Approximately 130 transition year students from 120 schools across Ireland will begin a week long Mini-Med training programme today at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) and Beaumont Hospital. The week-long interactive programme gives students the opportunity to experience what it is like to train and work as a doctor.

As part of the programme, students will witness a live operation, attend interactive lectures, gain hands-on training in clinical skills as well as practical experience in medicine and scientific tutorials. Topics covered include human anatomy, cardiology, psychiatry, trauma and orthopaedics.

Leading medical professionals from RCSI and Beaumont Hospital will deliver the programme, including Professor Marie Cassidy, State Pathologist and Head of Forensic Medicine, RCSI who will give a lecture on Forensic Medicine.

Professor Hannah McGee, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, RCSI, said: "The TY Mini-Med programme is a great opportunity for students to experience what it is like to train as a medical professional. This is the sixth year of the programme and demand for the programme outweighs the number of places available. Students will have an opportunity to use innovative technology and learn from some of Ireland's top healthcare professionals from RCSI and Beaumont Hospital, giving them an excellent insight into careers in medicine, science and research. Thanks to the School of Postgraduate Studies for organising the programme and to the staff involved for enabling this exciting opportunity."