Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to the Medlink FAQ (frequently asked questions section), below are some of the most often asked questions for those considering attending Medlink and its associated courses. This is not meant to be an exhaustive overview, as everyone who books a place on Medlink will receive their own copy of the Medlink Booklet which will be mailed from early October onwards; this will be your definitive guide to all matters concerning the conference. Nevertheless we hope that this brief FAQ answers any immediate questions; but remember you can always ask questions and interact directly with the Medlink Team who will be delighted to help you via the Medlink online notice board.
- What is Medlink?
- How will it help me?
- For how long will Medlink support and assist me?
- How can I make new friends before I arrive at Medlink?
- What is the Medlink booklet and how do I obtain my copy?
- What is the Medlink Interview Workshop?
- Are there still places on Medlink?
- How do I book a place?
- How valuable is the Oxbridge option?
- Why is the research element in the pathology option so important?
- What is the Virtual Pathology Programme?
- Where can I find more information
- How should I dress for Medlink?
Answers
WHAT IS MEDLINK?
Medlink is a four-day residential course held at the Nottingham University School of Medicine. Through a combination of presentations and practical sessions it introduces you to the range and depth of modern medicine. Additionally, valuable advice and support is offered by Medical School Deans, admissions tutors and medical students from a number of Medical Schools, on how to select and successfully apply to Medical School. Take a moment to view the additional options open to you and read about the Medlink Exhibition.
TOP
HOW WILL IT HELP ME?
Medlink has the aim of allowing you to ask and answer the question: ‘Do I want to be a doctor?’ Medlink then assists you in realising that ambition. From presentations introducing you to the major areas of modern medicine, through to a range of practicals and extra options that will support your application to medical school, Medlink is committed to ensuring you make a successful application. In addition you will have the opportunity of sampling university life accommodation and the medical school experience by attending lectures and practicals similar to those that you can expect at medical school. The young people that you will work and socialise with are the very same individuals you will find when you arrive at medical school as a full medical student, here is the opportunity to meet and make friends with them now.
TOP
FOR HOW LONG WILL MEDLINK SUPPORT AND ASSIST ME?
Joining Medlink makes you a member of an active and growing community, and you can expect the support of that community for as long as you require. There is no time limit, there is no additional cost or requirements, and through our online support you have access whenever you wish to the Medlink Team.
TOP
HOW CAN I MAKE NEW FRIENDS BEFORE I ARRIVE AT MEDLINK?
Use the on-line notice board on the Medlink website. You can chat, exchange email addresses and even view photographs of those attending if they have chosen to upload them. So if you are arriving on your own or even in a group, use the notice board to make new friends 'before' you arrive.
TOP
WHAT IS THE MEDLINK BOOKLET AND HOW DO I OBTAIN MY COPY?
Medlink is a four-day residential course held at the Nottingham University School of Medicine. Through a combination of presentations and practical sessions it introduces you to the range and depth of modern medicine. Additionally, valuable advice and support is offered by Medical School Deans, admissions tutors and medical students from a number of Medical Schools, on how to select and successfully apply to Medical School. Take a moment to view the additional options open to you and read about the Medlink Exhibition.
TOP
WHAT IS THE MEDLINK INTERVIEW WORKSHOP?
Full details of the Interview Workshop, including all the relevant forms you require will be found in the Medlink Booklet. Essentially this session has the goal of equipping you with the skills necessary to make a successful application and conduct a winning interview. To achieve this end there is a combination of lectures, role play and interviews to hone and sharpen your skills. It is important that you are aware that this is a practical session and you will both interview and be interviewed. It would be wrong to make absolute guarantees as to what you can expect from this session, but in previous years student feedback has indicated it has been the most important session attended and has made a genuine and substantive difference to them personally and their application process and interview techniques.
TOP
ARE THERE STILL PLACES ON MEDLINK?
At the time of writing places are still available on both Medlink courses and bookings are being taken now. It should be noted that whilst Medlink has no formal closing date it is wise to book a place as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
TOP
HOW DO I BOOK A PLACE?
Use the booking form attached to the Medlink brochure or book online from this website Click Here to Book
or direct over the phone on 01509 233133.
TOP
HOW VALUABLE IS THE OXBRIDGE OPTION?
Very valuable for anyone who is seriously considering a place to read medicine at either Oxford or Cambridge. Our speakers will offer their expertise to explain and and demistify the College system and the application process.
TOP
WHY IS THE RESEARCH ELEMENT IN THE PATHOLOGY OPTION SO IMPORTANT?
Competition for places at medical school is fierce and increasingly, personal exam results alone are not sufficient to distinguish between the most able applicants. The pathology option allows you the opportunity to engage in genuine research on a medical problem. If your work is of sufficient quality it is then electronically published by Medlink on the Medlink Website which reaches an audience of several thousand. From this you are able to gain a genuine insight into a contemporary problem in medicine and then (under supervision and guidance) perform your own research. This provides for the acquisition of valuable skills, in addition to which there is the opportunity to add additional weight to your application to read medicine.
TOP
WHAT IS THE VIRTUAL PATHOLOGY PROGRAMME?
This programme contains all of the same content as the actual 'physical' pathology course but allowing you to attend 'on-line'. You can view all lectures through power-point with the anticipated option of downloading additional material as podcast. This course will be run at the end of January 2006 and will be available for four weeks, though in principle it could be completed in a few days. Those taking the option will have on-line support via the Medlink notice board where it is expected they will 'meet' others to collaborate on the pathology project. Full and final details of the course and course internet location will be sent prior to the commencement of the on-line course.
TOP
WHERE CAN I FIND MORE INFORMATION?
Experience has shown that a careful reading of the website coupled with a thorough reading of the Medlink Booklet will answer most of your questions and information requirements. For more detail there is the Medlink online notice board and of course the Medlink staff who can be reached by phone (01509 233133), or by one of the email addresses that you will find in the Medlink Booklet under the heading of:- Additional Support.
TOP
HOW SHOULD I DRESS FOR MEDLINK?
We suggest you dress in a smart/casual fashion. Remember it is December and whilst you are inside for the majority of the conference part the medlink experience is that you get to experience university life so you will be required to make your own way to lectures. Keep this in mind as you will probably want a coat of some description and shoes that are suitable for walking.
There is no dress code but we ask you do not wear anything that may offend others ( e.g. slogans on t-shirts). Casual-smart includes items such as jeans, training shoes and sweatshirts through to more formal jackets, skirts and trousers.
Click here to see actual photographs from past Medlink events which will give some indication of how others dress.
TOP
