How to Get Medical Work Experience during COVID in 2021
Why is work experience important when applying to study medicine?
Real life experience of working as a doctor
Explore the good and bad aspects of being a doctor
Get a realistic experience of the demands of the NHS
Questions to ask doctors working in the NHS any questions
Lets you make an informed choice on whether medicine is right for you
Reflect and mention what you have learnt – relate to teamwork and empathy
What are the requirements for Work Experience for medical school?
Check the work experience requirements of each medical school (check on their website)
Some medical schools may require health care related work experience – be careful
Some medical schools may stipulate a certain amount of work experience (e.g. 5 days)
Working with other people in a caring or service role, in particular with people who are ill or disadvantaged
Direct observation of healthcare – watching and reflection
What Opportunities are they for Work Experience during the COVID19 pandemic?
Virtual and In Person Clinical work experience with Blue Peanut
Online recorded work experience – Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Royal College of General Practitioners Observe GP.
Administrative work in NHS providers
Care Homes
Vaccination Sites
Food Banks
Charitable Organisations
What about the need for Observation and Reflection when undertaking medicine work experience?
Medical schools want to see that you understand what it is like working as a doctor and that you have some of the key qualities of a doctor.
They want you not to just have observed health care being delivered but also reflect and talk about what you have seen and experienced.
You must observe and reflect, whether online, live or in person
Look out for qualities of a doctor and whether you have observed some of them – or perhaps even have some
The quality of work experience is more important than the quantity
You can talk about your own experience, for example looking after a relative or someone with mental health problems
Patient Study Case used during the GP Work Experience workshop
Mr Adam Khan
Age 70
Lives in Nursing Home
Known to have Mild Dementia, Diabetes, Heart Disease
Blue Peanut Summer GP NHS Work Experience placement for medicine
Supervised by Dr Abdul Mannan and Dr Imran Khan in person
Learn and practice your history taking with real NHS patients
Taught sessions on professional standards and ethics
Learn about anatomy and physiology
Hands on surgical sessions (in person placements)
UCAS personal statement workshop included
