Dear ScotGEM Class of 2024!  Congratulations and a big welcome to the ScotGEM course. You’ve worked hard to get here,  it is a great achievement and you can be really proud of yourselves.  I’m Astrid Novicky, one of the ScotGEM 2023 Year 1 Class Reps and I have a few tips for this upcoming year.

I’d recommend taking some rest over the summer before starting. When you arrive, stay focused in class, on your clinical placements, and in the Anatomy sessions. Try to get the most out of the teaching sessions, and learn from both your teachers and your peers. I found it helpful to join study sessions with other students, and quiz each other, while also having some fun.

Medicine is a marathon and I think it is crucial to live now and make sure to always have time to do something for you, whether that’s a sports class, theatre, or hanging out with your friends and talking about something non-medical. There is a danger of believing that medicine can take over your life, but I think it is important to remember that it is just one part of it. Personally, I decided to learn another skill while being at medical school and started Karate in October, which I really enjoy and will hopefully grade to a red belt a day before exams. 😅

When I feel stressed or overwhelmed I like to remember what an absolute privilege it is to be here. You’ll get fantastic teaching from clinicians and hands-on practical experience in both anatomy and in a GP setting. I find it helpful to only compare myself to myself and feel proud when I remember how much I learned. It is also rewarding to study in a spiral curriculum and continuously learn new knowledge and build on existing. Also, remember that you don’t need to know everything by week 1.

Med school can feel overwhelming at times, but you got into this course for a reason, so you deserve to be here and you can do this. This course is unique because everyone is coming from different backgrounds and therefore has a range of experiences and skills: no matter what your experience is, it will bring something to this course.

I’m looking forward to meeting you in person in September.

I am Jemima, one of the ScotGEM 2023 Year 1 Class Reps, and I am delighted to welcome you to ScotGEM and the beginning of your medical school journey. Here are some insights to help you prepare for your first year, which will be both challenging and incredibly rewarding.

Firstly, congratulations on reaching this milestone. Your hard work and dedication have brought you here, and this year promises to be one of the most fulfilling experiences of your academic life, despite its challenges.

Each of you has taken a unique path to get here, and that diversity is a strength. It’s normal to experience imposter syndrome but remember that you all have unique skills and perspectives that will enrich your learning. Whether your background is in science, law, classics, or any other field, your previous experiences will be invaluable. One of the best pieces of advice we received was to rely on our peers as teachers – and they were right!

You will hit the ground running with the ScotGEM course, and it’s normal to feel overwhelmed at times due to the demanding workload. Finding healthy coping mechanisms and maintaining a balance between your studies and personal life is crucial. Many of us found solace in running groups, sea swims, and munro trips, which provided much-needed breaks and helped prevent burnout.

Finally, this year will be over before you know it, so make the most of every moment. Get involved, build friendships, and just enjoy the learning process. The time will fly by faster than you can imagine, so appreciate each experience along the way.

I wish you all the best and we look forward to welcoming you to the course in person this September.