The journey into clinical careers

What makes a strong applicant? 

The third event in our Careers Networking series brought together aspiring medics with a diverse range of alumni working in clinical careers, providing our pupils with the opportunity to network, ask questions and reflect on what a career in healthcare and beyond could look like for them. 

From paediatrics to rheumatology, major trauma to intensive care medicine and more, we were privileged to welcome back alumni from both Loughborough Grammar School and Loughborough High School in a wide range of specialisms to share their career expertise and learnings. By sharing their first-hand experiences throughout the evening, our pupils gained a unique perspective that will help them as they progress through the application process for university study. 

Designed to provide an insight into the diverse, challenging and rewarding world of medicine, the evening began with a panel discussion in which each of our alumni introduced themselves, their backgrounds, career journeys and areas of medical expertise. 

This then progressed into small-group discussions between students and alumni, enabling our pupils to ask more targeted questions, such as: what route did you take into your role – university, apprenticeship, foundation training or another pathway; what does a typical day in your role look like; how is your part of the healthcare sector changing; and what new skills do you think future clinicians will need? 

Not only did the event provide students with the opportunity to receive advice and guidance from professionals who have successfully navigated the journey themselves, but it also enabled them to further develop skills in communication, networking and confidence. 

Tailored support, future decisions 

Choosing a career in a clinical or healthcare field can feel exciting, challenging and full of possibilities. Both the Grammar and High School offer a wide range of tailored support to help students explore medical and clinical pathways with confidence and make informed decisions about their future 

As a first point of contact, our dedicated Heads of Futures are available for individual appointments to help students understand course and subject requirements for medicine, dentistry and veterinary degrees. They can also help our pupils explore the academic and personal qualities these courses would be looking for and provide a starting point for students to research potential clinical pathways. 

Students can also join our Clinical Pathways Group, delivered as part of Thursday enrichment sessions and in partnership between Loughborough Grammar and High School. This 90-minute weekly programme focuses on UCAT preparation, core communication and professionalism skills and ethical discussions around current issues in the medical news agenda. 

In addition to this, students take part in full clinical application mock interview evenings, where a panel of professionals review personal statements in advance and ask probing questions designed to challenge thinking, assumptions and decision-making. These interviews closely mirror the style used by universities, giving students realistic practise and a chance to receive valuable feedback. 

Alongside practical support, there is also an opportunity for students interested in exploring careers in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, biomedical sciences, nursing or the allied health professions to join The Ethics Society – an exciting student-led group that meets weekly to discuss some of the most important ethical questions shaping modern healthcare. Thought-provoking topics include patient autonomy and consent, prioritisation of healthcare resources, confidentiality and professionalism, animal welfare and ethical veterinary practice. 

Ethical awareness is essential in all clinical professions and through regular discussion and debate, students strengthen skills such as empathy, reasoning, justification, handling uncertainty and communicating under pressure. 

The wealth of support available to students from our network of experienced and highly qualified subject specialists, as well as events such as our Careers Network sessions, enables students to make confident and fully informed decisions about their future. Combined, this approach turns the often-daunting beginning of the clinical careers journey into an exciting and enriching learning experience that equips our students with the skills needed to be successful in the professional world.