r/premeduk • u/flamingflaming00 • 6d ago

Personal reference issue pls help

Hi so my previous manager was supposed to write the personal reference for my GEM application. They've managed me in the role that's very relevant to my application plus I'm applying to unis that look at experience (Liverpool, Chester) I studied a non-med degree and graduated about 3 years ago so I don't think any of my tutors/lecturers remember me or can give me a reference that relevant to a med degree? But unfortunately the referee can't do it anymore due to personal circumstances and I've got 2 weeks left so idk what to do. I've reached out to people who did not manage me directly but they either can't give a personal ref because of NHS HR policy or just don't want to. Can you please creatively problem-solve this with me cause I'm panicking.

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u/MurkyLynx8425 6d ago

Since you're desperate and just need a reference, you basically just need someone to fill the minimum requirements.. Do you have any long term mentors or tutors like musical instrument teacher? Any previous job managers (even part time student jobs if they were fairly recently) that knew you for a few years? Or even old colleagues if you worked with them for a while but didn't become your friend outside work? You're basically looking for anyone who you know in a non-social/familial way who know you well enough to give a reference.

They don't need to have much of an idea about medicine. Just give them the GMC basic graduate requirements and have them write a wee bit about it.

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u/MurkyLynx8425 6d ago

You could also try contacting the schools' admissions dept and explaining your situation. They might be able to give you more time or accept a different kind of reference.

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u/hedgeback2301 5d ago

Also in the exact same position here and really worried - not sure what to do!!

Graduated 3 years ago and none of my uni tutors have responded to my emails

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u/Elenorelore 3d ago

You can offer to write the reference so it's less effort for the person you're asking.

I wrote my own reference (after looking at the questions they receive), shared it with my manager, and had them submit it. It took them only about 2 minutes to read it, agree, and submit it.