The Wider Reading Society (WRS) is a community and platform designed for individuals with a keen interest in expanding their knowledge and understanding of various subjects related to medicine and healthcare. As a student enrolled to the Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum Pathway, you gain access to a wide range of resources, discussions, and events that encourage exploration and intellectual growth. The society focuses on promoting deeper insights into medical literature, current affairs, and ethical scenarios, providing a space for interactive and thought-provoking discussions. Whether through book clubs, debates, or conversations about medical advancements, the WRS offers an opportunity to engage with like-minded individuals, share perspectives, and broaden your understanding of the diverse facets of medicine. By participating in the WRS, you can actively contribute to a community that fosters intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and a deeper appreciation for the ever-evolving field of healthcare.

Joining Medic Mentor’s Wider-Reading Society Committee can not only provide you with valuable experiences and skills but can also make you stand out as a medical school applicant. By leading on a national level and working to support and inspire other students interested in pursuing a career in medicine, you demonstrate a level of dedication and commitment that medical schools seek in their applicants.

Every previous committee member of the WRS has been awarded at least one medical school offer, and this is not a coincidence. The experience and skills gained from being part of the committee are highly valued by medical schools and can give you a competitive edge in the application process. Through your work with the committee, you will develop essential skills such as leadership, teamwork, communication, and presentation, which are all vital skills for success in medical school and beyond.

Furthermore, being part of a community that is committed to excellence and innovation can help you develop a passion for medicine that will shine through in your personal statement, interviews, and overall application. By joining the WRS Committee, you are not only supporting and inspiring others but also investing in your own future success as a medical professional.

The WRS committee’s key activities include:

• Organising virtual events such as webinars and workshops to discuss medical current affairs, discoveries, books, ethics, and problem-based scenarios.
• Developing educational resources like articles, videos, and podcasts to provide in-depth insights into various aspects of medicine and healthcare.
• Providing mentorship and support to students interested in pursuing a career in medicine, offering guidance on university applications, work experience, and interview preparation.
• Collaborating with healthcare professionals to offer students firsthand knowledge of the day-to-day realities of working in medicine, through research projects and virtual work experience placements.

The WRS committee aims to create a vibrant platform where students can engage in meaningful discussions, expand their understanding of medical topics, and receive valuable support as they pursue their aspirations in the field of medicine.

You must be enrolled onto the Silver, Gold or Platinum Pathway‘s in order to apply with your Student ID number. You will then be able to submit your application and track its progress through your Pathway Circle channel. You must also be a secondary student who wants to become a doctor. The programme is open to students from any school around the world who meet the age requirement, which is 14 – 17 years old.

The committee is looking for motivated and dedicated students who have a passion for medicine and a commitment to making a positive impact in the field. Previous experience in medicine or healthcare is not required, but applicants should have a strong academic record and demonstrate leadership skills, teamwork, and a desire to learn and grow.

Applications for committee positions open 2-3 times a year and we will be making announcements across our social media platforms, so please follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, TikTok and keep an eye on your emails for when committee positions open.

The President of the WRS Committee plays a pivotal role in leading and guiding the committee in its mission to promote intellectual exploration and discussions on medical current affairs, discoveries, books, ethics, and problem-based scenarios. As the highest-ranking member, the President serves as a role model, ambassador, and facilitator for the committee, fostering a vibrant and inclusive environment for members to engage in meaningful conversations and educational activities.

Responsibilities:

1. Leadership and Strategic Direction:

• Provide visionary leadership and set the strategic direction of the WRS Committee, aligning with the goals and values of the society.
• Foster a collaborative and inspiring atmosphere, encouraging committee members to actively contribute and share innovative ideas.
• Oversee the planning and execution of committee activities, ensuring they align with the mission and objectives of the WRS.

2. Committee Management:

• Chair committee meetings, fostering effective communication, and facilitating productive discussions.
• Delegate tasks and responsibilities to committee members, ensuring smooth coordination and timely completion of projects and initiatives.
• Provide guidance, support, and mentorship to committee members, helping them develop their skills and fulfill their roles effectively.

3. Program Development and Implementation:

• Collaborate with the committee to develop a diverse range of engaging events, including webinars, workshops, book discussions, and ethical scenario debates.
• Ensure the selection of relevant and thought-provoking topics for discussions and activities, keeping abreast of the latest medical developments and current affairs.
• Oversee the development of educational resources, such as articles, videos, and podcasts, to provide valuable insights and knowledge to the WRS members.

4. External Engagement and Networking:

• Act as the primary representative and ambassador of the WRS Committee, promoting its activities and initiatives within Medic Mentor and the wider medical community.
• Foster collaborations with other societies, organisations, and healthcare professionals to enhance networking opportunities and expand the reach and impact of the WRS.
• Represent the WRS Committee in conferences, events, and meetings to showcase its contributions and build relationships with stakeholders.

5. Role Model and Mentorship:

• Exemplify professionalism, integrity, and a passion for intellectual growth, serving as a role model for committee members and the wider student community.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to committee members, supporting their personal and professional development, and encouraging their active involvement in Medic Mentor.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Demonstrated leadership experience, ideally within a committee or society setting.
• Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, enabling effective collaboration and engagement with committee members and external stakeholders.
• Passion for medical current affairs, discoveries, books, ethics, and problem-based scenarios, with a commitment to intellectual exploration and fostering discussions in these areas.
• Familiarity with Medic Mentor and an understanding of its values and mission.

As the President of the WRS Committee, you will have the unique opportunity to shape and influence the intellectual growth and engagement of members in discussing medical topics beyond the curriculum. Your leadership, strategic guidance, and passion for fostering intellectual curiosity will contribute to the success and impact of the WRS Committee in empowering students to become informed and thoughtful healthcare professionals.

The Secretary of the Wider Reading Society (WRS) Student Committee plays a crucial role in supporting the committee’s operations, ensuring effective communication, and maintaining accurate records of meetings and activities. This position requires strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and excellent communication abilities to facilitate the smooth functioning of the committee and enhance member engagement.

Responsibilities:

1. Meeting Coordination and Documentation:

• Schedule and coordinate committee meetings, ensuring all members are informed of the date, time, and virtual location of each meeting.
• Prepare and distribute meeting agendas, ensuring that all necessary documents, reports, and materials are compiled and shared in a timely manner.
• Take detailed minutes during meetings, accurately capturing discussions, decisions, and action points.
• Prepare and distribute meeting minutes to committee members promptly, ensuring transparency and facilitating follow-up actions.

2. Communication and Correspondence:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external communications related to the WRS Committee.
• Manage and respond to emails, inquiries, and correspondence in a timely and professional manner.
• Collaborate with the committee chair or president to disseminate important updates, announcements, and information to committee members and wider society members.
• Maintain an organised record of committee communications, including email correspondence and important documents.

3. Record keeping and Documentation:

• Maintain an organised filing system for committee-related documents, ensuring easy retrieval and access for committee members.
• Assist in maintaining and updating the WRS committee’s online platforms, such as websites or social media accounts, with relevant information, announcements, and resources.
• Work closely with the committee president to maintain accurate records of committee activities, achievements, and initiatives.

4. Committee Support and Collaboration:

• Collaborate with other committee members to provide support in organising events, workshops, or other WRS activities.
• Assist in the development and dissemination of educational resources, including articles, videos, or podcasts, in collaboration with the committee’s content development team.
• Contribute to brainstorming sessions and share ideas for enhancing member engagement, improving committee processes, and advancing the mission of the WRS.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Excellent organisational and time management skills, with a keen attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, ensuring effective and professional correspondence.
• Proficiency in using productivity tools such as email, document management systems, and virtual meeting platforms.
• Ability to take accurate meeting minutes and summarize discussions and decisions effectively.
• Strong interpersonal skills, fostering positive working relationships and effective collaboration with committee members and external stakeholders.
• Familiarity with the goals, objectives, and activities of the WRS Committee and a genuine interest in promoting intellectual exploration within the medical community.

As the Secretary of the WRS Committee, you will play a vital role in supporting the committee’s operations, ensuring smooth communication, and maintaining accurate records of meetings and activities. By leveraging your organisational and communication skills, you will contribute to the efficiency and effectiveness of the committee, facilitating productive discussions, and enhancing member engagement. Your attention to detail and commitment to excellence will help advance the mission of the WRS and promote intellectual growth within the medical community.

This also puts the secretary in a prime position to support the President as a Vice-President. If the President is unable to fulfil their duties, it will be the role of the VP/Secretary to step up and take their place. 

The Debate Officer plays a critical role in leading and organising stimulating debates on ethical scenarios, medical current affairs, books and other relevant topics within the Wider Reading Society (WRS). This position is responsible for fostering a dynamic and inclusive environment that encourages thoughtful discussions, critical thinking, and the exploration of diverse perspectives among WRS members.

Responsibilities:

1. Debate Organisation and Facilitation:

• Develop and organise engaging debates on topics related to medical current affairs, ethical dilemmas, and other thought-provoking subjects.
• Research and select debate topics that stimulate critical thinking, encourage participants to explore different viewpoints, and align with the interests and objectives of the WRS.
• Create a structured framework for debates, including clear guidelines, rules, and time management strategies to ensure fair and productive discussions.
• Serve as the debate moderator, facilitating the flow of conversation, managing participant interactions, and encouraging respectful and constructive dialogue.

2. Content Development and Preparation:

• Conduct thorough research on debate topics, gathering relevant information, data, and perspectives to ensure a well-rounded understanding of the subject matter.
• Prepare comprehensive briefing materials, including key arguments, counterarguments, and supporting evidence, to distribute to participants prior to debates.
• Collaborate with the WRS committee to develop debate resources, such as discussion guides and reference materials, to enhance participants’ knowledge and preparation.

3. Engagement and Participant Support:

• Promote and encourage active participation in debates among WRS members, fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives.
• Provide guidance and support to participants, helping them refine their arguments, strengthen their critical thinking skills, and enhance their debate techniques.
• Encourage respectful and constructive feedback among participants, fostering an atmosphere of intellectual growth and open-mindedness.

4. Collaboration and Networking:

• Collaborate with other committee members to identify potential guest speakers or subject matter experts who can contribute to debates with their expertise and insights.
• Establish connections with external organisations or debate societies to explore opportunities for collaborative events or joint debate sessions.
• Actively engage with WRS members, soliciting feedback and suggestions to continuously improve the quality and impact of debates.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Excellent communication and public speaking skills, with the ability to engage and moderate debates effectively.
• Strong research and analytical abilities, enabling comprehensive understanding and exploration of debate topics.
• Passion for medical current affairs, ethical scenarios, and critical thinking, with a genuine interest in exploring diverse perspectives.
• Ability to foster an inclusive and respectful environment, encouraging active participation and constructive dialogue among participants.
• Strong organisational and time management skills to ensure the smooth planning and execution of debates.

As the Debate Officer for the WRS Committee, you will play a pivotal role in facilitating intellectual discussions, fostering critical thinking skills, and promoting an inclusive environment for WRS members. Your ability to research, organise, and moderate debates will provide a platform for students to explore complex medical topics, engage in thought-provoking conversations, and expand their understanding of ethical dilemmas and current affairs. By leveraging your skills and passion, you will contribute to the overall mission and impact of the WRS Committee in promoting intellectual growth and exploration within the medical community.

The Inclusion Officer plays a crucial role in the Wider Reading Society (WRS) Student Committee, focusing on initiatives and activities aimed at promoting and supporting access to medicine for students from diverse backgrounds. This position requires a passion for equality, empathy, and a commitment to increasing representation within the medical field. The Widening Access to Medicine Lead will work closely with committee members to develop and implement programmes that inspire, inform, and guide aspiring medical students.

Responsibilities:

1. Advocating for Inclusivity

• Collaborate with the committee to develop and implement initiatives that promote access to medicine for students from underrepresented backgrounds.
• Identify and establish partnerships with schools, organisations, and community groups to reach out to potential candidates and provide resources and support.
• Organise virtual outreach events and initiatives to raise awareness about medical careers and encourage students from diverse backgrounds to pursue medicine.
• Promote WAMS initiatives within Medic Mentor to the WRS community
• Responsible for including information relevant to a range of aspiring healthcare students, for example through a medical and dental news segment.

2. Accessibility

• Must find and share resources that are free or easility accessible e.g. a audio or copy of the book of the montg, in advance of WRS sessions
• Must consider the needs of students in the WRS community 

Qualifications and Skills:

• Strong passion for promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion within the medical field.
• Excellent organisational and project management skills, with the ability to plan, implement, and evaluate initiatives effectively.
• Empathy and understanding of the challenges faced by students from underrepresented backgrounds in accessing medical education.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, facilitating collaboration with students, mentors, organisations, and educational institutions.
• Ability to work well in a team, building partnerships and fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.
• Knowledge of resources, scholarships, and opportunities available for students from underrepresented backgrounds in pursuing medicine is an asset.

As the Inclusion Officer of the WRS Committee, you will play a pivotal role in making a tangible impact on the representation of diverse students within the medical field. Your dedication to equality and inclusion, along with your organisational and communication skills, will help develop and implement initiatives that inspire, support, and guide aspiring medical students from underrepresented backgrounds. By fostering collaborative partnerships and providing mentorship and resources, you will contribute to breaking down barriers and empowering students to pursue their aspirations in medicine.

The Education Officer plays a pivotal role in the Wider Reading Society (WRS) Student Committee, responsible for planning, organising and executing various events and activities that promote intellectual growth, engagement and collaboration within the medical community. This position requires excellent organisational skills, attention to detail and strong communication abilities to ensure the successful implementation of events that align with the committee’s objectives.

Responsibilities:

1. Event Planning and Organisation:

• Collaborate with the committee to identify an appropriate book of the month ans its key themes
• Create resources for the Themes session (first session of each month) and deliver the presentation to the highest quality.

2. Event Execution and Management:

• Oversee the smooth execution of events, ensuring all logistical elements are in place and running efficiently.
• Coordinate event setup, registration, and attendee management, ensuring a positive and engaging experience for participants.
• Facilitate event proceedings, including introducing speakers, moderating panel discussions, and managing Q&A sessions.
• Address any issues or challenges that arise during events, providing prompt and effective resolutions.
• Collaborate with the committee to ensure events adhere to relevant policies, guidelines, and ethical considerations.

3. Publicity:

• Develop publicity strategies and materials to promote events, including social media campaigns, email newsletters, and website updates.
• Collaborate with the committee’s communications team to create engaging event content, such as promotional videos, graphics, and event descriptions.
• Utilise various channels to reach target audiences, including student networks, professional organisations, and educational institutions.
• Monitor event registration and participant feedback, adjusting marketing efforts as needed to maximise attendance and engagement.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to handle multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving abilities to anticipate and address logistical challenges.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with speakers, presenters, and committee members.
• Experience in event planning, coordination, or similar roles is highly desirable.
• Creativity and innovation to develop engaging and impactful event concepts.
• Familiarity with event management tools and technology platforms is an asset.
• Passion for promoting intellectual growth, collaboration, and engagement within the medical community.

As the Event Coordinator of the WRS Committee, you will play a crucial role in creating and delivering engaging events that foster knowledge sharing, discussion, and collaboration among members of the medical community. Your organisational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage logistics effectively will ensure the successful execution of events that align with the committee’s objectives. By providing engaging and memorable experiences, you will contribute to the intellectual growth and community-building efforts of the WRS Committee.

The Publicity Officer is a vital role within the Wider Reading Society (WRS) Student Committee, responsible for developing and implementing strategies to engage members and promote active participation in the society’s activities. This position requires strong communication skills, creative thinking, and a passion for fostering a vibrant and inclusive community within the medical field.

Responsibilities:

1. Membership Engagement:

• Develop and implement ideas to increase member engagement and participation in WRS activities.
• Create a welcoming and inclusive environment for members, encouraging active involvement and collaboration.
• Foster regular communication with members through various channels, including email newsletters, social media, slack and online platforms.
• Seek feedback from members to understand their needs and interests, incorporating their input into the planning and execution of society activities.
• Collaborate with other committee members to develop engaging programmes, workshops, and events that cater to member interests.
• Are responsible for enagement and upkeep of the WRS slack channel

2. Community Building:

• Develop and implement strategies to foster a sense of community and camaraderie among WRS members.
• Organise networking events, virtual social gatherings, and collaborative projects to facilitate connections and interaction among members.
• Encourage members to share their knowledge, experiences, and resources with the community, promoting a culture of learning and support.
• Coordinate virtual or physical meetups and social activities to encourage face-to-face interaction and relationship-building.

3. Communications and Promotion:

• Work closely with the committee’s communications team to develop engaging and informative content that promotes WRS activities and initiatives.
• Utilise various communication channels, such as social media, email newsletters, and online forums, to disseminate information and engage with members.
• Regularly update the society’s website and online platforms with relevant and valuable content, including event announcements, resources, and member highlights.
• Collaborate with the committee to develop promotional materials, including posters, graphics, and videos, to raise awareness of society activities.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and connect with members from diverse backgrounds.
• Creative thinking and innovative approaches to developing engaging programmes and activities.
• Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to multitask and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in using various communication platforms, social media, and online tools.
• Previous experience in engagement or community-building roles is desirable.
• Passion for fostering a sense of belonging and community within the medical field.
• Understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities in engaging students and professionals in the medical community.

As the Publicity Officer of the WRS Committee, you will have the opportunity to shape and enhance the society’s engagement strategies, creating a vibrant and inclusive community for members. By fostering active participation, building relationships, and facilitating knowledge sharing, you will contribute to the growth and impact of the WRS within the medical field. Your creativity, communication skills, and commitment to member satisfaction will play a key role in creating a supportive and engaging environment that enriches the experiences of WRS members.

1. Evaluation and Feedback:

• Collect and analyse post-event feedback from participants, speakers, and stakeholders.
• Assess the success and impact of events based on predefined metrics and goals.
• Prepare event evaluation reports, identifying strengths, areas for improvement, and recommendations for future events.
• Share insights and recommendations with the WRS Committee to enhance future event planning and execution.

As a Development and Innovation Officer, you are responsible for the continual review and improvement of the WRS. You will be involved in auditing the systems used by the WRS committee to increase the efficiency and the quality of the WRS.   You will work closely with the committee and your Chief Mentors which will require you to problem-solve and work well as a team.