Pre-medical programme

Pre-medical programme
The pre-medical programme is aimed at those in further education and who are considering a degree in medicine after their current studies. We also consider older candidates who are looking for a career change, and wish to undertake work experience before embarking on a medical degree course. Placements are with Trust consultants in a range of clinical environments and can be based at any of our five hospital sites. The placements are unpaid and normally last for one or two weeks. The majority of candidates applying for a placement are aged 16-24 years old.

The application process
We are currently unable to accept anymore applications for this programme until further notice. This is due to the high volume of applications we have received in the last month. Please view the section below for advice on the alternative placements you may wish to consider if we are unable to offer you a placement.

We will stop accepting applications a month before the placement is due or earlier if places are filled. Pease ensure you complete your application and send it to us in good time. Applications should be sent to: workexperience@imperial.nhs.uk . Please note that due to the high volume of applications we will prioritise those students who are currently living in the boroughs of Hammersmith, Fulham and Westminster.

Choosing a department
You will find a description of the departments that are currently accepting pre-medical work experience candidates included in the application pack. Placements are extremely competitive and spaces are limited. We therefore cannot guarantee that every application will be successful.

Application submission
Please allow the Trust time to process the application, it is not uncommon to wait a month to hear if the application is successful.
You will also need to complete a health questionnaire which will be sent to you separately. Our preferred method of communication is via email. We will contact you if we require more information and to let you know if your application has been successful.
If we are unable to offer you a placement in your chosen area, this will be the end of your application.

What to expect on a placement
You will be given the opportunity to observe the day to day running of clinics and wards at our Trust. If you are over 17 years old you may also have the opportunity to attend theatre and see surgical procedures. Each candidate is provided with a timetable of activities for the duration of their placement.

What are the alternatives if we are unable to offer you placement?
Students who are wishing to study medicine at University are usually advised that they must get some experience of working in a healthcare setting. The admissions tutors are looking for indicators that the student has:

Gained an insight into the work of health professionals and / or working in the healthcare system
Gained an insight into the patient experience (what it feels like to be a patient and what issues there might be)
Gained an insight into their own capabilities (strengths / weaknesses i.e. dealing with difficult situations)
Shown commitment and responsibility (not necessarily within a healthcare environment)

Most students assume that this requires them to shadow a doctor in a hospital. Practical observation is one way of getting the experience for a future medical career but there are a multitude of other options open to you. Neither the General Medical Council nor the Medical Schools Council mention a requirement to carry out work experience in a hospital and this is backed up by the admissions policy of most if not all Medical Schools.

Students should therefore consider other options open to them:

Care homes and hospices
Volunteering in a charity shop
St John’s Ambulance
Helping out at a local community centre;
Samaritans
Camp quality.

Most importantly they are looking for an indication that, whatever the experience, the student has reflected on this experience and be able to explain how that has shaped what they feel it means to be a doctor. Universities may well contact work experience providers to confirm whether or not applicants have carried out the work experience or volunteering placement and request feedback on the applicant.

Further information
Volunteering roles – www.do-it.org.uk
Volunteering England - www.volunteering.org.uk
Community Service Volunteers - www.csv.org.uk
Medical Schools Council - www.medschools.ac.uk

If you have any questions or queries please do not hesitate to contact us on 0203 311 1239 / 17418 or email
workexperience@imperial.nhs.uk.