Passionate alumnae provide ‘Insight into’ a career in medicine
Tuesday 10th November saw over 60 guests from the Manchester High community gather together virtually on Teams to learn about the wide range of career options available for those interested in a career in Medicine.
The event was part of the School’s series of ‘Insight Into’ careers talks, whereby alumnae and industry professionals are invited to present an overview of their career to an audience of students and their parents.
In true pioneering spirit, we did not let the current lockdown restrictions hinder us, and instead of coming together in School, as we usually would, our pupils and parents were able hear about the experiences of our four speakers from the comfort of their own homes.
On this occasion, Manchester High welcomed back former pupils and NHS heroes, Leah Bolchover, Dr Melissa Weatherby, Miss Ghazal Hodhody and Miss Naomi Davis, who each gave an insight into the very different stages of their chosen medical careers.
Leah (Class of 2017) is currently a second year medical student at Bristol University and gave our budding medics an idea of what is involved in the university application process, from UCAS, UCAT and BMAT to interview and personal statement tips.
Dr Weatherby (Class of 2013) followed, and gave us an overview of her role as an FY2 Junior Doctor in General Medicine at Blackpool Victoria Hospital. Melissa was able to give a broad overview of the studying and subject areas involved in becoming a Junior Doctor, and shared a typical day at work; from consultant ward rounds and dealing with patients to being on call night and day.
As a Specialty Registrar in Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery at Royal Salford Hospital, Miss Hodhody (Class of 2008) talked about her love of PE at School and how, as one of the first students to take this subject at A-level at MHSG, it had stood her in good stead in her career working with the human anatomy. From studying at St Andrews and taking part in the Junior Doctor’s strikes of 2016, to her present reality of scrubbing in to perform surgery on a daily basis, Ghazal shared the inside information about work-life balance and what personality traits you might need to be a successful surgeon.
The evening closed with Miss Naomi Davis (Class of 1983) who is a Consultant in Paediatric Orthopaedic Surgery at Royal Manchester Children's Hospital. Naomi talked about her early days at Nottingham University, the importance of doing what you love and how her award for ‘Good Needlework’ at MHSG helped her as a surgeon! We heard how she has been leading the charge with the North West Children’s Major Trauma Network, her passion for the Children and Young People’s Rehabilitation Project, and the incredible teams she worked with during the intense days following the Manchester Arena attack on 22nd May 2017. In true modest Man High fashion, Naomi quickly skimmed over receiving a Woman of the Year award in 2017, presented by the Duchess of Cornwall.
All four speakers stressed the importance of the NHS, and that a career in Medicine requires a love for the job, a passion for people, and a drive to want to help.
If you were not able to attend this talk, you are now able to watch this insightful event in full here: https://youtu.be/hsGvAjyYAko
For useful information about entry requirements for medical schools, you may find the information at the following link answers some of your questions: https://www.medschools.ac.uk/media/2701/msc-entry-requirements-for-uk-medical-schools-2021.pdf
The next talk in the series is ‘Insight Into…Law’, which will take place on Monday 14th December at 6pm on Teams.
'Insight into...Law' is free to attend but, owing to the popularity of these events, we ask that you sign up to receive a link.
Please register here: https://forms.gle/3P2eyy8haEU7tCmFA
