This morning, Year 12 students who are studying Biology, Chemistry, Health and Social Care, Psychology and PE, plus anyone else who was interested, were invited to meet and hear a talk from Tom Shand. Tom works as a Clinical Educator for Operating Department Practice with the University of East Anglia (UEA), visiting schools and colleges to explain the role of hospital Operating Department Practitioners and the educational and career routes available, and has a wealth of practical experience as an Operating Department Practitioner to enliven his talks! He answered questions from the students and we heard about his favourite and most rewarding types of surgery (which included delivering babies) as well as the weirdest and grossest!
On a more serious note, Tom clearly defined the roles available, talking through anaesthesia, scrub and post-anaesthetic recovery roles, linking in the importance of their position as patient advocates. He also described the degree and future apprenticeship routes available to a BSc in Operating Department Practice available through the UEA and options for career progression.
Tom ended his talk with a demonstration of basic life saving (CPR). Tom acknowledged that this career is not for everyone as it does bring a number of challenges, but both he and the College hope that his talk inspired some of our students to consider a career pathway that involves helping and caring for us when we are at our most vulnerable.
(You can click on any of the images below to enlarge them.)
