Expert: Dr Ian Jackson - please note UK based - 9/4/2008

Question
QUESTION: This is quite a strange question to ask this early, because I'm only 13! But, I
really want to be an anaesthetist when I'm older. So, when you leave high
school, where do you go from there in order to be an anaesthetist? Do you
go to medical school first? Then what? Thanks x

ANSWER: Now then that depends on which country you are in.
Currently in the UK we have to medical school first and complete our training to be a doctor. You then enter into postgraduate training and have to find a place on a training scheme for anaesthesia. After another 6-7 years then you are qualified as a Consultant Anaesthetist.
However things are changing and it is worth keeping an eye on things as you are so young. Some of the changes may mean that there will be a sub-consultant grade which may or may not be a good thing - so watch this space.
All the best and stick in - it's a great career.
Kind  regards
Dr Ian Jackson

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks I will pay attention to changes because I am in the UK. So does it
take 5 years to become a doctor, and 1-2 years training for anasthetics after
medical school? How many GCSEs do you need to have? Is it at least 5?


ANSWER: Hi there
Getting into Medical School is very competitive. You need 3 A levels at a high grade these days either all A's or 2 A's and a B. Even then you need to have done interesting things e.g. voluntary work, Duke of Edinburgh Scheme etc. If you feel that this is definitely for you then it is good to start planning ahead and take local advice on what to do. Keep an eye out on the seniors in your school and try and chat to any of them who are applying for Med School. Your school should also be able to give you advice.
Now Med School is 5 years and then you enter into Foundation Training which is another 2 years. From there you try and get into an anaesthesia training scheme and that takes another 5 years! However you are earning wages once you enter the Foundation Training.
Kind regards
Dr Ian Jackson

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: So then, it takes 12 years to become a qualified anaesthetist!? That's quite a
while. What do you do in training courses that makes it take that long? It
sounds like a great career though, and it sounds like it is well worth the time
it takes to train! I'm a little worried about not doing well enough in my GCSEs,
but i think its worth studying that extra bit harder just to get into such a good
job.
what sort of skills do you learn in medical school, and what is the foundation
training after medical school that takes two years?
thanks x  

Answer
Hi there
It takes the same length of time to qualify in any of the specialties in Medicine - the training tiomes have largely been standardised. In my day it took a variable length of time but even the quickest only made it to Consultant by the time they were 30-31.
You can find out more details at the Modernising Medical careers website http://www.mmc.nhs.uk/.
Medical schools have very different curricula and it is worth investigating these. Some teach traditional method of background sciences and then move to clinical in 2nd year of the course. others use a 'problem orientated learning method' which exposes you to clinical work right from the start.
Now as to results. The GCSE's are the building block on which you make your start. Admissions policies are such that they don't normally have much influence on selection but they could make a difference. However doing well gives you a bigger choice in what to take for your A levels. So yes putting in a bit of work is important. If you do that and do well then you know you have every chance of working well on your A levels.
Kind regards
Ian