Widening access to medicine

Lin Mo and Grant Bucher, two of the first BrightMed pupils, have completed their first term as BSMS students. Two more pupils have joined other medical schools.

‘Biochemistry was one of my favourite subjects and I spent a really interesting week with the biochemistry department at Sussex uni,’ says Lin. ‘I wanted to do more practical things though, and get involved with more people. When my teacher told us about BrightMed I was keen to apply.
‘We had lectures, got to practise with stethoscopes, and learned about taking patient histories. I got a feel of what it was like to be a medical student and started feeling that I could cope with being one. I saw stem cell research on an egg which was really fascinating – medicine’s not just about cutting up people but research as well.
‘I want to explore as many medical areas as I can while I’m here to find out which one’s for me.’

Grant says, ‘I decided to train as a doctor because I like science, want to work with people and would like a job where I do something different every day. Medicine is a great chance to keep learning throughout my career.
‘I really liked the residential week of BrightMed. The dissection room was a bit of a weird experience to start with but I’m looking forward to going back in there. It was a privilege to use the patient simulator too.
‘It gave me lots of confidence in public speaking. I spoke to a group of 200 at the launch for the next set of BrightMed students, which I wouldn’t have been able to do without doing the scheme myself! BrightMed really confirmed for me that I wanted to be involved with medicine.
‘We had quite a bit of interview practice. I had an offer from Newcastle too but picked BSMS because everyone’s just been so friendly and approachable throughout BrightMed and at my interview. Plus the location’s good!’

‘The early stages of the BrightMed programme have been successful’, says founder Darren Beaney. ‘We give the students guidance but they have to achieve the same grades and perform as well in interview as every other candidate. Of the first year 12 cohort, comprising 12 students, five reached the academic standards for entry to medicine. All of these got interviews and four received offers at medical schools around the country.'

BrightMed, the BSMS schools outreach programme, recruits talented young people with the potential to become tomorrow’s doctors but without a family background of Higher Education.
It increases participants’ awareness of careers in medicine and the demands of the undergraduate medical degree. It provides advice, hands-on experience and inventive practical exercises to enable
students to make informed decisions concerning their future education; and the confidence to submit strong applications to study medicine at BSMS or other medical schools in the UK.