Frome Medical Practice has launched an Aspiring Medics Programme, offering young people who are considering a career in medicine the opportunity to spend a week observing in detail the complex workings of a modern general practice in action. 

The first student to take part in the programme was Jun Hao Chen from Bristol, who has just completed his GCSEs and is considering applying to study medicine at university. Jun Hao was welcomed into the practice and spent a week shadowing, observing and talking to the many teams who work together to deliver integrated support for patient health, including Clinicians, Medicines Management, WorkFlow, Complex Care, Digital and Data, Care Navigation and Social Prescribing.

Karen Creffield, Practice Manager, said: "We receive numerous enquiries each year from students who are interested in pursuing a career in medicine. Given the current challenges of recruiting doctors into primary care we are keen to foster and encourage the enthusiasm of young people who get in touch with us. So the Aspiring Medics programme has been established. We are now planning an application process for 2023 so we can give other students the opportunity to spend time with us here in Frome." 

Andrew Hull, Training and Development Coordinator at the Practice said, "We were very pleased to welcome Jun Hao to Frome and to be able to introduce him to the many different elements of primary care. Hopefully we have inspired him to pursue a career in medicine and we look forward to welcoming further students to join us for a similar experience in 2023." 

Jun Hao ended his week by offering the team feedback on his experience, which will be used to help shape the 2023 programme and Dr Helen Kingston, Senior Partner at the practice, presented him with a certificate of attendance. "Taking part in the Aspiring Medics programme at Frome Medical Practice was an overwhelmingly positive experience," said Jun Hao. "It gave me an in-depth and holistic insight into primary care. I particularly enjoyed and gained invaluable experiences from being able to shadow and observe all the kind and welcoming clinicians and allied health care professionals at the practice. As a result of this week of medical work experience I have reaffirmed my desire to pursue a medicine as a degree and a career as a clinician."

Further details about applying to take part in the Aspiring Medics Programme 2023 at Frome Medical Practice will be announced in due course. It should be noted that the programme will only be open to students from outside the Frome area, in order to ensure patient confidentiality. Follow the practice on social media for all their latest updates.