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KWC STUDENTS GAIN INSIGHT INTO WORLD OF MEDICINE

By IsleOfManAdmin on Friday, May 22, 2009
Filed Under: Education, Isle of Man

Isle News, 22 May 2009 – KING WILLIAM’S COLLEGE Lower Sixth Form pupils have recently gained an insight into the world of medicine from a three day trip to London.

The group of 17 year olds visited the medical faculty of University College Hospital in Regents Park, where they spent time with David Ralph, a consultant urologist. They also met a current medical student who explained how to get into the field of medicine and the challenges it can bring.

Head of Biology at King William’s College, Alasdair Ulyett, commented: “We feel it is very important to give pupils as much information and knowledge as possible before they make their UCAS choices at the start of the September term.

“Practical trips like this are brilliant for helping their understanding of a course or career – and whether or not it is right for them.”

The pupils got the chance to practice intubation, inserting catheters, taking blood samples and even stitching – all on dummies. Then they changed into ‘scrubs’ and were given the opportunity to use a special operating microscope.

On day two, the pupils visited the Anaesthesia Heritage Centre where they learned about the history of anaesthetics. They met Professor Hatch, a retired Paediatric Anaesthesiologist, who discussed changes in the profession with them.

At the Royal College of Surgeons they explored various parts of deceased human and animal bodies – some of which were over 200 years old.

A visit to Queen Mary University Medical and Dental School concluded the trip. Pupils were given a talk by a senior pharmacology researcher who specialises in inflammation, looking at how medicines can be created by using natural products.

Alasdair concluded: “Finally, the pupils received a talk from the Queen Mary admissions tutor who explained the requirements for entering medical school. The trip was very interesting, and has informed them of what they need to achieve to enter this exciting and challenging profession. It has been a very thought-provoking trip, and I look forward to seeing how many of them will apply to medical school in September.”

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