Fifteen Sixth Form Biology students accompanied by Chris Hall and Nancy Schlaegel visited The Royal College of Surgeons in London. Upon arrival at The Royal College in Lincoln’s Inn Fields, Mr. Martin Coomer, the host for the day, welcomed the students. He began the visit with a presentation about how doctors train to become surgeons. This was followed by three young trainee surgeons who briefly outlined their medical careers to date and explained their fascination with surgery as a specialisation. All of these doctors emphasised that a career in medicine was hard work but that it was also extremely rewarding and great fun. Some tips about how to make a successful application to medical school and the importance of work experience to show commitment were also given.
This session was followed by a tour of the Royal College’s Hunterian Museum. This contains a fascinating collection of anatomical specimens of human and animal tissues, the earliest of which date back to the 1640s, together with early surgical instruments and models. In the upstairs gallery the trainee surgeons showed the students round the Science of Surgery gallery where everyone was keen to try their hand at a keyhole surgery simulation.
The real hands on experience came when all of the students were taught how to suture wounds and they were then able to practise their technique by putting stitches into model arms.
After a late lunch and further discussions with the surgeons, the students returned to Malvern reflecting on a most enjoyable and informative visit.
