STUDENTS have been getting hands-on experience of what it’s like to work in medicine by trying their hand at clinical skills in Bradford Royal Infirmary’s state-of-the-art simulation centre.

The two week course for A Level students, run by Bradford Teaching Hospitals in partnership with the Department of Children’s Services, has been designed specifically for students aged 16 plus who are considering a career in medicine.

Deputy Medical Director Dr Alex Brown, said: “We started this initiative to help improve the prospects of local students who are academically gifted enough to get into medical school but may not have the opportunity or additional experience to do so. It gives the students a great chance to learn about the skills they will need to succeed in medicine.

“This is the first time we have piloted a two-week summer school of this kind. Joining up with the Department of Children’s Services in Bradford will help us widen participation across the city.”

The course combines interactive workshops with practical tips on interview techniques and writing UCAS forms to maximise the students’ chances of being accepted into medical school.

Alexander Modlinski, from St Benedict’s Sixth Form in Heaton, said: “It’s been an eye-opening experience, especially the sessions on how to fill in university forms and the coaching we’ve received on clinical aptitude tests for medical schools. We’ve been out on the wards shadowing doctors, practising injections on dummies and putting sutures into synthetic pieces of skin - by the third stitch I was really hooked on it! I’d definitely recommend this course.”

Throughout the course the students have met with postgraduate medical students as well as junior and senior doctors in a variety of medical fields to learn about their experiences of working in medicine.

Raissa Gazi, also from St Benedict’s Sixth Form, said: “I never expected we would be able to go out onto the wards, the experience has really confirmed to me that I want to work in a hospital. It’s been brilliant learning how to choose and apply to a medical school.

"I’ve gained a real appreciation of how hard the staff work and the huge amount of work that goes on in the background of a hospital.”

Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, Executive Member for Education, Skills and Culture, said: “This has been an excellent opportunity for Bradford students who want to pursue a career in medicine. It’s given them the right guidance and experience to progress to university. I’m really pleased to see Bradford Royal Infirmary taking this initiative and encouraging talented young Bradford people to consider medicine as a career.”