Ten sixth form students inspired by their taste of medicine experience

Ten local sixth form students have been inspired to pursue medicine after taking part in the popular Taste of Medicine course run by the Medical Specialist Group. 

The course, which was launched in 2009 and now run by Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist Dr Kalaivani Ramalingam, offers students a unique insight into life as a doctor and gives them a chance to immerse themselves in the medical world. During the week students can observe outpatient clinics in a variety of different specialties from anaesthetics to paediatrics and fracture clinic, as well as operations in theatre, ward rounds, emergency department, pathology and mental health services. 

Five students from Ladies’ and Elizabeth College joined the course earlier this month and a further five from the Sixth Form Centre were the latest to join. 

Sixth Form Centre student Kiera Sperduto, aged 17, said ‘This week has been eye opening to what happens in the hospital. Radiology and interpreting the scans and images has been much more interesting and complicated than I thought and has been a highlight for me. I also really enjoyed observing theatres as it gave me a realistic first-hand view on what goes on. Seeing the keyhole surgeries and watching through the camera was extremely interesting.’ 

Cadenza Hurel, aged 17 from the Sixth Form Centre said, ‘I enjoyed observing a wide variety of specialities. I came in interested in neonatology but an afternoon in cardiology completely changed my mind and I now feel more inspired than ever to pursue this as a career.’ 

‘The course was extremely informative and gives an excellent insight into all of the specialties in medicine.’ Said 17 year old Isobel Sexton, another student the Sixth Form Centre. ‘A key highlight for me was going into the theatre and watching a range of different procedures. I never expected to like surgery, but after meeting the surgeons and anaesthetists, I was really inspired by their work. They were all very welcoming and the entire team would talk me through what they were doing and why, as well as answer any questions that I had. I also had a similar experience in the emergency department.’ 

Dr Steve Evans, Chair of MSG, said, ‘We want to support aspiring medical students to become the next generation of doctors, so we’re always delighted to have local students join us for our Taste of Medicine course. This is the 16th year that we’ve been running this course, and we’ve seen many students going onto to apply to medical school better informed and prepared for a highly rewarding career ahead. 

'The course is designed to provide students with an insight into the realities of healthcare including the demands and rewards of the job, as well as the compassion, teamwork, and resilience required to put the patient at the heart of everything we do. It's an excellent opportunity for students to observe how they can truly make a difference in people's lives.’ 

'Supporting young people who are passionate about healthcare is really important to us, and since its inception 16 years ago we've had over 100 students join us on the course.' Said Deputy Chair Dr Michelle Le Cheminant. 'As a local A level student, I too had the experience of MSG’s work, and it directly motivated me to study medicine and Anaesthesia in particular and return to help the people of the Bailiwick.   

‘We love hearing the students highlights during the week, and we hope that their experience on the course sparks a lasting interest and gives them the confidence to pursue a career in medicine – and perhaps even here in Guernsey one day.’ 

Image: Left to right – Dr Michelle Le Cheminant, Cadenza Hurel, Isobel Sexton, Kiera Sperduto and Dr Steve Evans