A residential programme for aspiring doctors from low-income backgrounds resumed for the first time since the pandemic at The James Cook University Hospital.
The week-long programme took place from Monday 17 July until Friday 21 July, and saw more than 50 students engaging in interactive sessions, participating in practical workshops and having the chance to speak to consultants from a range of specialties during the course of the week.
It is aimed at 16 to 17 year olds and offers them a unique insight into the life of being a doctor. The last event was held in 2019 and saw 54 young people meeting staff from various health organisations across the northeast region.
This year all the students were able to get an in-depth overview of the day-to-day responsibilities and duties of a doctor working at a busy hospital.
They also observed a surgical procedure through a live stream, learned various interview techniques for medical school and participated in simulation sessions to emulate real-life experiences of working in a hospital.
Deputy undergraduate manager, Lyndsey Owens said: “Staff working across The James Cook University Hospital and Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust welcomed 50 bright and aspiring young people from the Social Mobility Foundation for a fun, engaging and educational packed residential week starting on Monday 17 July.
Consultants, junior doctors, clinical lecturers and administrative staff collaborated together to plan a week-long interactive programme in the hopes of inspiring and developing the brightest minds to become our next generation of doctors.”