Alfie Wain (Year 5) recently returned to Strood Academy to give a talk to students about his journey into medicine, as part of the Kent and Medway Medical School (KMMS) outreach programme.
Visiting his former school, Alfie spent time with an assembly hall full of students and shared valuable insights into his pathway into medical school and his personal experiences that have taken him to where he is today.
He gave students an insider’s look into the world of medical school, highlighting not only the academic demands but also the personal development and determination required to succeed in the field. He stressed the importance of achieving good grades in science subjects and outlined the benefits of creating an all-rounded CV through extra-curricular activities, volunteering and work experience.
Speaking following his visit, Alfie said: “It was very surreal and nostalgic to be back, but it was also a great experience. I always wanted to go back to see what has changed and to see if there were any more future doctors! I am very grateful to have been invited.”
Alfie was part of the first KMMS cohort and is set to graduate at the end of this academic year. He was the recipient of a scholarship upon his enrolment, provided by Medway Council. The scholarship was given in order to help support local students from backgrounds less well represented in medicine to go to medical school.
For the current students at Strood, it was a chance to ask questions and listen to the advice that was given to them, and perhaps most significantly, see evidence of a plausible pathway into a field that is often considered unreachable at non-selective schools. Mrs Nida Kidwai, Associate Assistant Principal at Strood Academy, said: “Alfie’s honest reflections on the challenges he faced, and how he overcame them, offered our students a unique and realistic perspective on what it takes to succeed in medicine. His message was clear: perseverance and resilience are key ingredients in achieving one’s dreams, particularly in such a demanding field.”
Alfie added: “It is important to recognise that if it’s something they really want to do, they are perfectly capable of doing it if they put the time and effort in!”
Concluding the visit, Mrs Kidwai said: “We are immensely grateful to Alfie for dedicating his time to inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals. Since he himself is one of our own alumni, it makes this experience all the more special. We look forward to seeing the positive influence his words will have on our students’ futures.”
We as a medical school continue to be proud of what our students, like Alfie, continue to achieve. We are passionate about widening access to medical degrees and encouraging those from under-represented groups to consider a future within medicine.
For further information about our Future Doctors Programme, please visit the following page.