ASPIRING young doctors are being given an insight into their ideal career before they have even left college.
A unique partnership between one of Grimsby's GP surgeries and colleges is enabling students to gain firsthand experience of the medical industry.
The Raj Medical Centre, in Laceby Road, and Franklin College have teamed up to give those thinking about becoming a GP or a nurse the opportunity to shadow professionals over two academic years.
Sabine Andrejeva has lived and studied in Grimsby for just over a year, after moving from Latvia to discover more about the health care system in England.
She has always wanted to be a GP and believes this link through her college is the perfect opportunity to learn more.
The 20-year-old said: "I understand how GPs work in Latvia, but it will be interesting to see how the system runs in the UK.
"I know it will be very different, but I am looking forward to learning.
"I am currently studying biology, maths and chemistry at Franklin College."
Sabine will spend one day a week at the medical centre over the next two years, shadowing admin staff, GPs and nurses on a rotational basis.
The keen student said: "It will be interesting to see how GPs communicate with their patients and how they apply their knowledge to deal with a particular condition."
Staff at Raj Medical Centre are delighted to have seen past students go through this programme who are now studying in medical schools across the country.
Kerrie Pasquill-Johnson, clinical nurse manager, at Raj Medical Centre, said: "Allowing students to shadow us here gives them a first look into what goes on within a GP surgery.
"It is all well and good sitting in a classroom being taught about the profession, but seeing it carried out in front of you is the best experience possible. Students get to see a broad spectrum of things we deal with from vaccinations and blood tests, to minor surgery and dealing with social issues.
"I think this type of learning is very valuable and we are glad to welcome those who want to learn more."
The college and medical centre have been working together for the past five years, allowing students to benefit more when applying to medical school.
Clive Wilson, associate principal, at the college, said: "Our recent development has seen us establish a health academy which now provides us with a link to Career Academies UK.
"This is a national charity which supports medical students entering a demanding profession. The strong and supportive link with the Raj Medical Centre is a key element of the academy programme and is built on the shared desire of staff to give the best possible preparation and support for progression in health careers.
"We are delighted and thankful that staff at Raj Medical are so committed to establishing this excellent example of partnership work."
Keep reading your Grimsby Telegraph to find out how Sabine is getting on.
