Aspiring Medics Get a Taste of Medical School Life

On Wednesday 13th May, 14 aspiring medics from Year 12 traded their usual classrooms for the state-of-the-art facilities at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU).

The Medicine Taster Day provided a unique window into the demanding yet rewarding world of healthcare, giving our students a head start on their journey toward the medical profession.

The day began with a comprehensive tour of the campus. For many, this was their first real look at university life. Walking through the lecture theatres, library, student union and study spaces helped the group visualise themselves as undergraduates, moving beyond the theory of science textbooks into the reality of higher education.

One of the highlights of the visit was a dedicated Q&A session with Year 5 Medical Ambassadors. These senior students, who are on the cusp of becoming fully qualified doctors, shared candid insights into the medical school application process, balancing clinical placements with academic study and the transition from student to practitioner. Hearing firsthand accounts of the challenges and triumphs of medical school was incredibly grounding for our Year 12s, offering them a realistic perspective on the road ahead.

The afternoon shifted focus to practical application. Under the guidance of university staff, students rolled up their sleeves to try their hand at essential clinical procedures.
The budding medics participated in CPR technique (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) on medical mannequins and performed diagnostic checks using otoscopes to examine the ear canal and ophthalmoscopes to peer into the structures of the eye.

Mr Eburn who led the trip said “It was great to see our students’ getting hands on experience with the equipment that professional doctors use every day.”

This trip is part of our ongoing commitment to supporting students aiming for competitive career paths. As Year 12 embark with personal statement writing and consider their Post 18 pathways the insights gained at ARU will undoubtedly prove invaluable.