Summer school inspires doctors of the future
Medics of the future attended a unique summer school at the University of Sheffield last week (23-26 July 2012) – raising their aspirations to achieve their dream careers in Medicine.
More than 50 Year 12 pupils from across the region attended the fun-filled four-day event, which is an integral part of the Sheffield Outreach and Access to Medicine Scheme (SOAMS), giving them an insight into a career in the medical profession and university life.
The summer school, which is hosted by the University of Sheffield's Outreach and Access Team, provides a series of activities designed to introduce the students to the medical profession including clinical skills practice, mock interviews, clinical placements in hospitals and learning about the key ethical debates in the field.
The visit gave the teenagers the chance to get a real taste of life at university by staying in accommodation at the Endcliffe Village and taking part in lectures and seminars at both the University of Sheffield, Sheffield Hallam University campus' and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals.
After a hard day learning and developing new skills, the pupils enjoyed a number of social activities including a gripping murder mystery event.
The budding doctors were mentored throughout the week by current medical students at the University, who were on hand to answer questions about the degree course and moving to university.
Fayaz Kasia, 17, from Greenhead College in Huddersfield said: "Attending the SOAMS scheme has enabled me to gain many new skills including social skills, how to work as part of a team and leadership skills.
"One of the highlights of the summer school was getting the chance to live in university accommodation and get a real taste of student life.
"Initially, living away from home for four days was very daunting however the positive and friendly spirit within the group alleviated this very quickly. I really enjoyed the hands on surgical and clinical experience.This brilliant event has made me feel much more motivated and confident in applying to university."
At the end of the enthralling week pupils were presented with certificates by Professor Tony Weetman, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health, for their hard work and dedication.
Amy Horton, from the University's Outreach and Access Team said: "I’m really pleased that so many of our SOAMS students have put so much effort and enthusiasm into the activities on the summer school. They have been a pleasure to work with and I am sure they will put their new skills and knowledge to good use when applying to university to study Medicine, or another course of their choice.
"Over four days and three nights the pupils experienced a true taste of student life, working alongside some of our current medical students and staying in the student village.
"We hope that the programme will help students to achieve their dreams and we wish all participants success in their chosen career."
Additional information
SOAMS
The University of Sheffield's Outreach and Access to Medicine Scheme (SOAMS) makes a career in medicine a possibility for able students from all backgrounds.
A number of years ago the University was awarded additional places on the MBChB degree for students who have the ability to become good doctors, but who would not normally consider Higher Education as an option open to them. These places are reserved for students who successfully complete the SOAMS scheme.
For more information about the University of Sheffield's Outreach programmes visit Outreach
The University of Sheffield
With nearly 25,000 students from 125 countries, the University of Sheffield is one of the UK’s leading and largest universities. A member of the Russell Group, it has a reputation for world-class teaching and research excellence across a wide range of disciplines.
The University of Sheffield has been named University of the Year in the Times Higher Education Awards for its exceptional performance in research, teaching, access and business performance. In addition, the University has won four Queen’s Anniversary Prizes (1998, 2000, 2002, 2007).
These prestigious awards recognise outstanding contributions by universities and colleges to the United Kingdom’s intellectual, economic, cultural and social life. Sheffield also boasts five Nobel Prize winners among former staff and students and many of its alumni have gone on to hold positions of great responsibility and influence around the world.
The University’s research partners and clients include Boeing, Rolls Royce, Unilever, Boots, AstraZeneca, GSK, ICI, Slazenger, and many more household names, as well as UK and overseas government agencies and charitable foundations.
The University has well-established partnerships with a number of universities and major corporations, both in the UK and abroad. Its partnership with Leeds and York Universities in the White Rose Consortium has a combined research power greater than that of either Oxford or Cambridge.
Contact
For further information please contact:
Amy Pullan
Media Relations Officer
The University of Sheffield
0114 222 9859
a.l.pullan@sheffield.ac.uk