Medicine at Cambridge with the IB

Charlotte McClean achieved top marks for her IB in 2009 and is now studying Medicine at Cambridge.  Here is her story in her own words:

"By Upper 5, I knew that I wanted to study medicine, and that the standard route would be to take science A levels. However, as someone who takes an interest in literature, travel and world affairs, the idea of narrowing my education just to satisfy university entrance requirements wasn't very appealing! I had heard that some universities were not yet familiar with the IB, but decided that unless more people applied with the diploma, this would never change!

I took Biology and Chemistry at Higher Level, which I found challenging but stimulating. There is some common ground between the courses, and I enjoyed the options with a medical slant, such as 'Drugs and Medicines' in Chemistry and 'Further Human Physiology' in Biology, which provided useful talking points in interviews. Maths SL is more than sufficient for medicine (although check with some Oxbridge colleges). Some of my favourite lessons were in Higher Level English: I wish I had an excuse to read that widely now!

I feel that Philosophy SL and Theory of Knowledge gave me invaluable experience of debating issues relating to knowledge and ethics. My medical course includes elements of sociology, epidemiology and statistics, all of which I find a little easier to grasp as I have come across similar concepts before. It has to be true that the best doctors are well-rounded, and IB gave me the opportunities to develop some of these more subtle skills, without simply jumping through the hoops of modules which can be the case with A levels. At university, there is no defined syllabus even for science subjects, so one might as well get used to reading around your subject sooner rather than later.

Overall, I found that medical schools were very receptive to the IB. The criteria are exactly the same as for A levels: good predicted grades and personal statement, evidence of an interest in medical issues and science, and most importantly work experience!!

I was invited to interview at all four medical schools (Cambridge, King's College London, Birmingham and Brighton and Sussex). My advice to those who want to study medicine but enjoy their arts subjects is to consider the IB. It is not a barrier to medical school, whatever well-meaning advice you may be given, and you might just enjoy it!"