OUR DEPARTMENTS

Work Shadowing

WORK SHADOWING STUDENTS

The following is a precis of the BMA guidelines regarding 'Work Shadowing Students':

Some kind of criteria is required for selection of observers. Numbers have to be limited because of the sensitivity of the clinical environment

Recommended Criteria:

  • Evidence of efforts to find out about a career in medicine from other sources
  • Predicted ability to pursue the course - This could be based on medical school entry requirements
  • Ensure all interested students have an equal chance to take part in work observation, thus avoiding students being disadvantaged before the selection process begins (At present such oppurtunities are perceived to be more easily available to those who have connections with the medical profession)

Only observers who have already completed GCSE's or standard grades should be allowed in to clinical areas for work observation. The ideal time for school students to do work observation is in the summer of the first year of sixth form. This is after they have chosen appropriate A Levels or Higher Education for Medical School entry.

There are also other considerations that must be made when taking on student observers:

  • Patient confidentiality
  • Duty of care to both patient and student

We normally take students in Easter breaks and summer time, due to the fact that we have a large number of medical students throughout the year and these are the quietest times.


Please ensure that you have read the full policy of work shadowing before you decide to apply.
Please include your CV and covering letter when you apply.