“We knew six years ago that gifted, caring and clever people from across our region were missing out on the opportunity to become the doctors they wanted to be, perhaps because of their post code and the educational opportunities or support they had access to, or because they grew up having to care for parents or siblings, or because they grew up in care themselves. We hoped to inspire people, particularly from Hull and East Yorkshire, to study medicine in this area so they might make a difference to the health of patients locally.
“Six years on those graduating from our Medicine with a Gateway Year programme have demonstrated their resilience and commitment to medicine. They have worked hard, learned well and proved themselves to be the caring and compassionate people we imagined them to be. They are now starting their careers working in hospitals in the area.
“I had the pleasure of welcoming the first cohort of Gateway students when they arrived in 2019 and feel privileged to have been part of their journey. As they prepare to graduate alongside their fellow Medicine students, I would like to express how enormously proud we are of all of them and know that they will go on to make a real difference to their patients, within our community and further afield.”
The foundation year includes placements in hospitals and GP settings to help students develop the communication skills, confidence and empathetic approach required to deliver care within the NHS. Upon successful completion, students' progress directly into the five-year medicine programme.
Ellis Bywood is one of those graduating. He says:
“I grew up in Hull and joined the Hull York Medical School in 2019 after completing my A Levels at Malet Lambert School. The School’s Medicine with a Gateway Year programme gave me the opportunity to fulfil my dream of becoming a doctor. It also gave me the chance to train in the local area I grew up in – something which was really important to me. The Gateway Year provided a foundation for my studies – allowing me to build on what I had learnt during my A Levels as well as prepare me for the next five years of study.
“The early clinical exposure was definitely a highlight of my time here – being able to apply what I learned to real clinical situations, along with the support of motivational and inspiring tutors.
“Now that my studies have finished, I am looking forward to continuing work in the region as a doctor helping people in my local community.”
Lauren Farr is the first in her family to attend university. She says:
“My interest in medicine was sparked at 14 when I had surgery on my ankle – the care and compassion I received from doctors inspired me to pursue medicine.
“I struggled transitioning from GCSEs to A-Levels and my teachers initially doubted my chances of studying medicine. I was offered a one-to-one meeting with someone at the college who was involved in the Gateway Programme.
“Medical school is demanding and having to study an extra year might be seen as a set-back. For me it was an opportunity.
“Hull York Medical School has thoroughly prepared me for the challenges ahead, and I am really excited to apply everything I have learned.”
For more information about the Medicine with a Gateway Year Programme, visit: https://www.hyms.ac.uk/medicine/medicine-with-a-gateway-year
Header image: Ellis Bywood on his final year six-week elective in Tanzania.