Medicine is a course which requires its students to study a wide amount of knowledge regarding the human body, from basic anatomy, physiology to advanced clinical skills and knowledge in order to understand the underlying pathophysiology of a disease and the management of the disease.
In order to help students, become familiarised and proficient with the fundamental knowledge taught in first year medical syllabus, University of Galway has implemented a more practical approach in educating its students. Apart from attending lectures on anatomy, physiology, biochemistry and professionalism, students are also required to attend lab sessions to enhance their learning experience. University of Galway offers students the chance to learn through dissection of a cadaver. The learning opportunities of students are further maximised by breaking the whole 200+ medical students attending first year to smaller groups of 10 per dissection table.
Medical school at University of Galway has been an incredible journey for me. The best part has been the opportunity to be on the wards, interacting with patients, and fulfilling my dream of attending medical school. It’s truly a rewarding experience.
One important lesson I’ve learned is the significance of taking time for myself. To stay on top of things, I make it a priority to keep up with my work. By doing so, I have more time to relax and have fun, rather than feeling overwhelmed by the workload. It’s all about finding the right balance.
Studying medicine at University of Galway is a remarkable opportunity to gain exposure in a fantastic teaching hospital and feel secure in the knowledge that there will be people to help and guide you every step of your journey. The friendships you develop along the way will stay with you throughout your career and you will have countless opportunities to be involved in your community from your foundation year to your final year. Galway is a wonderful city to live in, with most facilities within walking distance and plenty of scenic recreational areas to enjoy. I personally found that studying at University of Galway enabled me to maintain hobbies and extracurricular activities while obtaining a high standard of medical education. This ability to balance ones work scheduled was a skill that University of Galway medical faculty felt strongly about and they supported individuals who wished to uphold high standards of sport, music and other talents including art and debating
In terms of the medical teaching, there are wonderful lecturers that are very willing to help. In the pre-clinical years, there are lab sessions in which you have the opportunity to work in smaller groups and solidify the theory of that particular subject. In terms of the clinical rotations, we had the opportunity to go to one of the four medical academies which was an invaluable experience. The hospital placement had exceptional tutors that went above and beyond to challenge you while encouraging you and constantly providing feedback. Starting clinical rotations for the first time is intimidating, but I was very quickly put at ease by the teams. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from the clinical tutors and all of the doctors in the hospital who have provided me with a very high standard of education. They have inspired me to always keep pushing myself to be the best I can be and to take advantage of every opportunity. What I like about living in Galway? Everything! It is the most beautiful city, with students everywhere you go! The people are so friendly and kind. It is truly a home away from home and there is a real sense of community at University of Galway!
Choosing to study medicine at University of Galway means choosing a university which provides the best, most wholesome student experience. The pre-clinical years consist of an immaculate syllabus which complements the training received in the clinical years. The close partnership with University College Hospital Galway in training medical students is the cornerstone in moulding competent future medical undergraduates who can not only excel as doctors but also in medical research. With an exciting campus life to the very international nature of students from various courses and the academically stimulating lectures and tutorials delivered by welltrained doctors and professors alike, University of Galway helps build life experiences, supports growth of character and prepares you for the real world application of your field of undergraduate study.
Throughout my 6 years of study I had numerous opportunities to contribute to college life, both academically and secondary to my participation in many of the societies University of Galway has to offer. In Galway medical students are exposed to clinical practice early in their academic career; special study modules and early patient contact facilitate the translation and application pre-clinical theory to patient care and management. This is followed by clinical years wherein students are supported and guided by fantastic medical and surgical teams who very much take you under their wing and make you feel part of the team. University of Galway has also given me opportunities through societies, sports and as President of the Students’ Union to represent the college on a national and international stage. Opportunities and memories that I now cherish were very much supported by the School of Medicine throughout my studies. Medicine at University of Galway promotes a sense of community, one that simply cannot be replicated where the importance of inter-professional learning, giving back and academic collaboration are all central.
Medicine is always my passion since childhood. Being a doctor is actually one of the ways to contribute to the public. Honestly, University of Galway is the only Irish university offered in twinning programme by my previous university in pre-clinical phase. However, I am always fond of pursuing my study in Ireland since Ireland is well-known with its medical course in my country. Hence, I chose University of Galway over other universities for my twinning programme. My first day was really great. I enjoyed my bridging course conducted by University of Galway. I was well-oriented and made clear on my visions while studying in University of Galway. The emphasis on the theory is one important component that I love. Having a strong foundation in pre-clinical phase is essential before starting the clinical years. Besides that, peaceful environment in Galway is one of the main traits that made Galway stand out from the others as the best place to study!
Applying to medical schools in Ireland and moving from New Zealand seemed to be a daunting task. But Seamus and Samantha from IUMC understood this and helped me to navigate through the entire process with ease.
They were approachable, honest and patient and facilitated a stressless process by constantly staying in touch with myself and the university, providing useful tips for the interview and supporting me with the move to Ireland.
Currently, I am having a great time studying in Ireland in my student accommodation that was organised by IUMC. I unreservedly recommend them and you can rest assured that Seamus and Samantha will be there to support you every step of the way.
Coming to University of Galway to study medicine has been wonderful. UG is unique not only in its location but also in the people who work here. People from every department, from lecturers to clinicians, from librarians to administrative staff, have made my journey that much sweeter. I would recommend University of Galway to any student.
