{"id":978,"date":"2011-07-25T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2011-07-25T15:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mindonmed.com\/?p=978"},"modified":"2016-01-25T16:37:26","modified_gmt":"2016-01-25T21:37:26","slug":"medical-school-in-south-africa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/old.mindonmed.com\/2011\/07\/medical-school-in-south-africa.html","title":{"rendered":"Medical School in South Africa"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Medical<\/a><\/p>\n

I am beyond excited to have Medical Education Monday<\/a> back this week with Renate from \u201cThe Regatta<\/a>\u201d as our guest. Renate is a 20 year old South African medical student in her second year of medical education. She is interested in Pediatric Surgery, but makes sure to let me know that at this stage in her education she has a lot left to experience and is keeping an open mind. Renate speaks two languages fluently (English & Afrikaans), knows enough German to get around and is in the process of learning a couple more languages in order to better communicate with her future patients. How are ALL<\/em> of my Med Ed Monday guest posters so talented? They never cease to amaze me. When she’s not suffocating underneath a pile of heavy, international edition medical textbooks or practicing a new language, she enjoys swimming, quilting and playing the flute. Thanks for stopping by to read about Medical School in South Africa, if you have questions, feel free to shoot me an email or contact Renate directly!<\/p>\n

But first, vote in the poll from yesterday<\/a>! Pretty please.<\/em> \ud83d\ude42

[polldaddy poll=5261349]<\/center>
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\"ER24<\/a>
Photo Courtesy of Flickr CC User: ER24 EMS<\/a> (I chose this picture because I found it really awesome that South Africa's first responder team<\/a> drives the same model of car<\/a> as me).<\/figcaption><\/figure>
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\nGetting In:<\/strong>
\n How old is one when they begin medical school?<\/strong>
\nThe majority of students study medicine straight out of high school or a couple of years after high school. Most people are around 18 years old when they begin medical school.
\nWhat exams does one have to take to get in?<\/strong>
\nThe prospective med student must pass the National Senior Certificate (aka “Matric,” “Grade 12,” or “The Standard 10” if you happen to belong to an older generation) with university exemption.
\nIs there any required pre-requisite coursework?<\/strong>
\nYou must have both Science and Maths as matric subjects.
\nIs it a competitive occupation?<\/strong>
\nYes, getting into med school is really tough! You must be a top student (85-90% average for matric, preferably 90% or more). Community service can also help. All students applying for med school must fill in what they call a \u201cValue Added Form” (this always made me feel like a taxable object) which covers all extra-mural activities, leadership positions, extra qualifications, etc. There are also all sorts of rumours regarding quota systems for student intake divided on the basis of ethnic groups. I have no idea whether these rumours have any factual basis or not, it\u2019s simply another interesting part of living in South Africa!
\nWhat are you called at this stage of training?<\/strong>
\nOne very stressed high school student!<\/p>\n

Being In:<\/strong>
\n How long is it?<\/strong>
\nThe MBChB degree takes 6 years.
\nHow are the years broken down?<\/strong><\/p>\n