First of Application Preparation Courses Announced
An organisation is investing in the future of the UK’s ongoing health by launching its services to schools in the North East, in a bid to help budding doctors and medics for the region get a great start to their career.
And the first course, focusing on application preparation, has just been announced by StarMedUK. Last year, The Guardian reported that there were six times more medical students from London as from the North East. In fact only 245 students from the North East started medical and dentistry degrees last year compared to 1585 from London. Based on figures like these, StartMedUK was born. StartMedUK is the brain child of Dr Michael Shenouda and Dr Ryan Dias, who studied his medical degree at Newcastle University. Dr Dias, who is also responsible for a number of leadership programs delivered in the NHS following an illustrious medical career, said:
“StartMedUK chose to target the North East because of these low numbers accessing the opportunity to enter a medical career from the region. We know that there is talent, ability and also great medical schools right here in the North East. StartMedUK aims to break down the barriers and increase those stats in its very first year of delivery in the region.”
The company works with schools and students to enable teenagers in how to find out how to be a doctor and what that entails, supporting applications, planning for interviews at medical schools and understanding processes.
The students are supported by a team of clinicians, recent graduates, current students and education experts increasing the chance of securing a much fought after place in the medical school of choice. The pair set up the company following their own experiences, both in trying to start their career, and then in what they understood as their careers progressed.
Dr Ryan continued: “The StartMedUK courses are designed for individuals to enter or for schools to offer to their students. The courses are designed to help the doctors of tomorrow in the North East start their successful career path as early as possible. Our specialised and enthusiastic team give the best preparation possible so offers are secured from top choice medical schools.
“Many parents have started to access our service for their children direct, and schools in particular are keen to be part of the process now, as it gives the students extra motivation to work hard to get better grades, all of which impact positively on both the student’s future and on a school’s reputation or Ofsted reports.”
The company offer four learning options which can be undertaken separately or as a combined course. A recent success story is a sixth form student who attended her school seminar day and took up the StartMedUK personal statement review to perfect her application. She received interviews for every application and is now studying at Nottingham University.
She said: “I am grateful for all the help the StartMedUK team gave me in my applications to medicine school. They gave me confidence and support through a process that otherwise would have been exhausting and difficult.” Any schools, parents or individuals interested in finding out more can visit www.startmeduk.com. Any interested parties and schools receive a free consultation. The first of the courses to be run in the North East will be in Newcastle on the 20th July 2019 and is the perfect starting place for anyone considering an application to study medicine at University.
For more information please email enquiries@startmeduk.com