Annual Open Evening and Inaugural Lecture
Dollar Academy
26th February 2013 at 7pm
Speakers were Angus Forgie, Donald Campbell and Mike Johnson
The aim of the evening was to invite 3rd, 4th and 5th formers from all secondary schools in Forth Valley and Fife to an evening of informal talks for anyone interested in pursuing a career in the medical sciences. The Trust's objectives were to inform, encourage and inspire both students and their parents.
Advertisements were placed in the local press and Jackie Smith, one of the Trustees,wrote a moving press release which must have been just right as the press covered the story for 2 weeks.
Enquiries started flooding in and we excitedly expected about 150 students and parents. The venue was quickly moved to a larger auditorium and just as well because on the night over 270 attended. We were overwhelmed by the response.
The pupils came from 21 schools; from the Stirling, Falkirk, and Fife areas, and Perthshire and Lanarkshire.
There were 3 speakers at this first annual open evening who were introduced by Dr Jill Hepburn. Jill had been instrumental in organising the evening.
Angus Forgie, a third year medical student at Dundee University gave a lively and enlightened talk on how he prepared for entrance into medical school, both academically and in an extra curricular capacity as a volunteer in a children's Hospice.
Next, Consultant Paediatric Orthopaedic Surgeon, Donald Cambell (and friend of Joanna's) gave us a moving insight into his varied and demanding job.
Lastly Mike Johnson, the Admissions Officer from St Andrews gave a clear, factual talk on the requirements of the 5 Scottish Medical Schools. He also debunked some of the myths and stressed how important it was to go to the open days and find out the sometimes subtle differences between the Universities.
We ended with a question and answer session and the speakers then stayed behind to talk to more parents.
Following the evening we have had many emails thanking the Trust and Jo's family for organizing the evening and encouraging us to continue.
If you would like further information about the Trust then please contact us and keep visiting the website for information regarding further events.
The aim of the evening was to invite 3rd, 4th and 5th formers from all secondary schools in Forth Valley and Fife to an evening of informal talks for anyone interested in pursuing a career in the medical sciences. The Trust's objectives were to inform, encourage and inspire both students and their parents.
Advertisements were placed in the local press and Jackie Smith, one of the Trustees,wrote a moving press release which must have been just right as the press covered the story for 2 weeks.
Enquiries started flooding in and we excitedly expected about 150 students and parents. The venue was quickly moved to a larger auditorium and just as well because on the night over 270 attended. We were overwhelmed by the response.
The pupils came from 21 schools; from the Stirling, Falkirk, and Fife areas, and Perthshire and Lanarkshire.
There were 3 speakers at this first annual open evening who were introduced by Dr Jill Hepburn. Jill had been instrumental in organising the evening.
Angus Forgie, a third year medical student at Dundee University gave a lively and enlightened talk on how he prepared for entrance into medical school, both academically and in an extra curricular capacity as a volunteer in a children's Hospice.
Next, Consultant Paediatric Orthopaedic Surgeon, Donald Cambell (and friend of Joanna's) gave us a moving insight into his varied and demanding job.
Lastly Mike Johnson, the Admissions Officer from St Andrews gave a clear, factual talk on the requirements of the 5 Scottish Medical Schools. He also debunked some of the myths and stressed how important it was to go to the open days and find out the sometimes subtle differences between the Universities.
We ended with a question and answer session and the speakers then stayed behind to talk to more parents.
Following the evening we have had many emails thanking the Trust and Jo's family for organizing the evening and encouraging us to continue.
If you would like further information about the Trust then please contact us and keep visiting the website for information regarding further events.