If the last few years have taught us anything, it's that there's never been a greater demand for medical professionals. These are people who diagnose mental and physical injuries, disorders and diseases; prescribe and give treatment; and conduct research into preventative action.
As you can imagine, it’s a very rewarding yet challenging career, so it’s important to take time to understand the present and future challenges doctors face before picking up a stethoscope. Luckily, there are loads of free or low-cost resources online which can help you do just that.
BSMS Virtual Work Experience
For a detailed look at the organisation of the NHS in terms of primary, secondary and tertiary care, Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS)’s Virtual Work Experience is a good place to start. The seven-hour course, delivered through presentations, videos and quizzes, will introduce you to six different medical specialists, identifying important skills and qualities required for each of the roles along the way.
bsmsoutreach.thinkific.com
Observe GP
Everyone will have seen a General Practitioner (GP) at some point in their life. This is because GPs are usually based in a community to provide continuity of care over their patients’ physical and mental health. If this sounds like the right path for you, check out Observe GP. The interactive video platform for aspiring medics (aged 16 and over) provides insights into this varied role, like a more in-depth version of the TV programme GPs: Behind Closed Doors…
rcgp.org.uk
Medic Mentor
Medic Mentor invites students in Years 10-12 with an interest in becoming a dentist, nurse or veterinarian to try out their new e-learning programme. Sessions are released monthly over a six-month period, and you have four weeks to complete a session before it closes. The good news is the sessions don’t have to be watched in a particular order, so you can join the course at any point. What are you waiting for?
medicmentor.co.uk
Allied Healthcare Mentor
Instead of spending £10 on something you’ll forget about in a year’s time, why not use it to register for a Virtual Work Experience Programme through Allied Healthcare Mentor. Created and delivered by healthcare professionals, you’ll get to follow patients from admissions to discharge LIVE in a high-fidelity simulation (using extremely lifelike mannequins). It’s the only organisation in the UK to offer this, people!
alliedhealthmentor.org
FutureLearn
Want to enhance patient care or discover the key issues effecting health in the modern day? From ‘Understanding Insulin’ to ‘A Clinician’s Guide to Genomic Testing for Rare Disease’, FutureLearn’s online courses will equip you with the knowledge required to thrive in a career in medicine. Simply set up an Unlimited Membership for £19.99 a month to gain access to 1000s of resources.
futurelearn.com
