Aspiring doctors from underrepresented backgrounds have been learning what it’s like to study medicine at the University of Central Lancashire’s Westlakes Campus in West Cumbria.
The 2025 Medical Schools Council (MSC) Summer School, jointly run with the University of Sunderland, allowed 50 young people to spend four days gaining valuable insight into life as a medical student, the career paths available to them and advice on navigating the competitive admissions processes.
Funded by NHS England, the Medical Schools Council and Dental Schools Council, the event brought together years 11 and 12 students from across the country who come from backgrounds that are underrepresented in medical schools, whether that’s because they the first person in their family to apply to university, are held back because of financial constraints or for other reasons that cause them to feel excluded from exploring a career in medicine.
Clinical skills was my favourite session and the VR experience looking at the skeleton really enhanced my knowledge.– Summer School participant Anum Hussain
Activities included interactive problem-solving, networking with clinicians, and exploring rural healthcare challenges.
One student, 16-year-old Anum Hussain from Cradley Heath in the West Midlands, commented: “Clinical skills was my favourite session and the VR experience looking at the skeleton really enhanced my knowledge. I am grateful for this opportunity to explore medicine and experience university life. I have gained confidence and I stepped out my comfort zone.”
Ella Benard Okewu, 16 from Middlesbrough, said: “Being the first in my family to aim for medicine feels like a big step, but the summer school showed me that it’s possible and made me more determined to get there.
“My favourite part was practicing patient communication and speaking to current medical students about their journeys. It gave me a real insight into the challenges and rewards of medicine and made me even more motivated to follow this path.”
Being the first in my family to aim for medicine feels like a big step, but the summer school showed me that it’s possible and made me more determined to get there.– Summer School participant Ella Benard Okewu
Year 11 student Yeabtsega Denbegna added: “I joined this summer school to explore clinical concepts, develop practical skills, and better understand the demands of a medical career.
“I am determined to make the most of this opportunity to overcome barriers and make my path toward becoming a doctor. This experience will help me build confidence, meet peers, and take my first step into healthcare.”
It is the first time the Universities of Central Lancashire and Sunderland have teamed up to host a Medical Schools Council (MSC) Summer School, which is part of a national initiative to help 500 students UK-wide. The scheme’s success means the institutions are already planning the 2026 event.
Chris Smith, Deputy Associate Dean from the School of Medicine and Dentistry at the University of Central Lancashire, said: “This initiative is powerful step towards making medicine more inclusive. In just a few days, students who had never imagined a future in medicine left with confidence, clarity, and ambition. The University is proud to be part of a national effort that is genuinely transforming aspirations.”
This initiative is powerful step towards making medicine more inclusive. In just a few days, students who had never imagined a future in medicine left with confidence, clarity, and ambition.– Chris Smith, Deputy Associate Dean from the School of Medicine
Professor Scott Wilkes, Head of the School of Medicine and Professor of General Practice and Primary Care at the University of Sunderland, said: “We are delighted to team up with the University of Central Lancashire to further our ambitions together of making medicine accessible to those with talent who may not have had the opportunity.
“This builds upon Sunderland’s already successful student recruitment strategy which is delivering 80% from state schools and 30% from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds.”
Places on the 2026 scheme will be announced this autumn on the Medical Schools Council website.
