Surgical Society: Education Officer

I am currently in my second year and have attended several events run by the UCL Surgical Society, including the ongoing ASiT Virtual Surgical Skills Series. I have decided to apply for a role in the committee to gain the opportunity to contribute back to the society. The Education Officer role is particularly appealing to me as I am keen to capture the current interests of students, where I can actively be involved in organising engaging sessions to encourage more people to participate in the society. During my previous degree, I was an ambassador of the School of Biological Sciences and hope to bring my experience overseeing events as part of a team to this role. As a result of being able to effectively manage my time, I have collaborated with another medical student to produce a literature review for publication as part of the AcaMedics Scheme. In addition, I have pursued my interest in surgery by engaging with latest developments in the field and enjoyed attending the recent Future Surgery Show held by the Royal College of Surgeons. If given the opportunity, I will bring my enthusiasm and skills in organisation, teamwork and creativity to this position.

Through organisation and careful time management, I have balanced teaching roles (such as Transition Mentoring, tutoring and coaching) with my studies and other positions (such as Preclinical Representative for WinS) and developed confidence to start up new educational schemes. This year I set up a series of tutorials with two other students for year 1 medical students with many students requesting for the series to continue further in the future. Cofounding the Pharmacology Mentoring Scheme for years 1 and 2 required a high level of organisation and could continue for years to come to assist in the studies of preclinical students and give older students an opportunity to improve teaching skills and refine their knowledge. As Education Officer, I will ensure that tutorials and Q&A sessions are created for all members to help guide them with their studies throughout the whole academic year and I also intend to bring back weekly or monthly SBAs and case-style questions to help students consolidate their knowledge. Additionally, I think that having ‘support and advice’ talks at the start of the year for each year group and a greater focus on education in mentorship schemes would help everyone to settle in and start to work out what revision methods they might take up and where they can look for resources. Medicine is a difficult and complex course but we can help each other to succeed and, as Education Officer, I will ensure this happens.

Hi!

Throughout my pre-clinical years, tutorials and mentoring schemes organised by Surgical Society have been an invaluable resource in helping me to be successful at medical school. This has motivated me to step up and put myself forward as one of your Education Officers for next year!

Hosting tutorials, teaching as a student ambassador, and running C&B webinars are the testimony of my passion towards teaching and coaching. I like to make learning enjoyable and meaningful to have a long-lasting impact. Being an education officer will give me an opportunity to bring my passion to enhance your learning experience and that of future cohorts. Being part of the RUMS Events sub-committee, I will also bring my organisational and collaboration skills to provide the best experience for medics. 

Alongside managing the pre-existing schemes run by Surgical Society, I will:

1. Organise regular tutorials for first and second years by presenting content taught in exam-style and case-based scenarios.
2. Synchronise anatomy mentoring scheme teaching to the core content tutorials mentioned above so that revision is focussed and relevant.
3. Organise OCAPE sessions for 2nd years and OSCEs for 4th years.

I will create an open forum to bring your ideas and feedback on any new schemes or sessions surgical society members would like to see during the year.

I would love your vote to be your Education Officer next year!