Medicine is fundamentally a profession about relationships. Whether it’s building trust with patients or collaborating in a multidisciplinary team, success in this field is rooted in community. But why wait until you’re a practising doctor to engage with this ethos? Your sense of belonging can (and should) begin while applying to medical school.

Building a network of support early on can help you manage stress, stay focused, and even sharpen your preparation. By surrounding yourself with the right community, mentors, and peers, you’ll have people in your corner who genuinely care about your success.

Why Surrounding Yourself with Support Matters

When you think of applying to medical school, “community” is probably not the first word that comes to mind. More likely, you’re picturing relentless UCAT practice or pouring over personal statement drafts. But having a robust support network could be just as crucial as all the academic prep you’ll be doing.

Connecting with others who share your goals can make the process far less isolating. Studying for tests, preparing for interviews, and overcoming setbacks are all easier with friends who understand exactly what you’re dealing with. Plus, hearing different perspectives and approaches can open your eyes to strategies you may not have considered.

Remember, this isn’t just about academic insights. True community helps you stay motivated and reminds you that you’re not alone in this challenging but rewarding process.

Aarna’s Story of Finding Strength in Community

Need proof of how important a good community can be? Take Aarna Sharma as an example. A Platinum Pathway participant, Aarna recently earned a spot to study medicine at the University of Aberdeen.

“I’ve definitely made so many friends here,” she shares. “Everyone is so nice, and I’ll keep in touch with everyone. Everyone here is inspired to be a doctor like me, so it gives us the common point to talk about. Even if it’s the interviews or the UCAT, we can talk about it together. The Summer School makes the personal statement so easy. The mentors definitely helped us a lot in building our personal statement that encapsulated our personality.”

It’s not just about learning the “how” of medical school applications. Being part of a community like the Platinum Pathway means growing alongside others with the same dreams and challenges.

How to Build Your Own Support System

Finding support doesn’t necessarily mean you need to create a sprawling network from scratch. A little intentionality can go a long way. Here are some practical ways to build connections that will uplift and inspire you.

1. Seek Out Communities of Aspirants and Mentors

You’d be amazed at how invigorating it is to connect with others who are either walking your path or have already overcome the challenges you’re facing. Look for group-based activities, study sessions, or workshops where people collaborate and share insights.

One programme that does this brilliantly is the Platinum Pathway. Whether it’s through Summer Schools, mentoring days, or ongoing study groups, the pathway gives you a “home base” to share experiences and learn together.

Practical Tip: The Mentorverse Circle or the Virtual Medical Society are excellent platforms to connect with peers virtually. Whether sharing resources or trading study tips, these communities are full of people eager to help.

2. Learn from Those Who’ve Been There

There’s no replacing the wisdom of someone who’s been in your shoes. Mentors offer the kind of insider knowledge that textbooks and online videos can’t replicate. From crafting personal statements to practising interview techniques, they guide you, step by step.

The Platinum Pathway gives you access to mentoring sessions with doctors and medical students who have expertise in all aspects of the application process. 

3. Engage in Meaningful Learning Experiences

Enrich your preparation by taking part in activities that balance skill development with a sense of camaraderie. Leadership projects, community service activities, and collaborative group tasks can make your preparation feel purposeful and rewarding.

It’s even better when these activities directly align with your CV goals. For example, through programmes like Medic Mentor’s Medical Leadership programme or Virtual Medical Society, you’ll connect with like-minded students and gain opportunities to contribute to meaningful projects.

Practical Tip: Look for “compound activities,” where you can develop multiple skills. For example, designing and leading a health campaign could check boxes for public speaking, teamwork, and organisational skills all in one go!

Benefits of the Platinum Pathway

A structured support programme can make a world of difference. The Platinum Pathway, for example, provides an all-in-one solution to some of the biggest challenges you’ll face during your application. With resources like tailored UCAT tutoring, personal statement workshops, mock interviews, and even virtual work experience, it simplifies the process.

What really sets it apart, though, is the sense of community. When you’re part of a group where mentors and peers are as invested in your success as you are, you gain more than just guidance. You gain a network of people cheering you on, ready to support you every step of the way.

It’s little wonder that more than 83% of Platinum Pathway students go on to receive offers from medical schools.

Final Thoughts

No one achieves success entirely on their own. Medicine itself is about teamwork and collaboration, and your medical school application journey should echo the same spirit. Whether it’s leaning on mentors, connecting with peers, or enrolling in programmes like the Platinum Pathway, every form of support matters. 

This is your time to grow, learn, and establish bonds that could last a lifetime.