The week-long programme taking place until Friday July 21 features live theatre lectures, practical workshops and the chance to speak to consultants from a range of specialties in a unique “speed dating” event.
The “I Want to Be A Doctor” course has been organised by South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in partnership with the Social Mobility Foundation to support high achieving students from low-income backgrounds.
Previously the foundation’s annual event has always been held in universities in London, but this year it has come to the North East and for the first time is being hosted on a hospital site.
Around 60 students from 46 local authorities across the UK are taking part in the programme, which also highlights what the local area has to offer in terms of lifestyle and entertainment with evening activities featuring trips to Teesside Park and Holey Molies indoor golf course.
The 16 and 17-year-olds are staying in the hospital residences at James Cook and making use of the high-tech educational equipment at the university hospital’s Institute of Learning, Research and Innovation including life-like patient simulation training.
Jane Bates, Undergraduate Medical Education Manager at the Trust, said: “We are very excited to be welcoming these 60 students to the South Tees Institute of Learning, Research and Innovation at James Cook.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase the superb facilities we have here and really put South Tees on the map.
“These young people are going to be our future. They are going to go to medical school and we want them to want to come back and work here!
“I would like to thank the 50 consultants, doctors and GPs who have given up their time to work with the students throughout the week and those who have put themselves forward to be mentors to support them as they progress in their careers.”
