Last month Year 9 were treated to a day with the Medical Mavericks, a company that introduces students to a whole host of exciting activities, technology and gadgets related to medicine, medical technology and sport.
The boys had a chance to have a go at taking blood from ‘Andy’ the prosthetic arm, do their own ECG, look at the veins and arteries in their necks with an ultrasound probe and check out whether they were still growing by using ultrasound to look at the growing plates in their wrists.
They were able to use cutting edge technology to examine red blood cells passing through the tiny capillaries in their nail beds; a specifically designed iPhone retinoscope that allowed them to visualise and take pictures of the back of their eyes; and special light sources that allowed them to reveal the vasculature that lies just under the skin to make it easier for doctors and nurses to take blood.
Another workshop, ‘The Human Guinea Pig’, gave the boys some insight into the different careers available in medical science and the NHS. The boys were introduced to all sorts of technology that is used in medical procedures including a video of a bronchoscopy which looked deep into a volunteer’s lungs - some looked on in awe whilst others were less keen!
The Medical Mavericks also ran a ‘Challenge the Champions’ workshop. This proved very popular with students and staff alike. The boys were able to test their sports skills against each other and professional athletes including their sprint speed in the Usain Bolt Accelerator Tunnel. They also tested strength, stamina, agility, coordination and reflex speed in a variety of different challenges that proved highly competitive.
The boys really seemed to enjoy the day, asking lots of pertinent questions and getting stuck in and having a go with the equipment. We are really grateful to the Medical Mavericks for presenting such an interesting day.
Monty Walker, Year 9, said ‘It was an inspiring day learning about careers in medical roles. We had little tasters in using 21st century medical equipment like practising keyhole surgery or using an ultrasound machine to see if our growing plates had closed - for me luckily not yet. Later in the day there was a chance to try equipment that athletes would use in training and appreciate that not all medical roles are based in hospitals.’
