Aspiring medics have their futures all stitched up
Students gained a unique insight into careers in surgery at a prestigious conference, reports Mr WALKER
ASPIRING doctors from Ripon Grammar School got a hands-on taste of life in medicine - including the chance to practise surgical suturing – at a prestigious conference bringing together some of the UK’s leading surgeons.
Sixth form students were invited to attend the opening day of the three-day Association of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery of Great Britain and Ireland (AUGIS) Conference at Harrogate Convention Centre.
AUGIS is committed to inspiring the next generation of medical students to consider careers in surgery, making the event a valuable opportunity for RGS students interested in pursuing medicine.
During the day, students met specialist surgeons, university medical students and the admissions officer responsible for medical applications at the University of Leeds.
Medical students shared their own journeys into medicine, including the challenges, disappointments and mistakes they had encountered along the way, as well as the highlights of their careers so far. The RGS students were also able to make valuable connections, with two Leeds medical students already agreeing to support the school’s forthcoming multiple mini interviews (MMIs) in October.
The visit also gave students the chance to develop practical skills, with specialist suturing kits provided by Leeds University allowing them to learn and practise interrupted sutures under the guidance of medical students.
The students were then given an unexpected opportunity to attend the conference’s opening speech by Sir Keir Starmer.
His speech focused on his personal connections with the NHS rather than politics. He spoke about his wife’s career in the NHS, his mother, who was a nurse, and the death of his younger brother, who was treated at Leeds General Infirmary.
The two surgeons who had treated his brother were sitting in the front row of the conference, and Sir Keir thanked them for their efforts.
For RGS students, the day provided a unique insight into both the realities of a medical career and the personal impact of working in healthcare.
Upper sixth form student Francesca Lindsay said: “I found the trip very useful since it gave us an insight into medical school and, more specifically, the field of surgery. On top of this, I really enjoyed learning and practising how to do interrupted sutures.
“Sir Keir Starmer’s speech was very interesting and I believe it further highlighted to us how hard surgeons work, alongside other professionals, and the lasting impacts working in medicine can have on others.”
Lower sixth form student Natasha Pointon said the conference offered a brilliant, direct insight into both the challenges and the rewards of Medicine.
She added: “It was interesting to hear from surgeons, medical students and trainees about their experiences, also providing a great networking opportunity. The clear practical advice, from admissions officers, on the application process was very useful.”
The experience has given RGS’s aspiring medics a valuable insight into medical careers - and some practical skills to take forward as they prepare for their own journeys into medicine.
Ripon Grammar School, 16 Clotherholme Road, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 2DG
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