Inspiring doctors of the future

A group of sixth form students from York have just completed a unique work experience, shadowing hospital consultants to learn first-hand what a career in medicine has to offer.

The 17-year-old aspiring doctors have spent nine weeks learning what it is like to work in a busy hospital, gaining an insight into areas such as renal medicine, surgery, radiology, psychology, diabetes, microbiology and NHS finance.

Student Jess Thackway from All Saints Roman Catholic School in York was impressed by the privileged access they had been given. Jess said: “Every area we saw was very different and interesting in its own way and we were given the opportunity to interview consultants directly about their jobs and their area of medicine.”

One of the sessions highlighted the importance of the relationship between patients and their doctor and students were able to speak to a group of patients about their experiences.

Hattie Marjoram from Fulford School, said: “Meeting patients was interesting because you could see how important it was to build rapport between a doctor and patient. It was something you don’t really think about, that the doctor needs to be good at listening and have a lot of compassion.”

Students were able to see how departments worked together to get the best outcomes for patients. Millie Bonarius from Joseph Rowntree School said: “It was fascinating to see how surgeons work closely with consultants from other areas, such as x-ray and technology, to carry out procedures.”  

The students were joined by renal consultant Dr Paul Laboi for a final session where everyone agreed they had been inspired by all they had seen and heard at the Trust.

Dr Laboi said: “When we put the work experience programme together we tried to include all areas of healthcare so that the students could see some of the less known roles. We wanted to highlight the huge range of opportunities open to anyone studying medicine. There are many highly skilled roles within medicine where people can work to their own strengths and skills so there is something to suit everyone. 

“Thank you to all our staff who took part and good luck to the students in their future careers.”

05 April 2019