Partner:
Peninsula Medical School, Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth
Project:
Meet the Mentors
Creating opportunities for Medical Students to meet community role models/mentors, in the second series of the Exploring Health Conditions programme. Our mentors bought a wide range of knowledge and expertise and discussed a theme which impacts on health and wellbeing.
The workshops were an opportunity for Year 1 students to meet community role models/mentors covering the themes of communication, creativity, resilience, and outdoor space and the role they play in supporting health and wellbeing within our communities.
The communication workshop was hosted by a BBC journalist who works with many communities/charities across Devon to promote their work. Creativity was highlighted by Plymouth Music Zone which reaches out to many population groups through the power of music. Resilience was presented by Steven Telford, a former Commanding Officer in the Royal Navy. The workshop around outdoor space was delivered by the Horticultural Therapy Trust (HTT) which is based in Plymouth, providing support for people with mental health needs.
The workshops enabled students to:
Practice active listening and recognise their own and the patients’ feelings;
Formulate questions to explore patient experiences and perspectives;
Explore aspects of a patients’ health journey, and;
Consider how to promote positive behaviour changes which support health improvement
“I really liked these sessions as they gave me an alternative viewpoint to health. Ways in which we as individuals have to take control of our health and ways as doctors we can signpost people to alternative methods of health that the NHS may not offer.”
Medical Student, University of Plymouth
“These sessions have made me think about taking a more holistic approach with patients
E.g: are you getting enough sunlight? Drinking enough water? Exercising daily?”
Medical Student, University of Plymouth
“When meeting patients I will try to remember to give people time, give people space and cater to their needs, not what I think their needs are.”
Medical Student, University of Plymouth