About: Supporting a Future Doctor

The Future Doctors Initiative is designed and delivered by Kent and Medway Medical School (KMMS) to support students from non-selective state schools across Kent and Medway who are curious about a future in medicine or healthcare.

We know that medical careers can feel out of reach for some students — and that’s where Future Doctors comes in. Through inspiring, practical and supportive experiences, we aim to raise aspirations and build confidence in students who may not have considered medicine a realistic option.

Future Doctors is open to students at different stages of their journey — whether they’re just starting to explore their interests or getting ready to apply. Our sessions are delivered by real medical students and staff from KMMS and are designed to complement and support learning in and out of school.

We’re always happy to work directly with teachers, advisers and guardians/supporters to reach the passionate students and provide support.

To join our Teacher/Supporter Mailing List click here

What is on offer for your learner?

Future Doctors: School Visits (Year 8-12)

Inspiring sessions, delivered in your school

Future Doctors: School Visits bring KMMS outreach directly to classrooms, assemblies and sixth-form groups. Our outreach team aim to deliver engaging, interactive sessions that cover:

• What it’s really like to study medicine
• The different careers in healthcare
• Spotlights on different medical topics (Medical Ethics, Blood Pressure etc)
• How to start preparing early (GCSEs, A-levels, work experience)
• Transferable skills in medicine
• Tips on the application process and interviews
• Real-life stories from current KMMS medical students (on occasion medical students can attend themselves!)

We prioritise working with non-selective schools across Kent and Medway and can adapt our visits to suit your timetable, year groups and priorities.

Book your school visit here

Future Doctors:  Virtual Medical Society (Year 9 – 12)

Do you know learners passionate about Medicine and Healthcare? Don’t miss the chance to promote our FREE Future Doctors Virtual Medical Society programme!

We offer Year 9, 10, 11 and 12 students the opportunity to join our Future Doctors: Virtual Medical Society programme.

This innovative programme aims to increase awareness of what it takes to apply to and study medicine or other healthcare subjects, through fun, inspiring and interactive sessions focused on medicine, health, and science.

The programme includes two in-person events on campus and x12 online interactive sessions based on the KMMS curriculum. The sessions will be run by NHS clinicians supported by our medical students and help embed and bring to life the attendees’ GCSE science curriculum. Sessions include topics such as:

Our programmes allow you to meet others interested in Medicine, join our online community and learn with real doctors!

This is a brilliant, unique opportunity for my daughter. She was so enthused and encouraged after her first session. Her dream to be a doctor now seems like a real possibility. Thank you.”

– Mother of participant

How do students sign up?

We’re inviting Year 9, 10, 11, and 12 students from non-selective schools in Kent and Medway to join our Future Doctors: Virtual Medical Society. Applications from selective schools will be considered if spaces are available.

The KMMS Outreach Team are available to deliver in-person or virtual talks to students interested in applying.

The Virtual Medical Society starts in October 2025 — and applications are now open.

Download our VMS online poster

Book a promotional talk

Application Form

Future Doctors: Year 12 Mentorship Programme

Do you know a Year 12 student planning to apply to medicine in Year 13? The KMMS Year 12 Mentorship Programme is here to support and empower aspiring doctors from underrepresented backgrounds as they prepare for a successful application to medical school.

You’ll be matched with a KMMS medical student mentor, who will provide personalised 1-to-1 guidance to help you navigate the competitive application process and gain real insight into what a career in medicine involves.

What’s Included:

The programme begins with an introductory Zoom meeting with your mentor, followed by a structured series of online tasks and regular check-ins focused on:

• Gaining relevant work experience
• Preparing for the UCAT
• Writing a strong personal statement
• Shortlisting medical schools
• Practising for interviews
• Bi-weekly mentor check-ins for ongoing support

The mentorship runs for four months, from July (Year 12) to October (Year 13), supporting you at key stages of your journey.

Who Can Apply:

• Year 12 students intending to apply to medicine
• Year 12 students with grades meeting the minimum requirements for medical school
• Priority will be given to:
  • Students who have taken part in VMS (Virtual Medical Society)
  • Students attending non-selective state schools

Note: You do not need to be applying to KMMS to take part in this programme.

Applications for the 2025 cohort have now closed and will re-open in March 2026.

Apply now

Work Experience Advice

Work experience is a vital part of applying to study medicine. It allows students to gain insight into the field and make an informed decision about whether medicine is right for them. Work experience also allows students to discover other roles within the health and social care sector which they may not have otherwise been aware of.

It is recognised that not all students will have the same access to work experience and that clinical work experience can be hard to come by. However, applicants should aim to get a variety of experiences in order to demonstrate a commitment to medicine as well as an understanding of what a career in medicine entails. Experiences should also allow students to demonstrate some of the skills and attributes required by doctors. Examples of these can be found in the Medical Schools Council’s statement on the core values and attributes needed to study medicine.

• The Medical Schools Council provides information and guidance on work experience for students.
• The British Medical Association also provides information on how to become a doctor as well as advice for students on work experience.

Please note: KMMS do not offer work experience