Describe your sector in a nutshell.
Medicine is a hugely diverse specialty which involves looking after healthcare of individuals of all ages. You can make a difference to people’s lives by helping to alleviate suffering.
What are the different career opportunities/jobs available in your sector?
There are more than 50 different medical specialties to choose from; everything from surgery to anaesthesia, to radiology, general practice and tropical medicine. All of the specialties involve making a difference to people’s lives from diagnosis to treatment to prevention of disease.
What’s interesting/fun about your sector/industry? Why should a young person want to work there?
Medicine is a challenging career. It allows us to combine our knowledge of science with our knowledge of how the body works. Furthermore, most specialties involve caring deeply for other individuals and their problems. You need to be a good listener. If you like the idea of applying science to making a positive impact on people’s lives, then a career in Medicine could be for you. The day-to-day work of a Doctor can be very varied and each day will carry new intellectual and practical challenges.
What is demand looking like in your sector? How do you think this will change in the future?
There will always be a need for Doctors both locally and internationally. The need for Doctors in different specialties in Gibraltar is an ever-changing landscape, as it is internationally. For example, with a relative increase in numbers in the older population there is likely to be an increasing need for elderly care Doctors. Likewise, with the increasing prevalence of cancer, there is likely to be an increasing need for Oncology Doctors.
What skills and qualities are desired in a candidate joining your sector?
A career in medicine requires a lot of dedication. The initial years of training involve working hard academically and quite a number of exams. Doctors needs to be flexible in their approach to problems, adapt to different situations that may arise and need to be empathetic to patients and their complex needs.
What is the approximate salary range can people earn?
Salaries for Doctors are among the highest of all occupations. However, this usually comes together with long and unpredictable hours. Many doctors work more than 40 hours a week as they often have to attend to emergencies and be on call for their patients. Work hours vary depending on the specialty that you choose.
What career pathways are available for a young person wanting to join your sector? (University and non-uni routes)
Becoming a doctor requires serious educational commitment. It typically takes 5-6 years to complete your University education (undergraduate training) and anywhere from five to ten years of training in a specific specialty area (postgraduate training), depending on which specialty you choose to pursue. In order to maintain your medical registration, Doctors are required to continue taking courses and learning about advancements in their field throughout their career. The learning never really stops.
Entry to Medical School can be very competitive and requires you to get very good GCSE and A-Level grades.
Any advice you would give to a young person wanting to join your sector?
A career in Medicine could be very rewarding. Studying medicine is a big commitment, so it is important for you to find out as much as possible before you consider applying. It is useful to discuss with your teachers and school careers adviser. Try to speak with a Doctor about their career or perhaps arrange shadowing a Doctor if you are considering applying for Medicine. Some medical schools run summer schools or taster courses and some of these hold virtual events as well.
Contact information: studentplacements@gha.gi
