Around the world in 60+ specialties
This week, Liverpool student doctors in their hundreds took up the chance to connect with clinicians representing over 60 medical fields across four Careers Specialty Taster Evenings.
Each year, the School's medical careers event provides students with the unique opportunity to connect with representatives from a wide variety of specialties, and learn more about what it’s really like to practise in that field.
This year’s event was designed to introduce students to the broadest range of specialties, with each evening hosting a different set of specialty representatives.
Taken online for the second year running, the evenings took on a ‘speed dating’ format, maximising the students’ exposure to different specialties – including new additions of nuclear medicine and sports and exercise medicine.
The School of Medicine’s Careers Adviser Jennifer Connell says, “The event represents a landmark opportunity on the MBChB calendar for students in any year to encounter specialties they may not otherwise come across during their undergraduate or even their foundation years.
It’s a chance to ask any burning questions about a specialty that has had long-held appeal, or come along with an open mind ready to bust any myths and misconceptions about a specialty that act as a barrier to decision making.
Finding out what they need to do know to get into what may be a particularly competitive specialty can make all the difference to the students' future success as applicants.
The event also offers an opportunity to make contact with specialty leads who may well prove invaluable to them both during their studies and beyond.”
More than 70 clinicians from NHS trusts across the region and beyond – one was connecting from their practice in Uganda! – attended the event, keen to interact with student doctors, ‘fly the flag’ for their specialty, and answer the students’ questions.
Dr Gemma Harpin, Consultant for Mersey Care NHS Trust, was representing Psychiatry and the sub-specialty of learning disabilities. She said, “The new format meant I was able to engage with more students which was fabulous! They asked some great probing questions around what about my career I found most challenging and how competitive my speciality is.”
Dr David Roberts, Consultant Cardiologist and Cardiovascular Specialty Lead at the School of Medicine, complimented the event’s organisation. “It was a privilege to be part of this event.
The range and depth of students' questions in my own and related specialties was thought provoking, including tips on how to choose your specialty, the role of mentoring during early career choices and the importance of a healthy work/life balance.
Dr Simon Mercer, Consultant Anaesthetist at Aintree University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, also appreciated the breadth of questions from students. “I really enjoyed talking to the student doctors and for the opportunity to try and pitch a career in anaesthesia to them!
Dr Leo Khoo, Consultant Intensivist and Emergency Medicine, was keen to sign up for similar events in the future after being so impressed by the students. “I thoroughly enjoyed it!"
The students are very engaging and I would love to have more opportunity to continue to inspire the younger generation.
Students made use of the School’s exclusive collection of Careers videos (link) in preparation for the event, and to dive deeper into specialties that pique their interest. The catalogue of over 60 videos allows students to gain further knowledge of the day-to-day of a particularly specialty, as well as offering advice on the things they can already be doing to progress in this field.
Held over Zoom, student doctors were divided into breakout rooms and visited by groups of specialty representatives, who kicked off the 20-minute intervals by delivering their ‘pitch’ for their area of clinical practice.
Hollie Swann, Head of Operations for the Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, was one of 20 ‘hosts’ across the four evenings, who played a key role in facilitating the sessions and interactions between students and specialty representatives.
“I really enjoyed being part of the event which was exceptionally well organised.
The speakers were passionate about their specialty, and the questions from students gave a real insight into what is important to those about to start their career in Medicine.
Every evening, the student doctors in attendance were entered into a prize draw, with one lucky winner taking home a goodie bag of official School of Medicine socks and a copy of ‘The Ultimate Career Guide’ (link), written by School Alumni Dr Amelle Ra and Dr Samuel Latham.
Year 1 Student Doctor Aylin Bikim was Monday's winner, "The Specialty Taster Evening was a fantastic opportunity to hear from clinicians from different specialities, allowing me to talk to clinicians in an informal environment and ask a variety of questions."
On Tuesday, it was Year Four Student Doctor Kelly Wright's turn to scoop the prize.
I found the evening really informative and it was really useful to get personal questions I had answered openly and honestly.
Year 2 Student Doctor Sophie Li picked up the goody bag on Wednesday, "Thank you to the Careers team and hosts for running the event."
I’m very grateful for the opportunity to interact with so many different specialties, for the enlightening messages I’ve heard, and for all those who made it possible!
Student input is incredibly valuable in planning future careers activities. All students are invited to complete an online survey (link), whether you attended this year’s careers event or not, to provide feedback and ideas that will shape plans for next academic year and beyond.
A huge thank you to all of the student doctors, clinicians and supporting staff for participating in this year’s careers event. We are already looking forward to next year’s - and hoping to be able to run it in person!
Discover more
- Whether the Specialty Taster Evenings have helped set you on a path to a particular specialty or you are keen to keep your options open, browse through the collection of Careers videos (link) to learn more about the areas that interest you the most.
- Complete the online survey (link) to share your feedback on Specialty Taster Evenings, as well as suggestions for future events.
- Would you like to complement these resources with a one-on-one careers appointment? Book a meeting with Careers Adviser Jennifer Connell via Handshake (link).
- Learn more about the Careers Support available to you at the School on the student intranet (link).