Our hugely successful work experience programme has been running for nine years and offers students aged 16 and over the chance to participate in hands-on activities within various research groups and observe clinicians in practice.
The week-long programme highlighted the exciting opportunities in surgery, medical sciences, and healthcare, allowing students to explore their interests, build knowledge, and gain an understanding of the working life of doctors, researchers, and other professionals in the medical field.
This year's programme was conducted at the John Radcliffe and Churchill hospitals, Old Road Campus, and the Botnar Research Centre. Two groups of students joined over two separate weeks, enjoying a varied programme of sessions delivered by a dedicated team of researchers, clinical staff, and professional services staff.
AN OVERVIEW OF WHAT THE WEEK ENTAILED
Safety induction - Jessica Doondeea explained safety in the lab, followed by a demonstration in the Liquid Nitrogen Facility.
Transplantation Research Immunology Group (TRIG) - hands-on experience in the lab with cell culture and sterile technique and a demonstration of flow cytometry with Dr Adam McNee, Dr Naeem Abdul Ghafoor and Mr Patrick Jull.
Global Surgery - Professor Chris Lavy discussed some of the challenges for patients, healthcare workers and health systems in resource-limited settings when building a hospital.
Urology Department - shadowing junior doctors during ward round, observing MRI scans and patient-doctor interactions, speaking with surgeons and specialist nurses, and learning about liver perfusion from Mr Alex Gordon-Weeks. Organised by Katherine Gordon Quayle in the Surgical Research team at the Churchill Hospital.
Oxford Prostate Cancer Biology Group - building knowledge and lab techniques with Dr Dimitrios Doultsinos and Dr Nithesh Ranasinha.
Hospital tour - Mr Martin Gillies guided the students on a tour of the John Radcliffe Hospital, including visits to the Emergency Department, the Neuroscience Ward, and the Department of Neuropathology and Ocular Pathology.
AI and Machine Learning - an introduction into using AI tools for medical imaging data and clinical trials, followed by a demo on how to utilise them. Delivered by Dr Ning Bi, Dr Boliang Yu and Dr Usama Zidan.
NDS Student Symposium - offered an excellent opportunity to attend several talks and engage with our graduate students during the poster presentations.
Quality in Organ Donation (QUOD) and Transplant Research Group - an afternoon learning about organ transplantation research through demonstrations and hands-on practical work with Dr Letizia Lo Faro, Jenny Collins, Richard Dumbill, Kazu Gyoten and Lennart Hutzen, including biopsy retrieval, the methods used to analyse the biopsy samples and organ perfusion.
High Intensity Focussed Ultrasound (HIFU) - a talk followed by a HIFU device demonstration with Professor Feng Wu.
Neurosurgery and its history - presentation and careers chat with Mr Martin Gillies.
Picture a Scientist - Picture a Scientist is a film which raises visibility around the critical issues of diversity, equity and inclusion in science. Conversations about these issues were led by Emily Hotine and facilitated by Anna Dzido, Louise King, Ben Alexander and Natalie Ford.
Surgical Intervention Trials Unit (SITU) - Jessica Scaife gave an overview of clinical trials in the department and Aimee Hennesey spoke about the SENTINEL study. After learning about SENTINEL skin flaps and their role in preventing organ rejection, the students engaged in a simulated skin retrieval and transplant exercise using fruit.
Medical ethics - Mr Martin Gillies engaged the students in an ethical debate.
At the end of the week, the students gave a brief oral presentation about their time on the programme to their peers and invited guests, followed by a celebratory lunch.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
WHAT THE STUDENTS SAID ABOUT THEIR WORK EXPERIENCE PLACEMENT
‘Observing the laboratories, which had incredibly advanced equipment, was interesting and talking to the doctors was very useful as it gave me a better insight into the various career paths open to me.’
‘I liked the hands-on parts of the work experience, especially when working in a lab and using laboratory equipment because it gave me a real-life insight into lab work and research, which I would like to pursue in the future. I also loved how everyone was willing to answer questions in detail which really developed my medical knowledge.’
'It has made me strongly consider research as a career or a PhD after medical school. In either case, the work experience has motivated me to pursue medical research and has given me a newfound appreciation for the behind-the-scenes researchers who are critical to all fields in medicine.'
‘Initially, I was set on doing a biochemistry master's degree and a PHD in neuroscience but speaking to surgeons has taught me that there is a difference between academic and clinical research, and that I can be a doctor and researcher, so I have decided to pursue an intercalated year and go to medical school too.’
‘Talking to the clinicians, consultants and medics about their experiences was really exciting. I definitely want to pursue medicine after this experience.’
‘During the placement, I had the opportunity to talk with both scientists and doctors. I found myself enjoying the lab work more than being in a ward. Understanding what they do daily and what they have to do to get to their positions helped me to identity what I want for my future career. After the placement, I confirmed my interest in being a fundamental scientist, therefore, would like to pursue biochemistry at university.’
Read more on the NDS BLOG:
The questions that guided me - and the answers I found
Oxfordshire student Oliver Griffiths shares a reflective account of his immersive work experience at NDS. This experience transformed his uncertainty into clarity, affirming his passion for chemistry, research, and helping others. Ultimately, it has shaped the path he now envisions for his future.
Organs on the move and cells in a flask: My week at NDS
Oxford-based student Susannah Sutton delved into advanced medical science during her work experience at NDS. From organ transplantation techniques to cancer treatment innovations, she acquired hands-on skills, formed new friendships, and developed a deeper passion for research and healthcare.
