University visit sparks the start of Coleg Sir Gâr’s Medical Field Programme
A-Level students with an interest in the healthcare sector, started their first year of college with a visit to Swansea University, as part of the college’s Medical Field Programme partnership.
This programme, in partnership with Swansea University, is aimed at students who want to explore outside of the traditional doctor role and look at careers including biochemistry, audiology, genetics, radiography and theatre.
The visit included a tour of Swansea University Medical School Institute of Life Science where students talked to degree students working in the NHS and training as operating department practitioners, more commonly known as ODPs.
They showed students the medical theatre where they train, talked about their study and work placement experiences in various medical settings and establishments.
Included was a demonstration of Swansea University Simulation suite (SUSIM), which is an immersive learning centre that uses technology to enhance training. For example, it can set a specific street background to a training scenario by providing sound, visuals and even scent, to simulate a real-life environment, adding for example, the pressure of the sound of traffic and heightened public reaction in an emergency situation.
Dr Susan Ford, Coleg Sir Gâr A-level lecturer, is leading the initiative with Swansea University and she was thrilled to see the first event of this pilot programme, come to life. She said: “Following our first visit with students to Swansea University’s medical and healthcare facility in Singleton, we are really looking forward to returning for hands-on workshops, working with university students and staff.
“There are so many career opportunities available that support this sector but many won’t even be aware of them, so we’re offering our students exclusive opportunities that will help them gain experience and knowledge to make more informed choices about their future.”
The visit also introduced our students to several former Coleg Sir Gâr A-level students who were part of a group of ODP degree students currently studying at the university who provided a valuable insight to studying this type of degree course.
