Work Experience Visit to London Health Centre

3rd February 2025

Our 6th Form students were recently invited to attend the London Health Centre in Masaki to understand the various disciplines required for general healthcare. Upon arrival, we were met by the Director who explained the work that takes place in the Physiotherapy department and how rewarding it was to see the progress that patients make. Physical injuries are generally dealt with by surgeons and General Practitioners, but it is the after-care that can be frustratingly slow and painstaking yet, ultimately, necessary for as complete as possible return to normal life.

Our next port of call was Dentistry and it was interesting to see how technology to improve diagnostic assessment utilizing smaller and more mobile and practical instruments is changing. With the large number of patients walking in, hygiene was a major concern and the students were told how these concerns were addressed. What was also very useful for the students from both experiences to this point was the explanation of study durations and differences in study practices across the world.

Students were then led to Radiology, commencing with Ultrasound. The different educational pathways to becoming a Radiologist, who interprets the data, as opposed to a technician, were explained here. Diagnostic equipment was described in detail as we headed to the CT scanner. All of our students had a good grounding in Physics so understanding the different nuances of using sound waves vs X-rays and also magnetic fields for MRI scans were well received.

Pathology was next and hygiene was again at the top of the agenda. Students were familiar with microscopy from school but how the bloodwork was dealt with was explained in detail. A demonstration of how blood-typing was also given and we shared our various understanding of our blood groups. Next door was a chemistry laboratory with highly sophisticated equipment and an extremely well qualified chemist who could determine in precise detail the chemicals in our blood and help the Doctors to consider potential organ issues.

Ophthalmology was broken down into what is an Optician versus an Ophthalmologist. Most of us are familiar with eye-sight checks but identifying issues through retinal scans and subsequently using technology to perform delicate surgery are all part of this medical profession.

We were finally on the ground floor and visiting the nursing station. Once again, it was explained that nursing can be specialized into different disciplines. Midwifery was discussed as well as Occupational Therapy. Checking pulse and blood pressure really is just the tip of the iceberg here.

We were reaching the end of our journey through London Health Centre’s facility and arriving at the consulting rooms on the ground floor. We didn’t just have 1 interview with a Doctor, but 4 in total. Each of them graciously told the students of their particular journey to where they are today but also gave them sound advice generally as to how to make the decisions they need to make in due course. They described typical working days and confirmed the variances in medical training across the world.

London Health Centre are sending 5 of their staff to our Careers Fair on Tuesday 4th February. This is open to students from year 9 and upwards. I hope they can attend.

Radiology.jpg
Physio.jpg
Ultrasound.jpg
Pathology.jpg