Who is going to be ‘hired’?

Twenty sixth-form students from state schools in Plymouth, Tavistock and Callington, have put their name forward for an ‘Apprentice’ style competition. This will lead to one student winning a week of work experience in our Pathology Department at Derriford Hospital.

The competition is being led by Consultant Chemical Pathologist, Dr Ruth Ayling and has been running up until National Pathology Week (Monday 3rd – Friday 7th November). Starting in September, the students were split into two groups and have been meeting every week, where a new task has been set for them to complete.

Dr Seán Costelloe, Consultant Clinical Scientist at Derriford Hospital said: “We have been very impressed by the standard and professionalism of the students. They have chosen Drake’s Circus as the venue for the roadshow, which is an ideal location to engage the public.

“They have also written an advertisement for the event, which will be broadcast on Hospital Radio. It is encouraging to see young students expressing an interest in clinical science and medicine in this way.”

The candidates will be taking part in a public engagement event, known as the Plymouth Pathology Roadshow, to be held at Drake Circus on Wednesday 5th November. This is to promote public awareness and understanding of the vital role pathology plays in healthcare.

The roadshow includes interactive stalls, which cover a range of specialities, including microbiology, chemical pathology, histopathology and genetics and there will be the opportunity for visitors to take blood from a teddy, test urine samples and look through microscopes.

“Alan Sugar” style firings will take place, with further tasks being set and a winner will be chosen during an event on the evening of Friday 7th November.