Pathways to Medicine programme inspires next generation of medicine students

Hull York Medical School will welcome its third intake of students to its Pathways to Medicine Programme, run in collaborate with The Sutton Trust

On 18^th April 2018 Hull York Medical School will welcome its third intake of students to its Pathways to Medicine Programme. Run in collaboration with The Sutton Trust, the Programme supports talented Year 12 students who wish to pursue a career in medicine.

One of only two dedicated medicine programmes in the UK run in collaboration with The Sutton Trust, it offers insight into the medical professions, provides support through the application and selection process for medical school, and prepares students for attending University.

Professor Una Macleod, Dean, of Hull York Medical School believes the programme provides valuable insight and support to students considering a career in medicine. She says, ‘we are committed to raising aspirations and supporting young people’s choices and encouraging their progression into medicine and other medical careers. Through our Pathways to Medicine Programme we hope to encourage local students to consider medicine and inspire them to study and train within this area so that they might make a difference to the health of patients within the region’.

The Programme was launched in 2015 and since then has worked with over 75 students. This year the School will welcome over 44 students from 18 schools and colleges. They will benefit from work experience within a healthcare setting, workshops, a five-day residential where they can experience life as a medical school student, and have access to mentoring support from a current student at Hull York Medical School.

For Emily Stonham, a former Pathways to Medicine participant from Wilberforce College, now a first year medical student at Hull York Medical School, studying the programme enabled her to realise her ambitions. She says, ‘without the Pathways to Medicine Programme I would never be where I am now. The Programme allowed me to stand out from the crowd at interview, gave me opportunities to develop as a person and strive to reach my dream of becoming a doctor’.

Hull York Medical School works in partnership with regional NHS Trusts and community healthcare providers to ensure it responds to local workforce needs and provides its students with the knowledge and skills to deliver exceptional care to patients. Since it was established in 2003, it has trained over 1100 doctors who are now working within the region and beyond - as GPs, Psychiatrists and Consultants. The Pathways to Medicine is one of a number of opportunities the School offers to young people to support them on their journey to becoming doctors, and demonstrates the School’s commitment to improving the health of people in this region and beyond.