Inspiring future surgeons
On a recent trip to Northern Ireland, staff from the ASGBI visited schools to promote surgical careers to young people
The Association of Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland (ASGBI) recently paid an inspiring visit to schools in Belfast, aiming to promote surgery as a career choice for pupils in years 10 and 11.
Throughout the day, students engaged in a series of activities designed to introduce them to the challenges and rewards of a surgical career. Highlights included surgical presentations delivered by the ASGBI’s President, Gill Tierney, and Director of Education Ben Griffiths, and interactive workshops where students had the opportunity to try out basic surgical skills.
The visit, held on Monday 10 March, saw enthusiastic participation from students across various schools in the province: Ballymena Academy, Bangor Grammar School, Cambridge House Grammar School, Glenlola Collegiate School, St Louis Grammar School and Sullivan Upper School.
The practical workshops were supported by Medtronic, which provided its product expertise, equipment and resources to enhance the learning experience.
HANDS-ON ENGAGEMENT
“The support from Medtronic was invaluable in ensuring the success of our practical workshops,” says Gill. “Their commitment to education and innovation has enabled us to provide students with a truly immersive and impactful experience.”
The feedback received from the attendees was overwhelmingly positive. The majority of students found the activities enjoyable, motivating and well organised. Many said the event sparked an interest in pursuing a career in medicine or surgery, with some indicating a newfound consideration for surgery as a potential career path.
“I really enjoyed the surgical presentations,” said one student, reflecting the sentiment echoed by many others. “They were informative and inspiring, and they made me seriously consider a future in surgery.”
Another student expressed appreciation for the practical workshops: “The workshops were hands-on and engaging. They gave us a taste of what it’s like to work in surgery, and it was truly
eye-opening.”
In a detailed survey conducted during the visit, students provided insights into their experience and aspirations:
Interest in surgery: 45% of students expressed definite interest in pursuing a career in surgery, while 42% were open to the possibility; workshops enjoyment: 96% of students enjoyed the practical workshops, with only 4% expressing partial satisfaction.
“It was a huge privilege to help plant the seeds of belief that surgery could possibly be a future career for these school kids. They were full of curiosity and enthusiasm for all we brought into their school.”
– RCSEd Council Member Amanda McCabe
A HUGE PRIVILEDGE
Many students expressed a desire for more information on various aspects of surgery, including education requirements, different surgical specialties and daily life as a surgeon.
While the event was widely praised, attendees also offered constructive feedback for improvement. Suggestions included incorporating more practical activities, providing additional information on the path to becoming a surgeon and offering insights into different surgical specialties.
The ASGBI is committed to nurturing talent and fostering interest in surgery among young people. Through events like these, the Association hopes to inspire future generations of surgeons and contribute to the advancement of surgical care in the UK and beyond.
If you have similar aims and would like to partner with the ASGBI on a future activity, please contact General Manager Jillian Hart at jillian@asgbi.org.uk
Other Faculty supporting the event
- Christian Macutkiewicz – ASGBI President-Elect
- Kellie Bateman – ASGBI Trainee Group (The Moynihan Academy) incoming President
- Susan Yoong – ASGBI local representative
- Amanda McCabe – Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh Council Member
- Elaine Kelly – Medtronic representative
- Roisin Fry – Medtronic representative
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