14 an hour to £18. And UKgrad priority. Now it's about ensuring doctor jobs are filled by actual doctors.

Totally.

Hello
just wanted to jump on and say hello. I followed and briefly posted on threads when this cohort was nervously awaiting interviews and results. How time flies!
DS is at Bham. Currently, like earlier posters DC, is at primary school placement and coming home shattered and bemused at life with a class of 7 year olds. He’s having a great time! All the kids want to either race or a arm-wrestle him. Or come home for tea 🤣
Then 3 weeks T&O and then…relax.

Wishing all a relaxing summer. Can’t quite believe that if he’d done a ‘regular’ degree he’d be almost done!

Hi - I posted under the coffeeandbiscuittime user name - my DD is at Newcastle and has nearly completed year 3. She absolutely loves the city and the course. It’s lovely seeing her develop. It’s been a tough few years with a lot going on in the family but she has flourished, I am really proud of her.
I am approaching the end of my career in the NHS - I still love it but as my user name now suggests it has changed and life events and working in cancer makes one more aware of the importance of ‘living and enjoying life’ so in 2 years we will retire.
I am an ACP and the majority of Doctors value us and we work really well together. I am not a Doctor and never pretend or aspire to be one as I am a nurse. I support the strike but they do need to ensure focus is on training needs not money. ( not saying money is not a priority but it’s not getting them sympathy whereas training needs do).
I have loved the majority of my 30+ years in healthcare and hope all our young ones get the same satisfaction out of their careers as I have.
I am glad this thread was made as I got a lot of support from previous threads.

@unhappybutunsureofwork unfortunately they can't legally call a strike over lack of jobs. So it has to be about pay (which is still low, starting in £18 an hour and rising to a massive £24 an hour as the Med Reg on call). But most just want a job.

Hi, thanks for the tag, @Peachy2005 . DD has just finished her placement in obstetrics which took place after exams and which she loved. Very happy at her uni but working very, very hard. I worry for the future of the NHS, for some of the dodgy culture that seems to persist, as well as the lack of training places etc but try to tell myself that she will always have options. I am glad that she loves her course.