On the 26th February, thirty-four aspiring medics from Years 10 and 12 gathered to find out more about routes into medicine via practical workshops, a vocational seminar with Cochrane Training and advice from four OHS parents who work in very different medical disciplines.
Year 10s spent the morning exploring healthcare-related professions under the guidance of the Medical Mavericks, who describe themselves – not without reason – as ‘the UK’s No. 1 OMG, jaw-dropping careers, STEM and sports science enrichment experience for schools, colleges and events.’ The Medical Mavericks’ Mini-Medics Workshop was fantastic, enabling Year 10s to record and print their own ECGs, look at blood vessels in the eye and practise taking blood from a fake arm.
Year 12s, in the meantime, learnt more about evidence-based medicine in a workshop led by Cochrane UK, followed by a Q&A session with our Head of Science. In the afternoon, both groups merged and Year 12s helped clarify some aspects of work experience and the application process for Year 10s under the guidance of our Director of Sixth Form.
Finally, the combined group heard talks from four of our medic parents: Dr. Ruggiero, Dr. Bull, Dr. Roy and Mr Myers, each of whom covered different aspects of a career in medicine, such as medical research, life as a surgeon, what’s expected in an interview and alternative routes, such as becoming a specialist nurse. The event was thoroughly enjoyed by both students and staff and the following comments show how much our girls took away from it:
Year 10s
I found the Medical Mavericks’ workshop both very enjoyable and informative. It was good to actually use some of the equipment, but we also learned about some of the professions.
The workshops were incredibly engaging, fun, educational and overall provided an unforgettable insight into the practical side of becoming a medic.
The talks were really interesting and relevant, and a good length.
Whilst I don’t want to go into any of the branches the speakers talked about, the talks honestly opened my eyes to how it is such a stimulating profession with new challenges to face every day no matter which branch you work in.
Year 12s
I really enjoyed the Cochrane workshop, as I was not previously aware of evidence-based medicine.
I think it will be super relevant for medicine interviews.
I really liked that we got talks from people with diverse backgrounds. I think it is important to hear from not just doctors but also the other careers from the same field, as the first thing people think of when medicine is mentioned is being a doctor.
It was really helpful to be introduced to the variety of careers and routes into medicine.
