Forty budding medical students from Years 9 and 10 at Levenshulme High School for Girls heard how orthopaedic specialist Sophie Rogers carved out a successful career in surgery – despite failing to get the required grades to study medicine.
During a free session organised by State Talking, Sophie told the girls that not getting the A-level grades she needed to get into medical school was her life’s biggest disappointment. But, she explained, there are different paths that can be taken to pursue a career in medicine and surgery.
A state school pupil and the first in her family to attend university, Sophie explained how she secured a place on an undergraduate course in pharmacology, for which she had the required grades. With the undergraduate degree under her belt, she completed her medical training as a postgraduate student, while also completing lots of voluntary work to add to her experience.
With medicine and surgery highly competitive courses and careers, as well as typically very male-dominated fields, Sophie’s achievements were a huge inspiration to the girls.
“The career talk was useful in directing a pathway into medicine and surgery,” said one.
“The talk was a really helpful guide for me. Most importantly, Sophie covered all aspects of how to get into a career in surgery – from the educational pathway to voluntary work. It enabled me and hopefully the younger students to start thinking about a career in medicine.”
Another said: “I absolutely loved the surgeon’s talk and it definitely inspired me to go towards the medical field.”
“I was really astonished by how many years it takes to become a doctor, but in the end you will get the fruit! I also found out that working in health and care means you will always have a job as humans get sick at least once a month.”
Would you like relatable speakers to come to your school free of charge? Contact State Talking on info@statetalking.org.
State Talking offers free inspirational talks from relatable role models for state schools in Greater Manchester. Contact us at info@statetalking.org to find out more.
