Approximately 150 transition year students from 90 schools across Ireland have been taking part in a week-long MiniMed training programme this week at RCSI and Beaumont Hospital.

The interactive programme, which is running from 13-17 January, gives students the opportunity to step out of their usual classroom setting and experience what it is like to train and work as a doctor.

As part of the programme, students have been attending interactive lectures, receiving hands-on training in clinical skills as well as getting practical experience in medicine and scientific tutorials. One of the highlights of the TY MiniMed initiative was where students got to witness a live operation in Beaumont Hospital. Other topics covered over the action-packed five days include human anatomy, genetics, psychiatry, epilepsy and surgery. 

Leading medical professionals from RCSI and Beaumont Hospital are delivering the programme, including Professor Marie Cassidy, State Pathologist and Head of Forensic Medicine, RCSI who will give a lecture on Forensic Medicine on Friday, 17 January; and Professor Arnold Hill, Consultant breast, endocrine and general surgeon at Beaumont hospital, Chair of RCSI's Department of Surgery and Head of the School of Medicine, RCSI. 

Professor Hill, Chair of the Department of Surgery and Head of the School of Medicine, RCSI said: “The TY MiniMed programme is a great opportunity for students to experience what it is like to train as a medical professional. This is the seventh 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.”