In June, Lower Sixth students with aspirations to study medicine at university, attended a ‘Careers in Medicine’ morning at Southend Hospital. This event gathered students from WHSB and other local schools, to provide them with the opportunity to listen to talks given by doctors at various stages in their careers, ranging from Foundation Year 1 (FY1) doctors, to Consultants and General Practitioners (GPs).

During these talks, the students gained insights into the training required for different medical specialties, the process of getting into and succeeding at medical school, and the essential skills needed to be a doctor. Our students were particularly interested to hear doctors discussing their responsibilities, and how those differed from day-to-day.

The students also had the opportunity to engage directly with the speakers, asking questions and seeking advice. The doctors addressed a wide range of queries, from medical school interviews, the UCAT examination, continuing with hobbies, dealing with failure, and reflecting on mistakes. The morning left the students with a deeper understanding of what it means to become a doctor, and the experience helped to clarify any questions or concerns they may have had about pursuing a career in Medicine.

We are grateful to the staff at Southend Hospital for the support and guidance given to our students, and to Mr Atkinson for coordinating the students’ attendance at this event.