Ahead of the new academic year, the president of the Royal College of Physicians (RCP), Dr Sarah Clarke, is proud to offer secondary school students free career-focused tours designed to educate and inspire the next generation of doctors.
The RCP is inviting groups of up to 20 students, between the ages of 12 and 17, to visit its stunning London headquarters and museum for no-cost interactive learning sessions which explore the college’s historic medical collections dating back to 1518, and the real-life profiles of modern physicians.
The 90-minute educational sessions, led by an expert from the RCP’s archives, heritage library and museum services team, are designed to help pupils identify the qualities and knowledge needed for a career in healthcare, alongside a fascinating deep dive into medical history.
Students will engage in creative education exercises where they are encouraged to learn the skills and motivations of real-life doctors and the values of modern medicine – all while having the opportunity to handle historic and modern medical items such as stethoscopes and anaesthesia masks.
The RCP’s museum is currently home to a wide variety of historic medical collections ranging from a remarkable chest of 17th century surgical instruments to a very rare set of anatomical tables. The tables are among the oldest surviving human anatomy preparations in Europe and offer a fascinating insight into the history of human dissection.
Dr Sarah Clarke, president of the Royal College of Physicians and consultant cardiologist at Royal Papworth Hospital in Cambridge, said: “The RCP is proud to offer educational visits for the new school year. We know that many young learners are incredibly interested in the medical profession, and we want to showcase just what an exciting, rewarding and challenging career path it can be.
“We are proud to be a leader in healthcare education and we very much aim to leave a lasting positive impact on all the young minds who come through our doors.”
Lowri Jones, senior curator of the RCP Museum, said: “The RCP has more than 500 years of history which serves as an ideal source of inspiration for young people thinking about a career in medicine.
“But it’s not just about the historical, our more than 40,000 current members and fellows are role models operating at the very cutting edge of the medical profession all over the world. Students will gain a real insight into the world of modern medicine.
“If there’s ever a place for young people to be inspired to join the medical profession, it’s the Royal College of Physicians.”
Previous participants include a group of eight year-12 students from City of London Academy Highgate Hill.
Dominic, a student who took part in a previous education session in May, said: “Today made me realise that the world of medicine is ever evolving and I would like be a part of that process.”
To book a free career-focused experience at the RCP museum, contact history@rcp.ac.uk