student Review

It was really good - I had lots of opportunities to have a look at the life of doctors and I had many chances to shadow them. Every day I was able to shadow in different departments of the hospital (i.e cardiology, colorectal) to get a broad view of medicine!

All the time - the MDT (multidisciplinary team) always made me feel welcome and included me on their ward rounds/meetings! At the time I was only a high school student and so I didn't know an awful lot about medicine, but they still asked for my input and insight into patients and conditions.

A lot - the doctors constantly tested my current knowledge and taught me more to further this knowledge., they quizzed me, emailed me and ensured I understood everything. Whenever I was feeling stressed or confused about what was going on, the MDT made sure that I was calmed and informed on what I I didn't know.

As I was only allowed to watch, and not get 'stuck in' with patients, I couldn't develop any practical skills (i.e surgery) but I was able to learn how to communicate effectively and empathetically with patients. This has proved very helpful now as a medical student as I have carried these learned skills with me into medical school.

It was structured a lot - everyday I had something to do; i.e Day 1: ward rounds and surgery, Day 2: ward rounds and A+E, etc.... I was never sitting around waiting to be told who's free to take me on. I also got to shadow junior doctors and learned a lot about their schedule and how much paper work it involves!

Pleasant - the synergy between the members of the MDT was great and this reflected in their meetings and teamwork. I felt at ease amongst the doctors, nurses and allied healthcare professionals as they dealt with any disagreements regarding patient treatment in a good fashion and very calmly. It was great observing this as I developed my negotiation skills.

As I was only a high school student, they didn't "invest" a lot in me as I was only there to observe and gain a rough insight. they did, however, encourage me to pursue medicine and helped me as much as I could with gaining insights and learning about the field.

This was done extremely well. shadowing Consultants and junior doctors in busy departments such as A+E, ITU and surgery showed me the full extent of the busy rotas medical staff follow. It was hectic following them around on their day but it made my decision of going into medicine more balanced and informed.

I already knew a lot about NHS values. Whilst my work experience did reinforce what I already knew, I can't say I learned much regarding this. If I went in knowing nothing then perhaps I would have learned more about the NHS culture and values. However, I did learn lots about patient safety and hygiene.

It was excellent - I had insights into most aspects of medicine (i.e medicine, surgery, meetings). Following doctors on their day gave me a good idea of what to expect as a doctor - I wasn't just shown the 'pleasant' parts of healthcare - I watched gruesome surgeries and difficult patient consultations which in fact attracted me more to the profession.

I wasn't paid for this as I had applied as a student wanting an insight into medicine. I didn't mind this as I thoroughly enjoyed my experience and don't think the extensive travel and travel costs were for nothing. Travelling from West London to Surrey at peak times was difficult, but very worth it.

No - this insight only allowed me to see what the life of a doctor is like. It didn't connect me with other people in the field. It may have been valuable but as a high school student I would not have gained much out of it. As a medical student it would be very helpful.

There weren't any as this was only a work experience event. I know for the medical students and doctors this is available but for a high school student at the time, there wasn't any. So I recommend you look elsewhere if this is what you are after - but nonetheless this was a great experience.

Yes - doctors need a good work-like balance so I was told about the activities they do outside work. The NHS organises events for doctors to enjoy themselves and engage with others. Sports facilities are nearby to most hospitals for doctors to stress relieve - most doctors go together and play football or basketball or just use the gym.

Yes - anyone looking into medicine should go on this. I already recommended my younger friends looking into medicine go on this. They enjoyed it as much as I did. as it was a learning experience, it not only helped people confirm their love for medicine, but put those off who weren't too keen - this may seem bad to be put off but it is very important as medicine is a long career and so its better you understand the hardships doctors go through early on.