Local students experience what it takes to become a doctor

Local future medical students from across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire are learning ‘on the job’ as part of Hywel Dda University Health Board’s ‘Becoming a Doctor’ programme.

The medical work experience initiative gives students the chance to practice simulated suturing, cannulation and to learn from different clinical scenarios.

The ‘Becoming a Doctor’ programme provides students with people-focused experiences and an insight into the realities of caring for others. It supports the development of the skills and values needed to become a doctor, such as leadership, communication, teamwork, the ability to interact with different people, as well as a realistic understanding of the physical and emotional demands of a career in medicine.

Mark Henwwood, Deputy Medical Director at the health board said: “This year, we held clinical skills and simulation workshops in our four main hospital sites, Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth, Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen, Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli, and Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest.

“We want to raise awareness about this great opportunity with people interested in having a medical career in our local NHS. I hope it encourages and inspires them to consider the possibilities and give it a go.

Helen Thomas, Head of Medical Education & Professional Standards said:

“This year we were really excited to launch the new ‘Becoming a Doctor’ programme across Hywel Dda. We would like to thank all those departments and colleagues that were involved with making this year’s programme such a great success. The feedback from the pupils that attended the programme has been heartening. We will continue to build on this success, enhancing the experiences we provide to further inspire, encourage and support pupils from our local areas to embark on medical and healthcare careers within Hywel Dda.”

Our ‘Becoming a Doctor’ programme incorporates medical school application support (which includes presentations and guidance from admissions staff from Cardiff and Swansea medical schools), clinical skills and simulation workshops, hospital/GP observation placements where appropriate.