Box 2.

Experiences of two postgraduate entrants to medical school

Anna

Anna was an experienced community midwife whose ambition was to become a doctor and create a holistic health centre in general practice. At medical school, Anna kept up her midwifery skills through agency work for extra income.

“I like being just another student, but if I don't understand something I have the confidence to get individual support. I have found teaching staff receptive to me organising my course slightly differently—for example, doing less obstetrics and more gynaecology during that module.”

Helen

“I was 35 and had been a scientist and a teacher, and I had managed overseas development programmes when I started my training. I expected that my experience would be both valuable and valued.

“How wrong I was! Students were treated as inexperienced and irresponsible. That does not encourage those who may need to mature and is insulting to those who have done their growing up.”