RCSI held an Open Day for its medical Graduate Entry Programme (GEP) today.

Approximately 60 third and fourth-level students from across the country visited the RCSI/Connolly Hospital Graduate Entry Building in Blanchardstown to learn more about the medical course and the life of a student in the programme.

The Open Day, which was delivered by leading medical professionals from RCSI and Connolly Hospital, simulated a 'Day in the Life' of an RCSI GEP student. The day’s activities followed a cardiology theme and mirrored the types of activities used in the Graduate Entry Programme. These activities included an opportunity to interact with a cardiology patient followed by a series of small group interactive sessions led by staff and current GEP students which provided an opportunity to explore some of the technology and techniques used to treat cardiac patients. There was also a number of short talks from staff and students on various aspects of the programme as well as opportunities to ask questions.

Professor Alan Johnson, Director of the Graduate Entry Programme, said: “Through meeting members of the RCSI staff and student body, potential students can get a taste of life as an RCSI GEP student. The day is organised in such a format as to provide potential students with information on the programme in an interactive, interesting and innovative way.

The RCSI Graduate Entry Programme was the first of its kind in Ireland. The accelerated four year programme incorporates teaching and learning activities suited to graduates. The core curriculum is presented in modules based around the systems of the body with weekly case studies illustrating the application of clinical medicine. A key feature of the programme is the early clinical exposure for students with teaching and learning activities provided within RCSI teaching hospitals.