What inspired you to take a gap year in Thailand with Gap Medics?
Dave: Inspiration for me came in the form of desperation and hopelessness. A week before I first contacted Gap Medics, I had received rejections from all the medical schools I had applied to that year. I was feeling pretty down in the dumps, fortunately UCAS was nice enough to send me a flyer for Gap Medics. At that point I was willing to do anything to prevent me from getting four rejections next year. Now, I'm not a traveller by nature, and I don't think I would have even considered doing it if I wasn't so desperate to get into medical school. I contacted Gap Medics and found them really friendly and happy for me to ask as many questions as needed. Their attitude was fantastic and I quickly began the process of arranging the trip. I have always been interested in the orient and I did not really want to travel in India or Africa so Thailand seemed like a really good opportunity to experience an eastern culture whilst getting relevant medical experience.
What were some highlights of your travels?
Dave: I had lots of fantastic experiences. Work experience highlights included observing a range of surgeries, including a caesarean section and being shown a range of diagnostic techniques by a consultant of internal medicine. At one point in my trip I was taken to a leprosy hospital and taught how to diagnose and treat a few forms of the disease. There are so many social highlights, it will be hard to detail them all. I believe I had such a great time because the other Gap Medics on my trip were so nice. It was great to spend time with other people who were so enthusiastic about medicine. Some of the extreme activities I did over the course of the month included white water rafting, zip lining and quad biking. I unleashed the tourist in me and made sure to visit many different temples around Chang Mai, got a few massages and talked to some monks about Buddhism. I went drinking a few times in Chang Mai and visited their night markets. Oh yes, and at one point I even got to hang out with some tigers.
How has this experience impacted your future?
Dave: I can say that my experience with Gap Medics directly impacted me professionally and academically. Since coming back from my trip, I have had an interview for a graduate entry medicine course. I am happy to say that because of Gap Medics I had a brilliant interview and consequently was offered a place. I can't give a better example of a how this trip has directly impacted me, it allowed me to show my enthusiasm for medicine and provide brilliant work experience. The personal impact of the trip has been that I have made some great memories and am still in contact with the friends I made there. I would advise anyone who wishes to give themselves the best shot at getting into medical school and explore a fantastic country, to consider going on a Gap Medics trip to Thailand.
