A UNIVERSITY VIEW
This could help to address medical staff shortages presently affecting parts of Wales.
Cardiff University’s School of Medicine works hard to help those with the potential to study medicine, providing relevant information and support to medical applicants.
Although this has been ongoing, activity has increased as the need to do so has become more apparent.
Medical students at Cardiff University, led by David Lawson, currently in his final year, have introduced a
scheme where medical students are paired with school pupils who dream of becoming a doctor.
Supported by the School of Medicine, the Widening Access to Medicine Scheme (WAMS) has over 100 medical student volunteers, trained in mentoring, going into over 26 schools across Wales.
Currently the focus is on year 12 and 13 pupils, but the intention is to reach out to younger pupils and to encourage them to consider a career in medicine.
Since its inception late last year, 200 pupils have already been given support with their applications and interviews, and more schools are being engaged all the time. Given that Cardiff University
medical students train all over Wales, this gives many communities access to the scheme.
Coming from a state school in Cardiff, with the intention of working in Wales, David Lawson is passionate about the issue of widening access for pupils and realised that
“A little help from students who are already placed across Wales could make a huge difference in the applications from Welsh-domiciled students.”
He wants a career in medicine to be achievable to all those suitable, regardless of their school and home town.
I’m very positive about this student-led initiative; our students are our best ambassadors, and are keen
to share their own experiences with others to ensure they put together a successful application.
As a direct result of these engagement programmes, the number of Welsh students studying medicine at Cardiff University is now growing. Additionally, Welsh students compete well during the admissions process, with 60% of those getting an interview being offered a place.
With a clear need for more Welsh pupils to consider medicine as a career, we will continue to help those with the potential to study medicine and will hopefully see a further rise in Welsh applications.
■ Professor Dave Wilson is Chair of Cardiff University’s School of Medicine’s Admissions Group