Two Liverpool students win prestigious medicine bursary

Two students from The Academy of St Francis of Assisi (ASFA) have won national bursaries to help them pursue a career in medicine.

Kevin Hilemichael and Hosen Ojora, both 15, received full bursaries to attend and take part in the InvestIN Young Doctor Programme, a prestigious course aimed at giving students a wholehearted experience of life in the medical profession.

The two Year 11 students at the Kensington Academy are passionate about pursuing a career in medicine and gaining as much experience as possible before medical school.

The bursary now gives both the opportunity to learn from high-ranking UK doctors, undertake hands-on experience and maximise their chance of gaining admission into a top medical school.

Aspiring doctor Kevin Hilemichael is from Eritrea in northeast Africa and arrived in England just five years ago with little English skills. Since starting at ASFA in Year 8, Kevin has learnt English and is now on course to achieve grade nines in his GCSE subjects – the new grade introduced last year to recognise the very highest performing students.

15 year old Hosen Ojora has been at the Academy since Year 7 and has always dreamed of pursuing a career in medicine. Hosen is currently studying his GCSEs and is predicted grades 7-9.

Assistant headteacher Kate Sedgwick and lead teacher for the academically more able (AMA) Hannah Baylon accompanied the two future doctors to the University of Manchester, where the Young Doctor Programme took place.

During the day, the two students attended Q&A sessions, listened to lectures by surgeons and psychiatrists, and practised key tasks such as examining a patient’s x-ray, discussing diagnoses and suturing (stitching up wounds).

Reflecting on the day, student Kevin Hilemichel said: “I found the day really enjoyable as it has given me an insight into what medicine is really about and how much work ethic is required to succeed at medical school. Thank you to InvestIN for organising such an inspirational programme.”

Both students will now have access to the programme’s alumni platform, where they can access advice, guidance and support to coach them towards achieving their career ambitions.

Tracey Greenough, head of school at ASFA, added: “We are delighted to support Kevin and Hosen on their path to becoming doctors. Both are talented, ambitious students who have overcome many obstacles and personal challenges to pursue this career path.

“The bursary awarded by InvestIN provides both students with an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on work experience and increase their knowledge of the medical profession. We are so proud of them and are very excited to watch their journey.”