On Thursday 23rd April, students from Year 11 and Lower Sixth in our Aspiring High Club attended a panel discussion

in our Austin Lecture Theatre with three guest speakers about medical careers. This co-curricular focuses on future readiness for our students, by providing further preparation for university and tailored guidance in specialised areas.

The attending panellists were Old Leightonian Dr. Ahmer Adnan, a Clinical Research Scientist specialising in Developmental Therapeutics & Cancer Immunotherapy; Dr Brogan Patrick, a recently graduated Vet from a local veterinary practice; and Diana, a recent Leighton Park student who is a current first year student of Medicine at University College London.

After everyone secured tea and cake the panel began, led by Jenny Powlesland, Assistant Head & Head of Teaching & Learning. The speakers provide our students with great insight into a variety of perspectives on good study habits, different medical careers and life in university and beyond. The floor was then opened to student questions, and afterwards they could stay to talk to Brogan and Diana. Ahmer was attending remotely as he was in California on research.

One of the attending students, Alice (Lower Sixth), shared: “I found the speakers today really really good! They were helpful in giving us advice about school now and school later, and life beyond that. They all made it clear that it’s important to have other things going alongside studying, and just to take breaks to look after yourself. I’ve been considering Vet Med, so being able to actually speak to someone whose gone through all of it and now actually working in it was really helpful! Hearing someone who is really passionate about their job, and has come through the other side of that is really inspiring to me”

Dr Brogan Patrick, MRCVS, BVetMed, enthused: “I think the talk went very well! My co-panellists were former and current students in the medical field, so it gave a well-rounded discussion. I hope after this the students can understand that there is more to their chosen career journey than what it may seem. I also hope I was able to give some perspective about how it feels to be on the other side of the journey. Having graduated last year, I feel I was able to give a more realistic insight in how to approach their exams and university journey overall.”

Dr. Ahmer Adnan, MBBS BSc(Hons) AICSM, had this to say: “Being able to give something back to students who are in the same position I was not that long ago is something I value. If even one student walks away feeling like their goals are more achievable than they thought, that's a great outcome. Guiding the next generation is a duty for all of us as we progress through our careers and paths. Medicine gets romanticised a lot, its a great career but it's important to understand all its aspects to make an informed decision and thrive.”

Diana reflected on how she was in a similar position not too long ago as well: “It feels a bit surreal, because I remember being in their position in Sixth Form two years ago. It was really nice to be able to share my experience and share what I’ve learnt so far over the past year of university. I feel like my perspective has really shifted since being there so I feel really grateful that I can share some of that insight with the students.”

Back to news