CNWL resident doctors, supported by Dr Jeff Fehler, CNWL’s Director of Undergraduate Clinical Studies, recently delivered a session introducing psychiatry to Year 12 secondary school students. 

The students were taking part in Imperial College London’s ‘Pathways to Medicine’ Summer School programme. The programme supports highly motivated students from state-funded schools who want to study Medicine. It recruits Year 12 students at the start of their A-levels and continues to support them into Year 13. The programme is delivered by Imperial College London in partnership with the Sutton Trust, with support from Health Education England. 

Dr Esta Finesilver, Core Trainee based at Westminster CAMHS, opened the session alongside 15 other facilitators. Her presentation explained what mental illness is, what psychiatrists do, and the training route into Psychiatry. 

This was followed by a ‘speed dating’ activity, where students moved around seven psychiatry sub-specialties: inpatients, older adults, addictions, CAMHS, liaison, early intervention (EIS) and forensics. 

The afternoon ended with a Q&A ‘#askmeanything’ session. 

Many students said this was one of the parts they enjoyed most during the week-long summer school. The wider programme also gives students support with their medical school applications and practical experience, such as learning how to suture and take blood.

One student said:

“I loved all the different workshops, and having the chance to meet different psychiatrists”. 

Dr Jeff Fehler said:

“This is our 7th year at the summer school and what is particularly meaningful about this programme is its aim to improve access to Medicine as a career for students who may not usually have these opportunities because of social disadvantage. 

“We also want to introduce Psychiatry to these students early in their journey towards a career in Medicine, and help spark their interest in our specialty."

For more information on the Pathways to Medicine programme: see Pathways to Medicine | Be inspired | Imperial College London