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19 September 2019
The fully immersive experience included expert tuition on both anatomy and preparation for application and interview in the healthcare fields, as well as hands-on dissection of pig specimens for the next generation of budding medics and other healthcare professionals.
They were also taught a variety of important clinical skills, including interpreting X-rays and linking symptoms to clinical diagnosis.
The dissections ranged from the brain and eye, lungs and heart, to a demonstration of the digestive system. Those that stayed on to the evening session considered trauma medicine and performed an amputation, including suture practice. The UKCAT test was also discussed, with strategies and tips on how to handle and prepare for it.
Operating Theatre Live (OTL), which was featured on the BBC’s Dragons’ Den last summer, first came to St Margaret’s in August 2018.
Led by human anatomist Samuel Piri and his team of clinicians, the experience provides those taking part with an ‘academically rigorous educational experience’, during which they take on the role of a trauma doctor bringing the systems of the human body alive.
St Margaret’s Head Teacher Anna Tomlinson said that the boys and girls who took part were challenged from the outset to think like medical professionals.
“OTL provided a perfect opportunity for pupils to derive inspiration and experience in preparation for applications for healthcare careers,” she said.
“Those taking part loved the in-depth anatomy, the role play and establishing a co-operative team from a group of strangers and feedback from the event has been excellent. The presenter, Jo, was a natural communicator with a gentle and approachable manner which had the audience captivated at all times. She maintained an enthusiastic disposition throughout a very long day, and patiently answered all questions from the pupils – she was a fantastic role model.”
St Margaret’s aims to run the event again in 2021, to ensure that the next generation of healthcare professionals are provided with the opportunity to attend this excellent experience.
