STUDENTS have been given a taste of what a career in the medical profession is like.

Pupils attended the British Medical Association’s school’s engagement programme on Monday at the Brighton Centre.

The event was attended by Year 9 –Year 11 pupils from Peacehaven Community School, Angmering School, Hove Park School, Burgess Hill Academy and King’s Academy Ringmer.

They took part in workshops hosted by a range of doctors, including GPs, junior doctors, hospital doctors, medical students and medical academics.

There were representatives from organisations and charities including;

-Young Minds, presenting on student mental wellbeing and exam stress;

-The Girls Network, empowering and inspiring girls in careers with a focus on those from disadvantaged backgrounds;

-Interuniversity, based in Mouslecoomb, who work with students aged seven-18 to offer support and make informed decisions about their future careers.

Aspiring surgeon, Millie Hartles, a Year 10 pupil at Hove Park School, said: “The event made me feel more encouraged to take up a career in medicine and spiked my excitement to hear from about all the different choices there are in the profession.”

The event was a way of engaging schools and part of the BMA’s push to widen participation in medicine by supporting students from all backgrounds who are considering a career in the medical profession.

BMA medical students committee co-chair Harrison Carter said: “It was very encouraging to witness the enthusiasm and interest of the pupils who are considering a career in the medical profession, many of whom will undoubtedly become the next generation’s doctors.

“Given the current challenges of recruitment to medicine, particularly outside of larger cities, this has been a vital opportunity to engage with schools on a local level. Medicine is a challenging yet rewarding career that should be open to any pupil,”