Medicine in Australia

[blurboyz]

Hie everyone...this is my first time posting something... i am interested in knowing more about undergraduate medical degree in australia....as far as i am concerned, its extremely difficult to get a place there due to the tight and close competitions of late... just want to know more on this issue and did any of u guys out there who currently pursuing your course there?(jpa, petronas, private students...etc...)


[/b]

[luke]

try this discussions: http://recom.homelinux.org:8000/~recom/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=788#22775

there's a Special Interest Group (SIG) for Medicine if you're interested in joining: http://recom.homelinux.org:8000/~recom/modules.php?name=SIG&id=Medicine

[pandaboy]

I think this thread and such should be moved to SIG(Special Interest Group) for Medicine. Please continue discussion there.

You can join the SIG for Medicine at the link below:
http://recom.homelinux.org:8000/~recom/modules.php?name=SIG&id=Medicine

You need to join the SIG before you can view this thread.

[ Topic moved to SIG Every Little Thing About Medicine. ]

[The_Observer]

Good of you to come look for us ReCom ppl...

Well, I am currently doing my course In University of Melbourne. I am well aware of problems international students face, so....how can I help you? What exactly do you want to know?

[pandaboy]

The_Observer, since u r studying medicine in Australia, do u know much about the postgraduate opportunities in Australia? I heard my fren said that it's difficult to specialise in Australia, I cant understand what he explained. He said something about the government in Australia emphasizing more on GPs rather than consultants. Do u mind to elaborate?

Also, heard rumours that government is controlling the doctor's salary in Australia. Again, how true is this?

Thanks.

[The_Observer]

The postgrad thing for Australia is very true. It is not because of Government focus or whatever, but simply because it is so much harder. The exams are tougher and the training is longer. You also must have at least 4 years experience in hospitals and become a registrar.

NB: Postgrad exams are 2 parts. A written exam and the evaluated-training part.

Example, FRCS (surgery specialization in UK) exams are more easier and is usually 3-4 yrs. FRACS (same specialization but in Australia) are have a harsher Part 1 (written) exam and the training takes at least 5 years.
Even GPs (not very sure for public dr.s but definitely for private) in Australia have to undergo postgrad (FRACGP). I forgot have long it is but my estimate 3-5 years.

The salary part is partially false. Of course, the pay here is much better than what you get back home even at internship level (how's $3000/mth post-tax sound?). The problem is the income tax brackets. Because doctors tend to earn a lot especially specialists, your income taxes can go up to 46%. That's nearly half your annual salary. At least the taxes are put to good use, not like in Malaysia despite lower tax rate and numerous loopholes.

[Destiny_Child]

hey..may i ask a question here?how to join this medicine SIG?i pressed the button "Join here" but nothing happened.Is it my coputer's problem?or m i going to the wrong place?i knoe this may sound stupid, but hey, im new here..ehhehe

n, is there any dentistry course offered in aussie?..
i'm a bit stuck here coz i applied 4 dentistry tho i knoe its a very HOT course n i stand like 0.00000.....% chance, but stil can u guys pls explain more about it?

i posted this in "dentistry,anyone?" but stil no reply.i'm pretty worreid coz i'm leaving soon n might not b able to online anymore(oowww, how sad):(

[jacLC]

46%?! Wow.... Now only i noe dat.... Haha....

The Observer, I am afraid you are guilty of over-assumption. For one, what is your evidence for stating that the FRCS is an easier exam? And secondly, you are mistaken about the training system in the UK (though I will grant you the benefit of the doubt). It is true that the FRCS normally takes 4 years (if you pass first time round), but that is in a phase called higher surgical training (the Specialist Registrar grade). You forget to mention, or are unaware of the MRCS, which is taken before the FRCS in the basic surgical training stage (the Senior House Officer grade). The BST lasts a minimum of 2 years. Having said that, the reform of training currently taking shape (Modernising Medical Careers, or MMC) may well change all that...

[Steppe]

I came across this and I was wondering how come the Australian medical Board did not check

http://us.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/asiapcf/05/26/doctor.deaths.ap/

[eeyoreccp]

Did you have any idea how the ISAT test is? ? they didn't have much information about the test....

[pangping1510]

hi, The_Observer,
i m going to do sam in taylors then proceed to australia to do med under jpa scholarship. i m interested to enrol in melbourne u. got any tips or nasihat that u would like to share with me? thx :lol:

[astraltruist]

Did you have any idea how the ISAT test is? ? they didn't have much information about the test....

i tot u'll be given a booklet on sample questions when u register for it? anyway it's like a lot of IQ questions.. basically, maths n some science questions.. read up on science stuff.. i heard there's like a few hundred questions. most of my fren couldnt finish the questions..

[sarahfoo]

Hi there. I am new here. I was introduced to this website by a friend of mine. I read through some of the posts and I must say WELL DONE!!

Anyway, I was just wondering have anyone heard of the PQA test. I heard that some australian universities need their applicants to take the test. How is the test like? I mean are the questions MCQ or structure? Are the questions something like IQ or some orther stuff? Do we need to write an essay? Is there any material that we can obtain to prepare for the test?

Hope you guys can help me out? Thanks.. :D

[Zeroth]

Hi guys, i'm currently in UNSW sydney, but first year only, so i may not be very experienced. I'll do my best to answer any questions.

ISAT test is a IQ test. Its a long test that takes 3 hours to complete. The test is rather difficult, and you'll need to get at least 90% percentile to stand a chance to get a place. If i remember correctly, the uni that requires this test is UWA.

PQA test is a personality test. Its rather simpe. It serves to check for your personality on whether you are fit to be a doctor or not. After that, you'll need to go through an interview. I think the uni that requires this is Adelaide University.

It is difficult to secure a place in Australia, but if you results are good, say straight As for your A levels, you'll stand a good chance. Taylor's Placement Center had also helped me alot in securing my place. I got offers from UNSW and Melbourne, but both very late.

Melbourne is one of the toughest yet the easiest. It is because they do not require an interview, just great results. But i might be wrong.

Another test you'll need to take is the IELTS test. It is an english test. Generally, the higher your band, the better your chance, but its influence is minimal.

Most universities in Australia is undergoing a shift in their curiculum. It has turned from the traditional style to the new problem based/scenario based learning styles. I am given the oppurtunity to attend clinical sessions even though I'm in my first years. Usually students only do clinicals during their 4th or 3rd years. I think Melbourne Uni is still using traditional curiculum, but again, i'm not entirely sure.

[youngyew]

hi, The_Observer,
i m going to do sam in taylors then proceed to australia to do med under jpa scholarship. i m interested to enrol in melbourne u. got any tips or nasihat that u would like to share with me? thx :lol:
Hmm.. frankly speaking, if you are studying SAM and if you aim for Melbourne Uni, the only tips would be: by all means, get 99.75 or above. :wink:

Did you have any idea how the ISAT test is? ? they didn't have much information about the test....
No, you don't have to know anything about science in order to take ISAT test. You are only required to be able to analyze, synthesize and interpret information given in the paper. And surely, a sufficient IQ.

Anyway, I was just wondering have anyone heard of the PQA test. I heard that some australian universities need their applicants to take the test. How is the test like? I mean are the questions MCQ or structure? Are the questions something like IQ or some orther stuff? Do we need to write an essay? Is there any material that we can obtain to prepare for the test?
I wrote something about PQA test here (http://recom.org/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&p=58582&highlight=pqa#58582).

Melbourne is one of the toughest yet the easiest. It is because they do not require an interview, just great results. But i might be wrong.
I am not sure about A-levels, but for SAM, it's pretty hard. You will need TER of 99.75 or above in order to get in. To give you a rough idea, every subject will be given a score in the scale of 20, and a 99.75 would require something like 20, 20, 19, 19, 19 or something around there. Mind that 20 is very hard to obtain, those who got 20 are considered "merit students" as shown in this page (http://www.sam.sa.edu.au/sam-merit.htm). In each subject there are only 10 to 20 students around the world who would get 20.

Having said that, don't be taken aback. If you analyze the merit list, most of the names in the merit student list (http://www.sam.sa.edu.au/sam-merit.htm) are students from INTEC and Taylor's. So if you can do well in your school, you would know that you stand a high chance of getting a 20.

Another test you'll need to take is the IELTS test. It is an english test. Generally, the higher your band, the better your chance, but its influence is minimal.
As far as I know, IELTS' influence is minimal and is normally only used for tie-breaking purpose.

Most universities in Australia is undergoing a shift in their curiculum. It has turned from the traditional style to the new problem based/scenario based learning styles. I am given the oppurtunity to attend clinical sessions even though I'm in my first years. Usually students only do clinicals during their 4th or 3rd years. I think Melbourne Uni is still using traditional curiculum, but again, i'm not entirely sure.
Nope, the main emphasis of Melbourne Uni curriculum is Problem Based Learning now.

yeap, i stand corrected. :) Hey, are you second year?

[youngyew]

I am doing first year. Who are you, guest?

[sarahfoo]

PQA is basically an IQ test (some multiple choice, some fill in the blanks) plus a personality test (multiple choice questions). The IQ questions are indeed very difficult (more difficult than the ISAT test and many questions in MENSA test)

Thanks youngyew for your explaination.

Hmmm... Is there any material that we can obtain to prepare for the IQ test? Coz I have never seen the MENSA test before and practically have no idea what the IQ test is really about..

[Zeroth]

hey, i'm the 'guest' earlier. Really? hey, do you happen to know Devamalar? she's in Melbourne first year as well. Did you attend the melbourne pre departure briefing? Maybe we met there before. I'm first year.

[youngyew]

hey, i'm the 'guest' earlier. Really? hey, do you happen to know Devamalar? she's in Melbourne first year as well. Did you attend the melbourne pre departure briefing? Maybe we met there before. I'm first year.
Yeah, she is my coursemate. Yeah, I attended the pre departure briefing. How did you get into the Sydney Uni? I thought it's only offered to international students for the post-graduate studies.

[Zeroth]

i'm not in sydney uni, i'm in UNSW. Really? then we met before.. haha! Yeah, sydney uni only conducts postgraduate course, but there is a small class that is doing undergrad med.

For the information of anyway thinking of applying, try to avoid UNSW because they are currently having a new program, which is at it's infancy. There's a lot of 'bugs' in the system as of yet.

[dolt]

i'm seeking advice from fellow recomers.

my cousin wishes to go to australia to pursue a medical degree.
she is finishing her a levels in june. she wishes to enrol in a univesity by august.

what universities should she apply for? she doesn't want to dawdle her time until february.

[youngyew]

i'm seeking advice from fellow recomers.

my cousin wishes to go to australia to pursue a medical degree.
she is finishing her a levels in june. she wishes to enrol in a univesity by august.

what universities should she apply for? she doesn't want to dawdle her time until february.
Hmm.. I am not sure about the requirement for A-levels as I took SAM. I think if it's not expensive you should try as many universities as possible because the places are really limited.

[Zeroth]

If you have enough cash, apply for all 7 universities to maximise your chances.

They are: Melbourne, Newcastle, Adelaide, UNSW, UWA, Monash and Tasmania.


In my opinion, the best chances are Melbourne, Newcastle, UNSW and Monash.

[dolt]

i'm informed that most intakes for australian universities are in february. Can she be accepted into one of those by june? Even before she receives her statement of results in august? Is it possible for her to get a provisional/conditional offer using AS(forecast) results? If it isn't, most probably she'll choose other options, like IMU. She can confirm her placement this way without having to worry about not being able to get into an aus uni, and having to wait for the next IMU intake.

I'm not sure about how the system works in aus. Pls enlighten me. Thanks a bunch!

[Zeroth]

i'm informed that most intakes for australian universities are in february. Can she be accepted into one of those by june? Even before she receives her statement of results in august? Is it possible for her to get a provisional/conditional offer using AS(forecast) results? If it isn't, most probably she'll choose other options, like IMU. She can confirm her placement this way without having to worry about not being able to get into an aus uni, and having to wait for the next IMU intake.

I'm not sure about how the system works in aus. Pls enlighten me. Thanks a bunch!

Nope, they only accepts your full A levels results. BUT, do submit the forecast before you submit the full result just to put your name into their database. This is to minimise the reaction time to submit your result once the real one is out, so that you'll stand a fighting chance. Submit your true result AS SOON AS it is released, not a day later.

If i'm you, i'll wait for august intake of IMU, and take a shot at Aussie Uni. That's what i did, i diferred my IMU offer to august and push my luck for Aus. Got offer from melbourne and unsw in the last few weeks.

Just a note, there's other local options other than IMU. Monash also offers medicine course, but i heard that the interviews are difficult, do try. Think they are giving tweening for the first few years in australia for local prices because the local campus not completed yet.

[dolt]

i'm informed that most intakes for australian universities are in february. Can she be accepted into one of those by june? Even before she receives her statement of results in august? Is it possible for her to get a provisional/conditional offer using AS(forecast) results? If it isn't, most probably she'll choose other options, like IMU. She can confirm her placement this way without having to worry about not being able to get into an aus uni, and having to wait for the next IMU intake.

I'm not sure about how the system works in aus. Pls enlighten me. Thanks a bunch!

Nope, they only accepts your full A levels results. BUT, do submit the forecast before you submit the full result just to put your name into their database. This is to minimise the reaction time to submit your result once the real one is out, so that you'll stand a fighting chance. Submit your true result AS SOON AS it is released, not a day later.

If i'm you, i'll wait for august intake of IMU, and take a shot at Aussie Uni. That's what i did, i diferred my IMU offer to august and push my luck for Aus. Got offer from melbourne and unsw in the last few weeks.

Just a note, there's other local options other than IMU. Monash also offers medicine course, but i heard that the interviews are difficult, do try. Think they are giving tweening for the first few years in australia for local prices because the local campus not completed yet.


Thx. How kind of you. Erm when does one submit his forecast results? Do i just go straight to IDP or some local agents? Haha. Your placement was confirmed in august? So u joined UNSW in Feb? Just some questions to let you know that I'm totally blur and hence, need your help desperately.

[Zeroth]

Go through IDP i suppose. I went through taylor's placement center in taylor's college. They handled most of the things for me.

I got my offer in February. I flew in February. Don't want to scare you though, lol! basically i was in the waiting list and someone rejected their offer, so they called me and asked for a phone interview. Mebourne offered me a place a few days before i was set to fly. So, the main thing you have to remember:

a. good results, as in 4as
b. good IELTS, 7 and above
c. fast application, do it as soon as you get ur results
d. luck

haha!

[dolt]

Go through IDP i suppose. I went through taylor's placement center in taylor's college. They handled most of the things for me.

I got my offer in February. I flew in February. Don't want to scare you though, lol! basically i was in the waiting list and someone rejected their offer, so they called me and asked for a phone interview. Mebourne offered me a place a few days before i was set to fly. So, the main thing you have to remember:

a. good results, as in 4as
b. good IELTS, 7 and above
c. fast application, do it as soon as you get ur results
d. luck

haha!

well that was late! very late indeed.

Anyway, what about other universities? Do ALL universities confirm their placement in February? Don't they have provisional offers after forecast? I've heard that Tasmania does give provisional offers. Is that true?

Thanks for replying. :D

[Zeroth]

tasmania din even tell us we got rejected, totally no news. As far as i know, only newcastle did it in my year. They give 5 provisional places to taylor's students based on interview.

[dolt]

I see. Thanks for the information! I certainly appreciate that!

Doesn't newcastle give conditional offers to non taylor's students?

Anyway, thanks a lot ya. You have no idea how much this means to me!

[Zeroth]

I'm not sure about other students, and i'm not sure whether its the same this year, they might change their policies, do check. In my year, they only give offer to taylor's students if i'm not mistaken.

[jay3349]

Hi there!!

I am a JPA scholar in Sunway doing my AUSMAT.

I heard students thinking of doing medicine in australian universities have to apply early (somewhere around may or june).

My question is, are we supposed to write an essay to be attached with the application (uk university style)? If yes, could anybody enlighten me on what the topic would be like? How long should the essay be?

What about the tests and the interviews? Are there any books or specific reading material?

Please help!!!!

[youngyew]

Hi there!!

I am a JPA scholar in Sunway doing my AUSMAT.

I heard students thinking of doing medicine in australian universities have to apply early (somewhere around may or june).

My question is, are we supposed to write an essay to be attached with the application (uk university style)? If yes, could anybody enlighten me on what the topic would be like? How long should the essay be?

What about the tests and the interviews? Are there any books or specific reading material?

Please help!!!!
Yeah, you have to apply early through IDP (or your school agency, I am not sure whether there is one in Sunway).

Australian universities don't require any written essay for the application for medicine, and all you have to do is to send the application form together with the required documents.

About tests and interviews, you can refer to this thread (http://recom.org/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&p=58582&highlight=pqa#58582) and this thread (http://www.recom.org/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=1114&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=15).

Hope that helps.

[pangping1510]

UTas does give out conditional offers, but only limited to 20 places for international students. :D

[jay3349]

Hey there everyone. It's that time of the year again.

Has anyone got an offer from any university in Australia to study medicine for the year 2007? If you have, pls introduce yourselves.

Thank you.

[pangping1510]

UNSW feb 07 :lol:

[jay3349]

Thanks Pang Ping.

Is that your real name? Anyway I'll be going to UWA in feb 2007 too.

I know a girl who is also going to unsw to do medicine. If you want her phone number you can pm me.

Where did you do your pre-u? I did it in Sunway.

I am Sanjay by the way.

[pangping1510]

Thanks Pang Ping.

Is that your real name? Anyway I'll be going to UWA in feb 2007 too.

I know a girl who is also going to unsw to do medicine. If you want her phone number you can pm me.

Where did you do your pre-u? I did it in Sunway.

I am Sanjay by the way.

Hi Sanjay

Congrats on getting UWA!!!salute man...haha...hardest to get imo...

the girl is nian ning right...or are they any other?hehe...

did in taylors...i have heard rumours abt a girl in sunway goin uwa...congrats again :lol:

[jay3349]

Hey Pang Ping.

Yup it's nian ning. Do you have her number? She would be very happy to know that there is somebody going with her.

Anyway, UNSW isn't any easier to get into, so congrats too. :D

The other girl who got it was Christina. She is waiting for a reply from UniMelb though. So she won't be going to UWA.

[jay3349]

Hey is there anyone at all who is doing medicine in UWA?

I'm going there next week

[jane_gun]

Hmm, I guess responses from the unis also depend on what kind of Pre-U course you're studying... During my time, UNSW interviewed me even before I sat for my finals for A-Levels - when I finally submitted my actual results, they responded really quickly and offered me a place less than a week after I submitted those results! Melb would differ as their selection rounds mainly start in November...