Sixth Form pupils Ethan, Karl, Keyaan and Santosh, who organised and led the event, welcomed more than 50 delegates from CLS and our partner schools for a day exploring careers in medicine. Delegates commented on how much they appreciated the interactive format and the honesty of the speakers, while also discovering medical specialisms they had not previously considered.
We were delighted to hear from a range of clinicians who shared their experiences and perspectives. The programme included insights into a career in general practice, reflections on working as an F3 doctor in palliative care, life as a consultant in a surgical specialty (urology), and an engaging talk from a Consultant Ophthalmologist. His refreshingly frank account of his own career journey, alongside practical advice for pupils considering medicine today, proved particularly valuable for attendees.
The conference concluded with a networking session featuring six CLS alumni currently studying medicine at six different universities, from first to fourth year. Delegates greatly valued the opportunity to ask candid questions and gain an honest insight into what life is really like as a medical student.
One of the strongest messages pupils took away from the afternoon was the extraordinary variety within the medical profession. They heard from doctors drawn to the communication and patient-facing aspects of medicine, as well as those who thrive on the analytical side of the field, enjoying the mathematics, data and problem-solving that underpin clinical decision-making. It was a powerful reminder that there are many pathways to building a fulfilling career in medicine.
Thank you to all our speakers, alumni and delegates for contributing to such an engaging and inspiring event.