We had an absolutely fantastic turnout at the launch of our MDS Pathways programme in the College of Medical and Dental Sciences this week. After a bumper year for the College in recruiting 152 students via our Pathways to Birmingham widening participation programmes, we welcomed a fantastic cohort of year 1 students who will work … Continue reading “Launch of MDS Pathways”
A big boost for Widening Participation in the College of Medical and Dental Sciences
This year we are delighted to be welcoming 152 students who have participated in our Pathways to Birmingham Widening Participation schemes, Access to Birmingham (A2B), Routes to the Professions and Realising Opportunities, to our undergraduate degree programmes in the College of Medical and Sciences (CMDS). Last year we welcomed 84 A2B students and therefore the bumper … Continue reading “A big boost for Widening Participation in the College of Medical and Dental Sciences”
From Stechford to Ghana: How Brum Doctor’s Charity Changes Communities by Ross Cotton
University of Birmingham alumni Dr Liam Barrett, aged 25, and director of the UK branch of Global Brigades charity has been making huge progress in helping to empower communities in Ghana this summer. Dr Barrett has attended many ‘Brigades’ during his time as a medical student and has now led the first ever UK healthcare … Continue reading “From Stechford to Ghana: How Brum Doctor’s Charity Changes Communities by Ross Cotton”
Healthcare Heroes
On Friday 5th July we held our inaugural Healthcare Heroes: Boys Into Healthcare Careers activity day. The event was attended by over 40 year 9 males students from local schools including Harborne Academy, Plantsbrook School, Rockwood Academy and Holte School. Currently in the College of Medical and Dental Sciences male students only comprise ~27 % … Continue reading “Healthcare Heroes”
Are economic inequalities preventing us from having a healthcare profession representative of UK society?
This morning I attended a fascinating keynote presentation about economic inequalities in education from Prof Karen Rawlingson, Professor of Social Policy, at the University of Birmingham Higher Education Futures Institute (HEFi) annual conference. As the College of Medical & Dental Sciences lead for Outreach & Widening Participation I am often asked to comment on participation … Continue reading “Are economic inequalities preventing us from having a healthcare profession representative of UK society?”
Identifying students to widen participation
Directing outreach activities and widening participation initiatives to the school pupils who really need it has always been a challenge. An article published in the THE yesterday reported the suggestion by AccessHE that family income information should be collected on pupils aged 11-13 years so that activities can be targeted at a specific group when … Continue reading “Identifying students to widen participation”
5 years of success in Outreach and Widening Participation for the College of Medical and Dental Sciences
The last 5 years has seen the College of Medical and Dental Sciences at the University of Birmingham make enormous strides in supporting students from underrepresented groups in higher education to enter all our undergraduate programmes. We have commissioned some infographics to celebrate our successes and to highlight some of our activities. In the … Continue reading “5 years of success in Outreach and Widening Participation for the College of Medical and Dental Sciences”
MDS Pathways Mentoring Programme Attracts Alumni Impact Funding
The College of Medical and Dental Sciences (CMDS) annually welcomes to our undergraduate programmes 80–90 students who have participated in Pathways to Birmingham widening participation activities, including Access to Birmingham, Routes to the Professions: Medicine and Dentistry, and Inspired@Birmingham. For many of these students the challenges they faced in their pre-University lives and education, persist … Continue reading “MDS Pathways Mentoring Programme Attracts Alumni Impact Funding”
Work Experience in Medicine and Dentistry
Work experience can be crucial in helping pupils decide whether to pursue a career in Medicine or Dentistry. Not only does it give them an insight into the day-to-day work of a professional, but it allows them to reflect on the personal qualities and values required of a healthcare professional within the NHS, whether they … Continue reading “Work Experience in Medicine and Dentistry”
Supporting School Science Teachers
Today I had the pleasure of speaking about my research at the Association for Science Education Conference which is currently being held here at the University of Birmingham for school science teachers. It is Europe’s largest science education conference and it aims to promote excellence in science teaching and learning in schools. The Frontier Science … Continue reading “Supporting School Science Teachers”