Junior Doctor Review

I thoroughly enjoyed the Taste of Medicine Programme because it really was a whistle stop tour of lots of different aspects of Medicine- the highs and lows. It gave a realistic impression which was exactly what I sought for in the early stages of my Medicine application- helping me to confirm my choice of course and giving me an experience to reflect on in my personal statement and interview. The days were long and packed full of content, and every day I felt fortunate to be on the programme.

It's hard not to feel like a spare part in hospital work experience, something which I have experienced in other placements, because you don't have any medical knowledge yet and can't offer much help. I have stood in the middle of a ward several times before staring at the clock and getting in the way. Not with this experience- every hour of your day is timetabled learning with a professional who is expecting you and wants to teach you!

There was always sonebody I could turn to for help. The professional I was observing was there for any medical questions, the leader of the programme for anything regarding logistics, and the partner I was allocated to share the experience with was always there for support.

The Taste of Medicine programme gave an insight into the roles of many different healthcare professions, so it allowed me to learn my future role in the healthcare team as a doctor, and gave me respect for the other professions. I was given a realistic impression of the different specialties, so it has provided direction for my decision in what to specialise in.

The insight was structured just like a school day, I was provided a timetable and knew exactly where I needed to be and when.

All of the students I met during the experience (we were in different departments in pairs but met for a few lectures/ debrief) we really passionate about getting the most out of this experience. I felt comfortable to pursue my interests, ask questions and participate!

I developed virtues that will serve me in my Medical career, such as teamwork and courage. I also learnt practical skills such as finding an airway and practiced on dummies!

We followed real doctors and nurses throughout their shift, seeing what happens in between patients and observed some tests which I wouldn't have been able to see as a patient myself. In the downtime, we could ask the professionals questions about being a doctor that helped provide a realistic view.

We saw how different members of a hospital work to achieve results for the hospital's patients, from porters to consultants. I did not learn much however about the NHS as a foundation, such as its management or politics.

This experience was invaluable in deciding Medicine was right for me. At the time I really wasn't sure what I wanted to do in science. It gave me a tease of what could come if I chose Medicine and I liked what I saw!

There was a free shuttle bus between Trafford General and the central Manchester hospitals, where some teaching was, so there were no expenses! This was a 1 week experience where the focus was on my learning, not me being of service to the hospital so I would not have expected to be paid.

Absolutely, I asked a nurse I spent a day with for her email because I learnt so much in her diabeties clinic and organised further visits after the experience was over. I also met a lovely group of students like myself applying to Medical school.

There were no activities specifically for networking or social interaction but you learn to use every opportunity such as a doctor whose work interests you or a nurse who took the time to explain things properly or just lunch with the other students!

No

Absolutely, I would recommend this activity to a friend interested in Medicine! This would help them to confirm or deny their desire to pursue Medicine as it did with me.