Local teenagers learn what it takes to be a doctor at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Make Me a Medic is a two-day programme created and designed by Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. Its aim is to provide local Year 12 pupils (16 to 17 year olds) from the boroughs of Kensington, Chelsea and Hounslow with the opportunity to gain insight into the working life of a doctor or medical professional, and how they could apply to study medicine.

Run annually by the Postgraduate Department at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, the programme provides up to 150 young people a year from local non-fee-paying schools with two days of practical advice and understanding into what it takes to be a medic. The programme also raises awareness of other allied healthcare careers, such as physiotherapist, dietician, or speech and language therapist, as well as providing students with helpful guidance, materials and advice on how to make a successful application to medical school.

The programme is run at both of the Trust’s two hospital sites—Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and West Middlesex University Hospital. The students undertake a range of activities including communication skills, wound management, medical ethics, basic observations, interpreting X-rays and basic life support, finances at university, volunteering, interview techniques, and ‘a day in the life’ of a medic.

Kreepa, aged 17 from The Heathland School and who is also part of the youth volunteering programme at West Middlesex University Hospital attended the course and said: “It has been a really informative two days. I have learnt so much from the doctors and it’s been a really helpful and in-depth insight about having a career in medicine.”

Tina Cotzias, Director of Medical Education at West Middlesex University Hospital, commented:

“We are delighted to have now run four of our Make Me A Medic courses. We are passionate about supporting and educating the next generation of medics by providing them with an authentic insight into life as a medic, along with practical skills and experience.”

Make Me a Medic took place at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and West Middlesex University Hospital in June and has been generously sponsored by financial advisors Wesleyan.