Why is our Work At Medic Mentor
Important to the NHS?
At Medic Mentor, we recognise the critical issues currently affecting the NHS, which directly align with our work in supporting aspiring students. These issues include addressing the doctor shortage, promoting diversity and inclusivity, improving patient outcomes, and fostering innovation and progress. We understand that the journey to becoming a doctor starts long before graduation, and education, training, and wellbeing support should be accessible from the beginning of the student’s path. While many organisations focus solely on getting students into medical school, we go beyond that by providing lifelong mentoring and support through Medsoc UK for medical students and Doctor Mentor for doctors. Our holistic approach combines facilitating entry into medical school with nurturing the qualities necessary for a successful and fulfilling career as a doctor.
The National Health Service (NHS) in the UK faces several big challenges, some of which are:
COVID-19 Pandemic: The COVID-19 pandemic has put enormous pressure on the NHS, with hospitals and healthcare workers struggling to cope with the surge in demand for services. The pandemic has also had a significant impact on the mental health and wellbeing of healthcare workers, with many experiencing burnout and stress.
Funding and Resources: The NHS faces ongoing challenges with funding and resources, with increasing demand for healthcare services and rising costs of medical treatments and technologies. There are also concerns about the affordability and sustainability of the current healthcare system, with calls for more funding and investment in public health and preventive measures.
Workforce: The NHS is facing a shortage of healthcare workers, particularly doctors and nurses, with many hospitals and clinics struggling to fill vacant positions. This shortage has implications for patient care, with longer wait times for appointments and procedures, and increased pressure on existing medical staff.
Inequalities and Access: There are significant inequalities in healthcare access and outcomes across different regions and demographics, with some groups facing barriers to accessing healthcare services. There are also concerns about the quality and safety of healthcare services, with calls for greater transparency and accountability in the healthcare system.
Technology and Innovation: The rapid pace of technological change and innovation presents both opportunities and challenges for the NHS, with potential benefits such as improved patient outcomes and efficiency, as well as challenges such as the need for investment and training in new technologies and the potential for data breaches and cybersecurity threats.
During the COVID-19 Pandemic most of our doctors were working on the front-line. This was an incredibly stressful time. Our doctors were finding it both physically and emotionally demanding as they found themselves in unpredictable situations. They faced a variety of hurdles such as a lack of resources and staff, dynamic guidelines that were constantly developing as more research was being carried out and services being overwhelmed.
Our doctors were very grateful to have the opportunity to mentor and share their insights with medical students and aspiring students and parents. Mentoring is an incredibly rewarding experience, with our doctors feeding back that it kept them going, by reminding them why they became doctors in the first place. The interactions that they had with our applying student cohort were grounding, inspiring and they found a lot of strength from the support that they were receiving from the whole Medic Mentor family.
Our aspiring students took part in a volunteering challenge with Medic Mentor and raised over £10,000 for the Royal Medical Benevolent Fund, supporting doctors facing hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our relationship with the RMBF continues to this day with Medic Mentor Students fundraising to support their future colleagues.
Read about how Kayleigh fundraised through our most recent charity drive for the RMBF: https://rmbf.org/kayleighs-fundraising/
Our students can engage in a variety of different volunteering activities. Read about Reuben’s Seven Hills Challenge here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Reuben-Murdoch
Below is an example of a series of discussions that our doctors were having with the wider Medic Mentor family about what they were experiencing during the pandemic, at a Virtual Medical Society meeting.
COVID-19 Meetings and Fundraising Videos
Medic Mentor Working with Aspiring Students on The
COVID-19 Innovation Programme
During the pandemic, Medic Mentor worked with aspiring students via our Medical Leadership Programme to encourage students to learn about the impacts of COVID-19 on the NHS and to come up with innovative solutions. Students worked in teams to conduct research on various different issues and presented their findings at a national medical conference. Not only were students rewarded with certificates to evidence their hard work which supported their medical school applications, they developed valuable skills for personal growth.
The Medical Leadership Programme is a funded programme that delivers on our widening access to medicine commitment and continues to promote awareness, skills development and a positive culture amongst future doctors.
Tackling the Stress and Impact of COVID-19 WITH
DOCTOR MENTOR
Doctor Mentor is a society of doctors dedicated to fostering a culture of empowerment, growth, and personal wellbeing in the NHS. Our mission is to provide personalised mentorship to the next generation of NHS doctors, empowering and inspiring them to become successful and fulfilled healthcare professionals.
By prioritising individual growth and development, we aim to create a supportive environment from the ground up, enabling doctors to provide exceptional care while promoting their personal wellbeing and happiness.
Click Below to Learn about...
- Find out about becoming a doctor at the Get into Medicine Conference
- Debate key issues at the Wider-reading Society Meetings
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Listen to doctors talk about resource allocation at the Virtual Medical Society
- Update your knowledge with the Wider-reading E-learning Course
- Develop important skills such as leadership and problem-solving in the Medical Leadership Programme
EDUCATING OUR COMMUNITY ABOUT
FUNDING AND RESOURCES
At Medic Mentor, we are committed to educating our community about the funding and resource challenges facing the NHS through a range of educational initiatives. Our free conferences, virtual medical society meetings, debates, and presentations are designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the NHS. Our experienced speakers and mentors cover a wide range of topics, from the impact of funding on healthcare provision to the importance of public health and preventive measures.
We also provide e-learning resources and courses that help students understand the complex issues facing the NHS, including the impact of technological change, the need for investment in healthcare infrastructure, and the importance of workforce planning and development. Our e-learning resources are designed to be accessible and engaging, providing students with the tools and knowledge they need to become informed advocates for positive change in the healthcare system.
At Medic Mentor, we believe that education and awareness are key to addressing the funding and resource challenges facing the NHS. By providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the issues facing the healthcare system, we hope to inspire the next generation of healthcare leaders and advocates, who will work towards creating a more sustainable and equitable healthcare system for all.
The UK is currently facing a significant shortage of doctors, which has become a major concern for the country’s healthcare system. The lack of doctors is due to a range of factors, including an aging population that requires more medical attention, an increasing number of chronic illnesses, and a rise in demand for healthcare services. Additionally, the NHS has faced challenges in recruiting and retaining doctors, with many leaving due to high levels of stress and burnout, long working hours, and a lack of resources and support.
The COVID-19 pandemic has also exacerbated the shortage, with many doctors being redeployed to manage the crisis and others leaving the profession due to concerns about their safety and well-being. As a result, patients may experience longer waiting times, reduced access to specialist care, and a decreased quality of healthcare services. The shortage of doctors in the UK is a complex issue that requires significant investment and reform to address.
Medic Mentor’s work with applying students ensures that students are making a well-informed decisions about a career in medicine. We also work with students through programmes such as the Medical Leadership Programme to enhance confidence and skills development. These factors contribute to good recruitment of doctors who are likely to stay in training and become the innovators and problem-solvers of the future.
Why are students struggling to make an informed decision about becoming a doctor?
There are several barriers that secondary school students may face when considering a career as a doctor. Some students may have limited exposure to the field of medicine, which can make it difficult for them to fully understand the profession and its requirements. The cost of medical education is high, and many students may be deterred by the financial burden of pursuing a career in medicine. Becoming a doctor requires a high level of academic achievement, including excellent grades and test scores. This can be challenging for some students who may struggle academically. Students may be discouraged from pursuing a career in medicine if they do not have any role models or mentors in the field. The lack of diversity in the medical field can also be a barrier for some students, particularly those from underrepresented minority groups. Medicine is a demanding profession, and some students may be deterred by the long hours and challenging work-life balance. Students may also be considering other career options and may not see medicine as the best fit for their skills and interests.
Medic Mentor has taken significant steps to eliminate the barrier to work experience for aspiring doctors.
One way we have done this is by offering a free Get into Medicine Conferences, which allows students to meet and speak with current medical students and doctors. These programmes provide students with a valuable opportunity to learn about the medical profession, the requirements for studying medicine, and what a career in medicine might entail. This can help students gain a better understanding of the profession and make more informed decisions about their future careers.
In addition to the free virtual conferences that take place at the weekends, we also offer a free virtual work experience programme. This programme provides students with a unique opportunity to gain practical experience in the medical field, without the need for physical work experience placements. Our virtual work experience programme includes a range of interactive modules, including patient case studies, quizzes, and interactive exercises, that simulate real-life medical scenarios. This provides students with a valuable opportunity to develop their medical knowledge and skills, while also gaining practical experience that can help them in their future careers.
By offering these free programmes, Medic Mentor has eliminated the financial barrier to accessing work experience and insight into the medical profession. This can help to ensure that aspiring doctors from all backgrounds have access to the resources they need to pursue their dreams of becoming medical professionals.
Our widening access commitment ensures that all students have access to free programmes and for the handful of paid programmes that are available to those who can afford them, we also provide funded opportunities for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. All of Medic Mentor’s programmes are available virtually, which reduces the cost of travel to attend in person events and work experience. Our programmes have all been designed to provide as much value for as low a cost as possible. Thus, minimising the financial barriers to making informed decisions, supported by application mentoring to get into medical school.
Medic Mentor provides academic and personal support to students through our tutoring and student wellbeing programmes.
Our tutoring programme is designed to help students improve their academic performance and prepare for exams. Our tutors are experienced medical students and doctors who provide one-on-one support to students in a range of subjects, including biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Tutors work with students to identify areas of weakness and develop personalised learning plans to help them improve their grades and achieve their academic goals.
We also provide a range of student wellbeing programmes to support students both academically and personally. Our student wellbeing programmes are designed to help students manage stress, build resilience, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Our programmes include workshops on stress management, time management, and study skills, as well as activities such as yoga and mindfulness sessions.
In addition, we offer mentorship programmes, which provide students with the opportunity to connect with experienced medical professionals who can offer guidance and support as they navigate their academic and professional journeys.
By providing academic and personal support, Medic Mentor aims to help students achieve their full potential, both academically and personally. Our programmes are designed to help students develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their academic and professional pursuits, while also promoting mental health and wellbeing.
Our Chief Mentors are experienced medical professionals who have excelled in their fields and are passionate about mentoring the next generation of medical professionals. They serve as role models to aspiring doctors and provide guidance and support throughout their academic and professional journeys. Our Chief Mentors offer talks, webinars, and workshops on a range of topics related to the medical profession, such as medical school applications, career development, and personal development. They also provide one-on-one mentorship to students who are interested in pursuing a career in medicine.
We also have a network of volunteer doctors who have once been applying students themselves and wish to give back to secondary school students. These doctors serve as role models to aspiring doctors and provide valuable insight into the medical profession. They offer talks and workshops on topics such as medical school applications, career development, and personal development.
Through our Chief Mentors and volunteer doctors, Medic Mentor provides aspiring doctors with access to role models who can inspire and guide them as they pursue their academic and professional goals. These role models have first-hand experience of the challenges and opportunities of the medical profession and can provide valuable advice and support to students who are embarking on their own journeys in medicine.
Medic Mentor provides students with the opportunity to consider other careers through its partnerships with Dental Mentor, Vet Mentor, Allied Healthcare Mentor, and Law Mentor.
Through these partnerships, Medic Mentor offers students access to a range of resources and opportunities to explore other career paths beyond medicine. For example, Dental Mentor provides guidance and support to students who are interested in pursuing a career in dentistry. Vet Mentor offers similar support to students who are interested in veterinary medicine. Allied Healthcare Mentor offers guidance on careers such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and nursing. Law Mentor offers support and resources to students who are interested in pursuing a career in law.
In addition, Medic Mentor provides a range of workshops and events that showcase different career paths and highlight the unique challenges and opportunities of each profession. These events give students the opportunity to meet professionals in other fields, learn about their experiences, and ask questions about their careers.
By partnering with Dental Mentor, Vet Mentor, Allied Healthcare Mentor, and Law Mentor, Medic Mentor provides students with a broader perspective on career options and helps them explore other fields beyond medicine. This allows students to make informed decisions about their future career paths and consider a range of options that may be suitable for their interests and skills.
Medic Mentor encourages the use of technologies and innovation among secondary school students who want to become doctors and are involved in our Medical Leadership Programme in several ways:
Virtual Work Experience: Our Virtual Work Experience programme allows students to gain an insight into the medical profession by providing a series of online activities and interactive simulations. These activities incorporate the latest technologies and techniques used in medicine, such as virtual reality, 3D printing, and artificial intelligence.
- Medical Leadership Programme: Our Medical Leadership Programme features talks and discussions on emerging trends and technologies in the medical profession. These events provide students with the opportunity to learn about the latest developments in medicine and how they can incorporate these innovations into their future careers.
Overall, Medic Mentor encourages the use of technologies and innovation among secondary school students who want to become doctors and are involved in our Medical Leadership Programme by providing access to the latest tools and techniques, and inspiring them to think creatively about how they can incorporate technology into their future practice.
Medic Mentor is Committed to
Widening Access to Medical School
Widening access to medical school involves making the opportunity to pursue a career in medicine more accessible to students from diverse backgrounds, including those from underrepresented communities, lower socio-economic backgrounds, and non-traditional pathways.
Medic Mentor is a UK-based social enterprise that aims to increase the diversity and inclusivity of the medical profession by providing support and guidance to students from underrepresented backgrounds who are interested in pursuing a career in medicine.
Medic Mentor Encourages Equality and Diversity Among Staff, Mentors and Students
Medic Mentor is dedicated to promoting equality and diversity in our community. We ensure diverse representation among our team of mentors, providing ongoing training to support effective engagement with students from all backgrounds. We prioritise creating a safe and inclusive environment, with policies in place to address any discrimination or harassment. Our programmes and events incorporate diverse perspectives, speakers, and topics related to diversity and inclusion. We believe that an inclusive community is crucial to inspiring and supporting the next generation of medical professionals.
Apply to Join the UK's Largest
Scholarships to Study Medicine
The Medic Mentor Scholarship programme is an exceptional opportunity for aspiring medical students to achieve their dreams of becoming doctors. With the potential to receive up to £12,000 across your 6-year medical degree, the programme provides students with a strong financial foundation to pursue their studies at university. But that’s not all – the scholarship also includes continued pastoral support and mentoring, ensuring that students are equipped with the skills and guidance needed to succeed throughout medical school. Exclusive national CV opportunities help our scholars secure top jobs after graduation, setting them up for long-term success. By investing in the next generation of medical professionals, the Medic Mentor Scholarship programme inspires hope and possibility, empowering students to pursue their passion for medicine and make a meaningful impact on the NHS as future game changers and leaders.
Learn About how Medic Mentor Students Became Scholars!
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Let's Get that Medical School
APPLICATION SORTED!
Medic Mentor is an all-in-one solution to your medical school application. We bring only the best resources for tackling every single component of your medical school application to one place. We are here to help you work efficiently, by balancing the UCAS application process alongside your school work and extracurricular activities. One of the best ways to save you time is to direct you to the best advice and resources so that you do not have to waste time searching for them yourselves.
We know what you are going through, as doctors and medical students who were in your position! By combining application knowledge, extracurricular opportunities, platforms to up-skill and boost confidence, it is not a surprise that Medic Mentor students are successful. Will it be difficult? Yes, applying to medical school is not easy. But through Medic Mentor it will be less stressful, and even fun. Let’s get started!
Quick Application Guide to Medical School
Click on the links below to take you straight to the resources that you need help with.
Our Partners
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