Orthopedic Surgeon and President of Medic Mentor, Dr Sivayoganathan recently visited the Academy to give a talk to our aspiring medical students. 

Dr Sivayoganathan gave students key advice about how they can give themselves the best chance of being excepted on a course in the industry. She spoke about the skills they will need, UCAS applications, how to get a scholarship, the importance of work experience and volunteering , gave an indepth insight into the industry and told the students all about medical summer school.

The national mentoring organisation will now continue to work with the Academy to help and support students who want to go into professions in medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine. Students are now being given the opportunity to be given a mentor in their chosen specialism who they will be able to have regular contact with and ask any questions they have.

Dr Sivayoganathan said: ‘I realised very late on in my school life that I wanted to become a doctor. I didn’t get the grades I needed and therefore had to take a foundation course before starting my degree. Whilst I used the time to develop a range of key skills which helped with my degree and studies, I was still a year behind. If I had been given the opportunity these students now have it would have helped me so much.

‘We are here to offer the students a supportive community and provide them the resources they need but it is really up to the students themselves to take advantage of all the opportunities given to them and get the most of the mentoring process.’

Vice Principal Ms Farrar said: ‘More and more of our students are now hoping to pursue careers in the medical industry and it is our job as an Academy to make sure students get the support they need to give them the best chance of making their dreams a reality. Although we are at the early stages of working with Medic Mentor, the students are gaining so much from the experience already. It is wonderful to see our students being given advice about their chosen specialisms from professionals who are currently working in the industry. Our students have been given a fantastic opportunity and I hope we can continue this partnership going forward.’ 

Year 12 aspiring vet Beth said: ‘I found the talk incredibly helpful and informative. Although I knew I want to be a vet, I now have a much clearly idea of what I need to do in order to get there. I’ve found Medic Mentor very supportive and took the opportunity of a phone call with a mentor. The conversation was indepth and personal, focusing on my specialism and I was able to talk to someone from that specific industry.  I have now signed up to their summer school, which will help me develop the skills needed to complete my UCAS application.’