Winstanley College’s annual Medics, Dentists and Vets (MDV) day took place this week, allowing aspiring healthcare professionals to experience what the future may hold for them. The event is organised as part of the college’s MDV programme which supports students in their applications to university.

During the day, there was an exciting range of practical workshops demonstrating medical techniques and students were encouraged to ‘have a go’ at skills such as suturing a wound on imitation skin.

A number of visiting speakers attended including GP Dr Ollerton, who is a former pupil of Upholland Grammar School which later became Winstanley College. Dr Ollerton said: ‘It’s always nice to return to college and meet the next generation of medics. I think it is important for them to get as much information and experience as possible before embarking on a medical degree. My daughter, Amy, attended the college and is now also a qualified doctor, so hopefully I have been able to share some valuable insights into what’s to come!’

Students also enjoyed the chance to chat to other alumni such as Georgina Morris, who is now at St Andrews University on a medical degree and Scott Watson, who is studying to be a vet at the University of Liverpool.

There are 107 former Winstanley students currently studying medical, dentistry or veterinary science and the strong alumni links are instrumental to the success of the MDV programme. Dave Woods, MDV co-ordinator said: ‘we’ve had another successful day to launch the start of what is a very busy application process for these university courses. A big thanks to all our returning students and guest speakers who make the event so worthwhile.’