Why volunteering with In2Medschool has made me a better (and happier) medical student

Medical school is tough. I thought I knew that before starting medicine, but I was completely unprepared for the size of the challenge. Anatomy, physiology, embryology, pharmacology, histology and just about every other -ology you can think of.  All completely impenetrable and full of annoying Latin terms and mnemonics that I fail to memorise.

On top of this there is placement. Nervously interacting with patients, followed by subpar, sweaty examinations and an endless number of skills to sign off, all while trekking around hospital corridors completely lost and avoiding puddles where the roof has caved in.

Post-placement relaxing always brings the lovely reassuring feeling of guilt for not revising.  A harmless quick look on Instagram contains one of two things: either some miserable news regarding the future state of the NHS and growing waiting lists or alternatively a “medfluencer” waking up at 4:00 am who has completed a marathon, cured a disease and watched 6 lectures before I even get out of bed. Just to remind you if you’ve forgotten… medicine is tough.

So why has volunteering with leading widening participation charity, In2MedSchool been such a valuable experience. Well, not only working with such a fantastic team of likeminded medics who truly believe in equity of opportunity and ensuring our NHS is reflective of the communities we serve. Similarly, it isn’t just growing my own portfolio in preparation for the Hunger Games that is specialty training applications.

The main aspect of volunteering that I appreciate and has reaffirmed my enjoyment of medicine is interacting and supporting the next generation of medical students. At In2MedSchool we provide mentoring, school visits, a tailored school curriculum and events for aspiring students.

In my role as a school academic officer, I was responsible for supporting a cohort of students from a local school through their application. Just spending 10 minutes discussing and answering my students questions from: “What’s the best thing about medical school?” “What’s the craziest thing you have seen?” “Are scrubs comfy?” transforms my mood. These students are excitingly hanging on every word and incredibly passionate and amazed by things I now found totally normal. Supporting them through the application process, I am transported back to my own application journey and reflect on my overwhelming excitement at getting my own offer. I return to placement a happier and more enthusiastic medic.

Volunteering has provided perspective and have helped understand what a privilege it is to study medicine, and importantly, why this opportunity should be available to all, regardless of background. As In2MedSchool, and other widening participation organisations, begin to recruit volunteers for the 2025/26 year I strongly suggest you apply