During the current Coronavirus Pandemic, if you have had thoughts about training to be a doctor or nurse, now may be the right time to start researching the steps you may need to take to gain the relevant qualifications.

However, if you are a student in the process of applying to medical school, or you are a doctor looking to support a student with work experience opportunities read on.

How to gain medical work experience

Before you get into medical school, you should look at gaining some medical experience. You can learn more by taking the following steps:

Guidance for students

Medical schools now require students to have gained prior medical experience, in-service or caring role, in a health-related area.

To gain experience, you can get a placement in an array of healthcare locations, for example, a hospital or G.P. practice.

You will need to be patient, as it may take sometime before you meet with a successful opportunity.

Starting a work placement

• Contact your local G.P. practice, and ask the practice manager if you can gain work experience.
• Speak to friends and family who may have contacts or know someone who can help.
• If you cannot shadow a doctor, you could consider shadowing another healthcare professional to gain the experience you need.

It would be best if you also consider volunteering at one of the following organisations:

• St John’s Ambulance
• The British Redcross Voluntary Services
• Royal College of Practitioners
• Global Pre-Meds

Essential tips when on your placement

• You should dress smartly
• When gaining work experience, it may not always be possible to attend consultations with patients. It would be best if you did not take this matter personally
• Remember, patient confidentiality is paramount
• You should also speak to the person you are shadowing if you know the patient, please leave the room
• Discuss with your placement what you would like to gain on your work placement
• Keep a record of everything that you have seen or experienced
• Speak to a wide range of staff and ask for support
• Ask the team members how they decided to become a medical professional
• Talk to patients, be polite and introduce yourself
• Be proactive and help whenever you can

There are many other opportunities, which include formal schemes and outreach programmes

Many medical schools offer outreach programmes and formal schemes. They offer students volunteering opportunities to gain the necessary experience to enter medicine and support them in making their applications, making a personal statement and gaining interview preparation, and exams and help with studying.

You could also consider combining some work experience, with volunteering at your local hospital.

This will help you to gain a broader work experience and offer you a more comprehensive skill set.

Once you have gained some work experience in the medical sector, you should find out how to pay for med school before taking the next steps to enrol in medical school and become a doctor or medic who will be making a difference in the world.