Navigating Medical Education: Degrees, Training & Career Advice

Posted on Mar 26, 2025 in English

Medical Education and Career Path

After I finished high school, I studied biology in the premed track for four years at university (Bachelor’s degree).

After finishing my bachelor’s degree, I attended medical school for the next four years (medical school).

I finished medical school and now I’m doing my residency for the next four years to get training in a specialized field (residency).

I’ve just finished a two-week first aid course (certificate).

This is the highest university degree and involves a thesis with original research (doctorate).

I finished my university degree and now I’m studying another two years in clinical education as a postgraduate course to be able to teach others (Master’s degree).

I’ve started my residency to specialize in oncology, but for the first year, I just focus on general medicine (internship year).

I’m already a doctor, but I want to continue my academic research (post doc).

Examples of Past Simple Tense

Four examples past simple: I graduated with my paramedic certifications five years ago. I also did a bachelor’s degree. I remember I felt so nervous when I was sitting my final exams. I worked as an emergency medical technician on an ambulance with paramedics before becoming one.

Examples of Present Perfect Simple Tense

Three examples of present perfect simple: I think we should never stop studying, so I have done a few certificates since. I’ve just finished one to qualify as an equipment management specialist. I’ve found a course that is delivered completely online.

Examples of Present Perfect Continuous Tense

Two examples of present perfect continuous: I’ve been thinking of doing a master’s degree in clinical education to be able to teach others. I’ve been working as a paramedic for a few years now.

  1. I have worked as a nurse for ten years.
  2. I started a master’s degree after university, but I haven’t finished yet.
  3. Have you decided what specialty you are going to study?
  4. I have thought of starting a doctorate.
  5. I did a one-year internship when I started my residency in 2019.
  6. How long have you been training to be a senior nurse?
  7. Students have been sitting exams in this room for over 200 years.

8- I’m afraid you didn’t attend enough classes last term, so you have to do the module again.

Advice and Responses

  1. Do you think that I should apply? – Ask advice.
  2. If I were you, I’d go for it. – Give advice.
  3. I’m not too sure. – Respond to advice.
  4. You really should do it. – Ask for advice.
  5. What do you think I should do? – Ask for advice.
  6. It might be a good idea to practice more before the big day. – Give advice.
  7. In any case, why don’t you apply first and then worry about the interview later? – Give advice.
  8. I’ll give it a try. – Respond to advice.
  9. Have you got any tips? – Asking Ollie for advice.
  10. Perhaps you could try asking Ollie. – Give advice.
  11. That’s a great idea. – Respond to advice.

CV Tips

  • In your CV, you should include everything you’ve ever done (False).
  • You should order your experiences from most recent to oldest (True).
  • You shouldn’t highlight your soft skills (False).
  • A simple CV is the best option (True).
  • Your CV should only focus on paid work experience (False).

CV Sections

* Personal statement * i. Focused on continuously advancing expertise in nursing, while maintaining a goal to achieve senior nurse status in five years.
* Personal details * b. Oliver Fletcher, 64, Maple Avenue, Holby OY33 11YB UK
* Work history * a. Nurse, 06/2019 to present, Mendfield Hospital – Holby
* Medical qualifications * d. Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Holby University, 08/2014-06/2018
* Courses and conferences * e. Mental Health Act course (online) – ROSPA accredited July 2021
* Membership of professional organizations * g. Member of the Royal College of Nursing since 2019
* Published articles and books * h. ‘Stress and Health of nurses’ (from B.S. dissertation) – published in Nursing Today, 08/2018
* Useful skills * f. Aseptic techniques, ICU equipment operation
* Hobbies and other leisure interests * c. Podcasting: have run Good Nurse podcast, with weekly episodes, for the last 3 years

D A D B A C C

Recruitment Terminology

Recruiter (n): A person who chooses and hires people for a job.

Shortlist (v): Choose a small number of candidates from all the applicants.

Relevant (adj): Closely connected to the topic.

Goals (n): Objectives.

Achievements (n): Things you do that are successful because of your effort.

Other Terms

Requirements (n): Things that are necessary.

Marital status (phr): Whether you are married, single, etc.

On average (phr): Generally true.

Keywords (n): Words that are important in a situation or document.

Needless (adj): Not necessary.

Acronyms

CAMP – Clinical academic management and personal (8 BIOGRAPHICAL QUESTIONS)

SPIES – Seek information, patient safety initiative, escalate and support (CLINICAL SCENARIOS)

STAR – Situation, task, action, and result (COMPETENCY-BASED QUESTIONS)