Expert: Dr Ian Jackson - please note UK based - 9/3/2009

Question
Hey, finally a way to connect with a doctor. I am starting my undergraduate in Biology in a few days with the intent to go to medical school in four years. (I'm in Canada but its the same deal) So I hope you can answer some of my questions

1) What advice would you give me to get accepted into medical school?

2)What matters most to med schools in your opinion? What helped you get in most?

3)How long did it take you to obtain your title?

4)How did you prepare for the MCAT, and what should I start doing?

If can can answer these it would be great if you are comfortable:

5)How did you do on the MCAT?

6)What was you GPA applying?

Thanks a lot I appreciate your time, please give any advice or mistakes to avoid for me if you can.

Answer
Hi Roy
Failed at the first hurdle! I'm from the UK and so haven't a clue about your system.
In UK you need to demonstrate commitment to 'caring' by doing volunteer work for the disadvantaged or helping care for the elderly or something of that ilk. You also have to make yourself interesting (playing an instrument to a high grade, doing Duke of Edinburgh Award)
I 'got in' over 30 years ago so what happens now is completely different.
I trained for 5 years at medical school and then completed another 8 years of post grad work before I became a consultant.
Sorry the other bits mean nothing to me.
I wish you all the best
Dr Ian Jackson