Medical Mavericks Wow Students 

On Thursday, over 150 girls took part in the Medical Maverick Workshops, led by Tom and Dr Jon. They enjoyed hands-on, interactive sessions while also  learning about careers in healthcare and the qualifications required. 

The girls also learned that the NHS is the largest employer in the UK and the fifth largest employer in the world, offering 350 different careers.  

The sessions were packed with exciting activities, including: 

• Trying on pathology goggles to simulate the effects of eye diseases like cataracts and macular degeneration. 

• Scanning their retinas using an ophthalmoscope attached to an iPhone. 

• Testing reflexes, recording ECGs, and practised keyhole surgery techniques. 

• Using an ultrasound machine to see inside their own bodies—particularly their growth plates (because, of course, everyone wanted to know if they were still growing!). 

• Taking basic medical observations, including blood pressure, temperature, and oxygen levels. 

• The highlight of the day? Using a real needle to take fake blood from a dummy arm! 

In the afternoon, Mini Medic Workshops provided older students with a deeper dive into medical technology. Dr. Jon offered in-depth explanations, and several Year 12 and 13 students took the opportunity to discuss their career aspirations with him. 

At its core, careers education is about engagement and awareness, and the Medical Mavericks Workshops certainly achieved that—opening students’ eyes to the vast and exciting possibilities in healthcare. 

Below is some feedback from some of the girls: 

"I found Medical Mavericks great fun as we got to try out different equipment that people may use in the hospital. My favourite machine was the pulse one as we could hear our pulse." - Sookie, Year 7 

"I really liked using the equipment. My favourite activity was taking blood out of a fake arm! I am definitely inspired to become a doctor when I am older." - Elsie, Year 8 

"It was my first time using some of the medical equipment such as using the ultrasound on myself to look at my own artery and vein. It was quite fascinating." - Aina, Year 13 

"The Medical Maverick workshop was an amazing experience and where I learned about many different areas in the health career sector. The speakers were very friendly and taught us about different equipment which I found very interesting. The fun activities made the learning experience even more engaging." - Nana, Year 10 

"I am so grateful for the opportunity to take part in the Medical Maverick workshop. It was an absolutely incredible experience! Getting to use real medical equipment and learn about different careers in healthcare has truly inspired me and reinforced my passion for pursuing a future in this field. It was unforgettable!" - Leona, Year 12