It’s important for the medical profession to represent the communities they work in. In the UK at the moment that’s not always the case; indeed around 80% of students studying medicine come from only 20% of UK schools and colleges, and roughly half of UK schools and colleges have no applicants to medicine at all.

Nationally, there is also growing concern about the shortage of qualified doctors choosing to train in general practice, with some models calling for a 50% increase in the general practice workforce by 2020.

I’m a Medic, Get me out of here will give school students across the East Midlands the opportunity to meet and interact with healthcare professionals in general practice. Through reading profiles, questioning, and taking part in live chats, school students will see the range of roles within general practice, and the people that work in them. They will improve their aspirations and begin to see a medical career as something for them.

For two weeks between Monday 12th and Friday 23rd June 2017 students across the East Midlands will be able to ask questions to, and take part in live text-based chats with primary healthcare staff in the free, online event. Students then vote for their favourite to win £500 to spend on further engagement to encourage more young people into medicine.

The online nature of the event helps to give all students a voice, and encourages students to ask the questions they might not be confident asking in front of the whole class. Students see that healthcare professionals are normal people, while being introduced to the range of careers in medicine and General Practice.

Teachers

All materials and resources are provided including suggested lesson plans and adaptations. All secondary level or above schools can apply, however priority will be given to schools based in Derbyshire, Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire. It is totally free for state-maintained schools.

The project is open to schools in Nottingham, Derbyshire, and Lincolnshire, and is totally free for state-maintained schools.

Healthcare professionals

We’re looking for general practice doctors from all career stages, from medical school to fully qualified; we are looking for nurses, pharmacists, receptionists, and representatives from all areas of general practice.