08 February 2010
Pupils learn future skills from medical students
Medical students from the University of Sheffield visited local secondary schools last week (5 February 2010) equipped with dummies, stethoscopes and fake injections to introduce pupils to life as a medic.
12 students took part in sessions over three days, which were organised by the Union of Students´ SheffieldVolunteering and the University´s Medical School, and aimed to give the children an insight into the medical field. The visits were also designed to raise the aspirations of the pupils and encourage them to think about their future careers and what they may be interested in. They also aimed to improve pupil´s awareness about their own health.
The pupils were given the opportunity to practice giving an injection into a fake dummy and learn CPR, as well as taking part in a body parts challenge and some medical quizzes. They also had the opportunity to talk to the medical students about life at university and the different routes into a career in medicine.
Helena Smallwood, a current 4th year medical student, who organised the visits, said: "Medical Outreach hopes to give Year 8 pupils a taste of life as a medical student and doctor by allowing them to have a go at various clinical skills during our visit to the school. We also hope that it will raise aspirations of children who may not have considered medicine and healthcare as a career before. I think both the pupils and volunteers enjoyed taking part in the sessions. Volunteering gives us the opportunity to contribute to the local community here in Sheffield. "
A teacher at one of the participating schools commented: "The activities were different, fun and really interesting. Young enthusiastic speakers can make a real difference to students´ learning." Notes for Editors: SheffieldVolunteering is based at the University of Sheffield´s Union of Students. Last academic year, through SheffieldVolunteering, 1,310 volunteers supported 133 local community groups, charities and schools. Volunteers work with the homeless, refugees, the elderly, young people and others living with disabilities, learning difficulties and disadvantage. For more information, please visit the SheffieldVolunteering webpages
For further information please contact: Lauren Anderson, Media Relations Officer, on 0114 2221046 or email l.h.anderson@sheffield.ac.uk
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