Table 2 Comments on changes to pupils’ perceptions of medicine as a degree and career
Theme* | Frequency |
|---|---|
Increasing knowledge • “I have learnt that there is a lot more than just grades to studying medicine.” • “I have been provided resources that show me what the skills I need are and how I should approach my future studies. • “I think that this series has educated me much more on medicine, including the different options on studying medicine, what life would be like and how I could get to a medical career, however it has not convinced me to become a doctor.” • “I know now if I wanted to pursue an education or acquire an occupation as a doctor I would now the basics of how to do so.” • Informed me about a wider variety of medical careers and what the route into them may be, but not all people will have the same path.” • “I feel more informed about a career and how to study medicine because i have been told what I could take for GCSE and the steps and layout there is for applying to Medical School, which gives me a brief outline therefore I feel more confident.” • “I have been provided resources that show me what the skills I need are and how I should approach my future studies. • “We got to hear from professionals which widened my knowledge from people who have went through the process of medical school and becoming a doctor.” | 32 |
Reconsideration of Medicine • “I used to want to cook now I want to study medicine to help people.” • “I’m now reconsidering about medicine if my other job doesn’t work out because I didn’t know that medicine was like a puzzle, and you have to try and figure out what is wrong with them and give them the right treatment.” | 5 |
Increased interest in Medicine • “It sounds more interesting than I thought it would be.” • “I have seen that it isn’t just about working but also helping others, getting to make new relationships and it also seems quite fun.” • “Because you explained it in greater detail and in many ways to keep me engaged.” | 3 |
No changes • “I don’t feel more informed, sorry.” | 3 |
Demotivation • “The plant a seed series has informed me more about the subjects I would need to take to apply to medicine and about the life choices I would need to take and prepare myself for in order to become a doctor, however this series has demotivated me to become a doctor because I feel as though I lack the necessary skills to apply to medical school and study the required material.” | 1 |
Uncertainty • “Not sure, don’t know if want to study medicine.” • “I have realised that the things that I am interested in could lead me to a career in medicine but I’m not sure if it’s for me.” • “The Plant a Seed series has definitely made me more aware of the options within the Medicine degree, but I couldn’t say 100% that I would go into medicine.” | 1 |