Jason plans African trip to help get into medical school
A COLLEGE student from High Bickington who dreams of becoming a doctor has spoken about the difficulties of getting into university to study medicine — even as a straight A pupil.
Jason Jones, 18, a student at Exeter College, has had his heart set on a medical career since visiting Uganda as a 14-year-old pupil at Chulmleigh Community College.
Jason said: "The trip really opened my eyes to the lack of medical care in the third world and made me realise how lucky we are in the UK.
"I've always been a people person and wanted a challenging career which would help people. After the trip I decided that I would set my sights on being a doctor."
Jason got high grades in his GCSEs at Chulmleigh and is studying for A-levels in chemistry, biology, maths, German and geography.
Despite being predicted straight As, he has not been able to get a place at university this year to study as a trainee doctor.
Jason said: "Straight As is basically the bare minimum universities look for in a trainee doctor. They want the best of the best.
"As well as good grades they look for experience, extra curricular activities and a realistic approach to the career. Some also like to see A-levels in other subjects to prove you have a variety of knowledge."
As well as volunteering at hospitals across Devon he has had work experience at the North Devon Hospice, achieved his Duke of Edinburgh Gold award and has been promoted to Staff Sergeant in the Barnstaple Army Cadet Force.
Despite being knocked back for a university placement, Jason has decided to use his gap year to develop his medical portfolio.
He said: "I'm going to volunteer for a month in the Iringa Regional Hospital in Tanzania.
"The hospital only has a limited number of staff but covers an area the size of Devon and Cornwall combined.
"The trip costs £2,500 but it should be an amazing experience that will hopefully increase my chances of getting into medical school.
"I'm determined to pursue this career, it's all I want to do with my life."
Jason's father, Derek, a grass cutter at Libbaton Golf Club, said: "Jason's passion is out of this world, I'm so proud of him. It's very difficult to become a doctor, which he well knows, but I will do everything I can to support him."
Jason is appealing to businesses and organisations in North Devon to help sponsor his trip to Tanzania. He is also organising coffee mornings to raise funds himself.
● Anyone wishing to help sponsor Jason's trip to Africa can email him on jasonjones2832@hotmail.com
Comments
by A concerned parent, South Wales
Monday, July 05 2010, 12:40PM
“My daughter too, had extreme difficulty in obtaining a place in Medical School. This country makes it so hard for youngsters to enter Med School, yet wastes £millions on importing foreign doctors whose language skills, and often medical skills, are sometimes found wanting. It would seem common sense that we should promote the opportunities to indigenous residents, rather than "sometimes" taking pot luck on people from abroad.
Finally, my advice is to have a Plan B (i.e. if you can't get into Med School, get a degree in something else, and re-apply. Some Med Schools now prefer older applicants who have already obtained a degree, often in subjects not medicine related. That's how my daughter got in, and qualified 7 years ago, she is now a GP). Good luck.”