Medicine Work Experience Year 12: Free Medical School Work Experience Year 12
Entering Year 12 means it's time to start thinking seriously about medical school – and a key part of that is gaining medical work experience. In fact, work experience in a caring or clinical setting has become essential for UK medical school applicants. Medical schools want to see that you’ve taken the initiative to learn about healthcare firsthand and developed the skills and values needed to be a doctor. Beyond strengthening your UCAS application, Year 12 work experience can help you decide if medicine is truly the right path for you by giving you a taste of the profession’s realities. In this guide, we’ll explain why work experience is so important, what counts as relevant experience, how to find opportunities (including NHS placements, volunteering, and online programs), and how to make the most of every experience through reflection. Let’s get you prepared to step into a hospital, GP surgery or care environment and start learning!
Why Year 12 Medicine Work Experience Matters?
Work experience isn’t just a box to tick – it’s a vital step toward becoming a competitive and well-prepared medical school applicant. All UK medical schools now expect applicants to have experience in a caring or service role (paid or voluntary) and some direct observation of healthcare before applying. This is because admissions tutors want evidence that you understand what a career in medicine really involves and that you are committed to it. By working with patients or observing doctors, you demonstrate:
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Genuine motivation and empathy: A willingness to help others and comfort people in need, which is at the heart of medicine. It shows you’re passionate about caring for patients, not just interested in the prestige or science.
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Core interpersonal skills: Through real-world experience you build communication skills, teamwork, and confidence interacting with a wide variety of people – all essential qualities for doctors. For example, talking to an elderly care home resident can teach you as much about listening and empathy as shadowing a GP does.
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Understanding of healthcare settings: Seeing how the NHS and healthcare teams operate gives you awareness of how the system works and the day-to-day challenges medical professionals face. This insight helps confirm that you know what you’re getting into – the long hours, emotional demands, and teamwork involved in medicine.
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Responsibility and commitment: Dedicating time in Year 12 to work experience proves you are proactive, responsible, and serious about a medical career. It’s one thing to say you want to be a doctor; it’s much stronger to show you’ve sought out opportunities to experience healthcare first-hand. Many medical schools even require you to detail your work experience in your personal statement or in interviews. Some schools set a guideline for hours – for example, evidence of 70+ hours of experience has been expected by certain programs – underscoring how crucial it is to have done more than just a cursory stint.
Finally, work experience helps you as much as it helps your application. It’s an opportunity to reflect on whether the medical profession fits your expectations. You might love the hospital environment and find it cements your desire to be a doctor - or you might discover aspects of the job that give you pause. Either way, the experience will inform your decisions and give you meaningful examples to discuss in applications. Medical admissions committees care less about exactly what you did or where, and more about what you learned from it. As the Medical Schools Council emphasizes (supported by The Medic Life founder, Dr. Bakhtar), “work experience isn’t about what you see, but what you learn.” If you can articulate personal insights and growth from your Year 12 experiences, you’ll be in a strong position when application time comes.
What Counts as Medical School (Medicine Work Experience for Year 12's)?
When it comes to work experience for medicine, students often picture shadowing a doctor in a hospital. While clinical shadowing is one excellent form of experience, it’s far from the only one. According to official guidance, there are two main types of relevant experience for medical applicants: (1) working in a caring or service role (interacting with people who need support) and (2) observing healthcare (watching healthcare professionals at work). Both paid and unpaid positions count, and it’s more about what you learn and take away than the specific setting. In fact, medical schools have broadened their definition of “work experience” to “relevant experience”, acknowledging that many experiences beyond hospitals can be valuable. Here’s what can count:
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Volunteering or Caring Roles: Any experience where you are caring for or helping people can be just as valuable as a hospital placement. For example, volunteering at a nursing home, helping out at a disability support center, working with children with special needs, or even assisting at a local hospice all fall under “caring roles.” In these settings you might be feeding or talking with elderly patients, organizing activities for disabled adults, or comforting someone who is ill – experiences that develop your compassion, patience and communication. Importantly, you do not have to be doing medical tasks for it to count. Even a part-time job in a customer service or hospitality role can teach you relevant skills (like communication and teamwork) if you reflect on it properly. The Medical Schools Council explicitly notes that retail or hospitality work can qualify as relevant experience – what matters is demonstrating what you learned about working with people and being responsible. So, don’t discount your weekend job or a non-clinical volunteer position; if it involves people and responsibility, it’s helping you build the qualities needed in medicine. In the end, providing service to others – whether that’s chatting with a lonely care home resident or coaching a youth sports team – shows altruism and commitment, traits every doctor needs.
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Clinical Observation (Shadowing): This is the more traditional medical work experience where you observe healthcare professionals in their workplace. It can take place in a hospital, GP surgery, or other clinical setting. As a Year 12 student (typically 16–17 years old), your role will almost always be observational – meaning you watch and learn, rather than perform clinical tasks. Due to NHS policies and safety regulations, students under 18 cannot participate in hands-on medical procedures or be left alone with patients. So you won’t be drawing blood or examining patients independently – and that’s okay! Instead, you’ll be like a “fly on the wall,” following doctors or nurses on their rounds, in clinics, or in the operating theatre gallery to see what their day-to-day work is really like. You might observe how a GP conducts patient consultations, how a surgeon and anesthetist work together in theatre, how a ward team does handover meetings, or how nurses care for patients on a ward. This kind of shadowing provides a realistic window into the healthcare environment – you’ll witness the teamwork in a hospital, the way professionals communicate with patients and families, and the challenges and rewards of medical practice.
Even though you are not treating patients yourself, you are learning by observing – so soak up as much as possible. Good clinical work experience isn’t measured by how dramatic the cases you see are; it could be as routine as watching a GP do diabetes check-ups all day. What matters is that you reflect on those observations – for instance, noticing how the GP adapts her communication for a nervous patient, or how the surgical team cooperates under pressure. Those insights are gold for your personal statement and interviews. Remember, “it’s not about how many hospitals you visited or whether you got to observe surgery” – a less glamorous experience can be just as enlightening if you learn from it. In fact, a Medical Schools Council guide points out that helping a relative with a health issue or volunteering in a dementia care ward could be just as valuable as shadowing a top consultant, depending on what you take away from it. So, aim for some clinical observation if you can, but don’t fret if it’s limited – focus on quality of insight over quantity of hours.
The Medic Life Expert Tip: Some programs and summer schools for aspiring medics include supervised simulations (like suturing practice on models) to give students a taste of clinical skills. While under-18 students cannot perform real procedures on patients, these controlled activities provide hands-on insight into medical techniques and teamwork in a safe environment.
Additionally, virtual work experiences (discussed more below) also count as observing healthcare. The takeaway is that “work experience” can be very diverse – from chatting with an elderly person with dementia to observing a live operation via video link. Medical schools encourage applicants to gather a range of experiences if possible, so you develop a broad understanding of caring roles and clinical practice. And if you can’t get a hospital placement despite your best efforts, don’t panic – other experiences (paid or unpaid) are recognized as equally valid, as long as you can demonstrate how they contributed to your understanding of medicine and your personal growth. In fact, showing initiative by volunteering in your community or taking an online course (PS: The Medic Life Work Experience Programme & Opportunities) can impress schools just as much as a week in a hospital.
How to Find Medicine Work Experience in Year 12?
Securing medical work experience can be challenging – demand is high and slots may be limited – but with persistence and resourcefulness you can find opportunities. Here are some of the best avenues for Year 12 students to explore:
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Local NHS Hospitals: Many NHS hospital trusts offer formal work experience programs for students aged 16–18 (Year 12 and 13). The first step is to check the websites of hospitals in your area for any work experience or “widening participation” schemes. Hospitals often have an Education, Careers, or Work Experience page explaining their application process and criteria. Typically, you may need to fill out an application form, provide a brief CV, and perhaps a cover letter explaining why you want the placement. Pay attention to application windows – for example, some trusts only accept applications during certain months for summer placements. Be sure to apply as early as possible, because spaces fill up quickly; some hospital programs are fully booked by late spring. If your local hospital doesn’t offer placements or all spots are taken, consider looking at hospitals in neighboring areas and be willing to travel if feasible. Not all departments take students under 18, so be flexible about which department or role you observe. (For instance, a hospital might allow Year 12 students to shadow in general medicine or radiology, but not in A&E if there’s an age restriction.) As an example, one NHS trust states that “within clinical areas, we accept applications from the age of 16 (Year 12)” – though some specialties there still require 18+. This is common across the NHS: age 16 is the usual minimum for clinical observation. You may also find that hospitals prioritize local students (those in their catchment or partnership schools) or those who meet certain criteria (like attending a state school or part of a widening access program). If you’re unsure, reach out to the hospital’s work experience coordinator or careers team to ask what’s available for Year 12s. And remember, hospital placements are observational – you’ll be shadowing staff (often called “observerships”), not performing tasks, so manage your expectations accordingly.
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General Practice (GP) Surgeries: Getting a placement at a GP clinic is another great option. Unlike hospitals, GP practices don’t always have formal programs, so you often have to contact them directly. A good strategy is to email or call several GP surgeries in your area explaining that you are a Year 12 student seeking a short shadowing opportunity. It’s usually wise not to request a placement at your own family GP practice – many practices avoid this due to patient confidentiality (you might recognize a patient from your community). Instead, try neighboring practices. Prepare a short CV and a polite cover note to introduce yourself, state your interest in medicine, and ask if they might allow you to observe the GP or other staff for a few days. Highlight any relevant studies (like you’re studying Biology and Chemistry) and your enthusiasm to learn. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t hear back immediately – GP offices are very busy, so you may need to follow up or try multiple clinics. If a practice can’t accommodate you, sometimes they may refer you to a colleague’s practice that can. Also ask your own GP or doctors you know for advice – even if they can’t take you, they might know another doctor who can. Using personal connections (family friends or relatives who are doctors, nurses, or other health professionals) can sometimes open doors - there’s no harm in politely asking if they know of any shadowing opportunities.
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School Career Advisors and Programs: Your school or college can be a valuable resource. Many schools maintain lists of past work experience partners or have links with local healthcare providers. Speak to your careers advisor or science teachers – let them know you’re looking for medical experience. They might already have arrangements with a nearby hospital or university. Some regions have structured schemes for Year 12 (for example, certain universities or NHS trusts run “summer schools” or medical insight programs for local students). If your school is part of any widening participation initiatives with a medical school (such as programs aimed at students from under-represented backgrounds), be sure to apply for those, as they often include work experience placements as part of the package. Another tip: check if any local universities (especially ones with medical schools) run medicine taster days or short placements for sixth-formers – these can be advertised via schools or online. For instance, University of Southampton and Imperial College have offered virtual work experience days for Year 12.
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Volunteering in Healthcare Settings: If formal shadowing placements are hard to get, volunteering is an excellent alternative (or addition). Consider volunteering at places like care homes, nursing homes, hospices, or disability centers in your community. Many of these welcome young volunteers (often from age 16) to help with tasks like serving meals, keeping patients company, or organizing activities. You won’t be doing medical procedures, but you will be interacting with people who need care, which is equally valuable experience. You can find opportunities by contacting care facilities directly or through volunteer organizations. For example, Kissing it Better is a charity that connects students with care home volunteering to tackle patient loneliness. Organizations like the British Red Cross or local hospice charities might have young volunteer programs as well. Additionally, hospitals themselves often have volunteering roles (like guiding visitors, administrative help, or assisting on wards at mealtimes). Check your local hospital’s “Volunteering” page – while these roles aren’t doctor-shadowing, they still put you in a healthcare environment. One NHS trust even advises long-term volunteering (e.g. 3 hours a week for 6+ months) as a way to gain experience if you can’t get a short clinical placement. Volunteering shows commitment and initiative, and you can learn a great deal about patient care, empathy, and the multi-disciplinary nature of healthcare through these roles. Plus, you’ll have real responsibilities, which can yield great examples to discuss at interview.
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Healthcare-Related Work or Programs: Think broadly – any role that involves caring, health, or social service can count. Perhaps you can get a part-time job as a care assistant or pharmacy assistant on weekends. Some students also gain experience through organizations like St John Ambulance – for example, as a youth first-aider at public events. This kind of first aid volunteering not only gives practical skills but also exposure to helping people in real situations (and looks great on an application). Another idea is to see if your local NHS trust offers work observation days in specific departments (for instance, some labs or therapy departments might allow short visits). There are also commercial companies that offer “medicine work experience” courses or camps (e.g. summer programs where you pay to experience simulations). While these can be insightful, be cautious about paying large sums – the BMA does not encourage healthcare professionals to charge students for placements. You don’t need to spend money to get good experience – plenty of free options exist. If you do consider a paid program, make sure it’s reputable and that you’re also doing some genuine volunteering or NHS-based experience alongside it, so you have a well-rounded background.
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Persistence and Networking: Finding a placement can require perseverance. Don’t be discouraged by rejections – you may contact many places and only hear back from a few. That’s normal. Cast a wide net: email multiple hospitals (some may have cancellations or last-minute openings), reach out to various GP practices, and sign up for any relevant mailing lists. Let people around you know you’re looking – a family friend’s parent who works in healthcare might hear of an opportunity. Follow application instructions carefully for any formal programs, and meet all deadlines. If you have an interview or are asked for a personal statement for a placement, prepare for it just as you would for a job (show your enthusiasm for medicine and willingness to learn). And importantly, start early – ideally in the autumn of Year 12 – to secure something by the time summer holidays arrive. The earlier you start looking, the more options you’ll have.
In summary, there’s no single way to get work experience, and you often have to be proactive and creative. Whether it’s a week at an NHS hospital, shadowing a local GP for a few mornings, or months of volunteering at a care home, all these experiences contribute to your understanding of medicine. Many students do a combination – for example, volunteering weekly for a year and doing a short hospital placement. Whatever you do, keep track of it (dates, what you did, who you met) and start reflecting on what you learn – that matters most when you later write about these experiences.
PS: Don't forget about The Medic Life Medicine Work Experience Opportunities!
Online and Virtual Work Experience Options: Join for Free Year 12 Medicine Work Experience
If arranging in-person work experience is challenging – or if you want to supplement your real-world placements – virtual medical work experience can be a fantastic resource. In recent years, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, several reputable online programs like The Medic Life have been created to help aspiring medics gain insight remotely. These do count as valid work experience in the eyes of medical schools, as they still demonstrate initiative and learning about healthcare. Here are some top virtual opportunities for Year 12 students:
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Register for a Free Workshop
Check our upcoming events (we run them year-round, with both online webinars and in-person sessions across the UK). For example, our Medicine Work Experience Workshop 2026 is a full-day event at King’s College London with doctors from various specialties – and it’s free to attend. Visit our website’s Free Events section and sign up to reserve your spot. Remember, spots go fast due to high demand, so register early!
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Observe GP (Royal College of General Practitioners)
Observe GP is a free online work experience platform created by the Royal College of GPs, designed for students aged 16 and over in the UK. It features a series of high-quality videos and interactive content that simulate the experience of shadowing a GP. Through the platform, you can watch consultations and follow the primary care team (GPs, nurses, pharmacists, etc.) to understand their roles. The RCGP provides a reflective diary to download so you can note down insights as you go. Medical Schools Council has endorsed Observe GP as a useful element of experience for applications, so it’s well respected. If you can’t get a placement in a GP surgery, this is the next best thing. It teaches you about patient communication, ethical scenarios, teamwork in a clinic, and more – all of which you can later discuss in an interview (“What did you learn from Observe GP?” is a common question for those who use it). You simply register online (ensuring you meet the age requirement of 16+), and you can complete the modules at your own pace. Many sixth-formers have found this resource incredibly helpful, especially if in-person GP shadowing is scarce.
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BSMS Virtual Work Experience (Brighton and Sussex Medical School)
This is another excellent free online resource that provides a virtual “day in the life” across different medical specialties. The BSMS Virtual Work Experience introduces you to six areas of medicine (such as General Practice, Surgery, Emergency Medicine, Psychiatry, etc.). You’ll learn about the role of each specialist, see case studies or scenarios, and consider some challenges doctors face. It’s interactive and includes quizzes and activities to keep you engaged. While it’s not a substitute for being in a real hospital, the course helps you understand the structure of the NHS, the variety of medical careers, and the skills required in each. It also emphasizes reflection – you’ll be prompted to think about what you’ve learned after each module, and there’s an opportunity to submit a reflective piece at the end for a certificate. Completing this virtual program shows commitment (it takes several hours) and gives you concrete examples to mention in your personal statement (e.g. “Through the BSMS virtual work experience, I explored what a GP does day-to-day and learned about the importance of primary care in the NHS…”). It’s self-paced and can be done anytime online.
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Medical MOOCs and Online Courses
Apart from official “virtual work experience” programs, you can also learn about medicine through massive open online courses (MOOCs) or similar platforms. While these aren’t exactly work experience, they demonstrate your proactive learning. You can mention any relevant online course you’ve done as part of your preparation. Additionally, some universities run virtual lecture series or summer school webinars for Year 12 (check universities’ outreach pages).
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Virtual Medical Insight Days
Keep an eye out for one-day or short virtual events (like The Medic Life workshops). Join us now! For example, some NHS trusts or organizations host live webinars & workshops where doctors talk about their careers or even do virtual ward round demonstrations. During COVID, many of these popped up and some still continue. Follow social media or websites of organizations like The Medic Life, as they often announce free virtual sessions for students. Platforms like “The Medic Life” are the most structured ones, but any chance to hear from doctors online or watch recorded medical scenarios can add to your experience bank.
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One important note
Virtual experiences are meant to complement, not completely replace, in-person experience. They are incredibly useful if you have limited access to real placements, but medical schools still like to see that you’ve had some face-to-face interaction or caring role if possible. Virtual programs can show you scenarios you might not easily see in real life (for example, the BSMS course might expose you to an operating theatre scenario, or a psychiatric assessment, which you might never get to observe as a student). Treat them as a way to broaden your understanding and vocabulary of healthcare. And just like real placements, treat virtual experiences seriously – take notes, reflect on what surprised or interested you, and consider how it confirmed or challenged your desire to do medicine. In your reflections or applications, you can absolutely cite things you learned from these online programs (“From The Medic Life's medicine work experience program, I learned how primary care teams collaborate and the importance of patient confidentiality when handling sensitive information.”). This shows you made the effort to engage with available resources. Medical schools know not everyone can get hospital work experience (especially post-pandemic), so using online tools wisely is a sign of resourcefulness.
The Medic Life’s FREE Year 12 Medicine Work Experience Opportunities
The Medic Life’s FREE Work Experience Opportunities for Year 12 Students?
The Medic Life is here to help you if you’re eager for medical experience but not sure where to start. We offer FREE work experience workshops that are perfect for Year 12 students who want exposure to medicine in a fun, interactive way. These aren’t your typical passive lectures – our sessions are dynamic and engaging, designed for aspiring medical and dental students at the school level.
One of our flagship events is the The Medic Life Medical Work Experience Workshop, held annually (and now expanding due to high demand). In this one-day workshop, students hear talks from doctors and dentists across various specialties. You’ll discover what different medical careers involve – from the adrenaline of emergency medicine to the precision of surgery and the compassion of general practice. It’s a rare chance to get inside the heads of real healthcare professionals. Even better, we include interactive elements: recently, we ran an interactive cardiac arrest simulation where students could step into a doctor’s shoes during a mock emergency. Imagine learning how to respond in a life-or-death scenario – it’s exciting and educational!
Students attending The Medic Life’s free Medical Work Experience Workshop, where doctors from various specialties share real-life insights. Such events give Year 12 students a head start in understanding medical careers.
Our workshops also teach you how to reflect on what you observe.
We know that simply seeing cool medical cases isn’t enough – you need to learn from the experience. That’s why we guide students in thinking about the skills and qualities they witnessed, and how to discuss these in personal statements or interviews later. By attending a Medic Life event, you’ll come away not just with inspiration, but also with concrete ideas of how to use the experience in your journey to medical school.
Another unique aspect of The Medic Life’s approach is that we welcome both students and their parents. We understand that at Year 12, parents play a big role in supporting aspiring medics. Our sessions often include Q&A opportunities where parents can ask questions about the medical career path, application process, or how to help their child succeed. These interactive sessions ensure that families are informed and on the same page. We’ve found that when parents understand the challenges and milestones ahead (like A-Levels, admissions tests, etc.), they can better support their children. So, we encourage parents to sit in on certain talks or join our dedicated parent info segments. It’s all about creating a supportive environment for the student.
Most importantly, our Medic Life work experiences are accessible and inclusive. They’re free of charge, because we believe passion for medicine should be nurtured, not limited by cost. In fact, our events have become extremely popular – in April 2025, over 2,000 students tried to sign up for a workshop with only 340 places available (tickets were snapped up in under a minute!). This huge interest shows how beneficial these opportunities are. We’re continuously expanding capacity and even offer guaranteed spots to some students via related courses to meet the demand, so that keen Year 10s and other school students don’t miss out.
By trying The Medic Life’s work experience, you’ll get a taste of medical life in a way that’s safe, structured, and incredibly inspiring. You could be in Year 12 hearing a surgeon describe saving lives, or watching a simulated patient “flatline” and learning how doctors think on their feet – all within a single day. Many students say these workshops solidify their decision to pursue medicine and give them talking points for future interviews. Plus, you’ll start building a network of like-minded friends and mentors through our community.
Ready to get involved? Keep an eye on our Free Events page for upcoming workshop dates (both in-person and online). Tickets are released shortly before each event and are first-come, first-served – so be proactive and register early. The Medic Life team can’t wait to welcome you and show you what “living The Medic Life” is all about!
Making the Most of Your Medicine Work Experience in Year 12
Securing a work experience placement or volunteering spot is only step one – what you do during and after the experience is equally important. Whether you spend a day shadowing a doctor or months volunteering, you’ll get the greatest benefit (and best material for your personal statement/interview) if you actively engage and reflect. Here are some tips to help you maximize your learning and leave a good impression:
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Be Professional and Punctual: Treat your work experience like a real job. Arrive on time (or early) each day and dress appropriately – usually smart casual or as instructed (when in doubt, dressing as you would for a job interview is a safe bet). Healthcare settings often have rules like “bare below the elbows” (no long sleeves or jewelry in clinical areas) – follow any dress codes given. Always wear any visitor ID or badge provided. Showing reliability and respect for the opportunity will not only please your supervisors, but also help you slip into the role more confidently. And of course, be polite and friendly to everyone you meet – from receptionists to nurses to patients. First impressions matter, and you want to come across as mature and courteous.
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Follow Confidentiality and Etiquette Rules: Patient confidentiality is paramount in healthcare. You must never share patient details outside the placement – this includes not discussing cases on social media, with friends, or anywhere identifiable. In fact, you may be asked to sign a confidentiality agreement at the start. Take it seriously. Also, if during your placement you realize you know a patient (perhaps a family friend comes to the clinic), it would be inappropriate for you to be present in their consultation – inform your supervisor and excuse yourself in such cases. Always knock before entering rooms, introduce yourself as a student on work experience, and thank patients who allow you to observe (it can feel intrusive for them, so their consent is a privilege). If a patient prefers not to have a student present, don’t take it personally – respect their wishes and use that time to maybe talk with staff or review what you’ve learned. Maintaining a professional demeanor (no taking photos, silencing your phone, etc.) will show you understand the seriousness of the clinical environment.
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Show Enthusiasm and Curiosity: Your attitude can make a huge difference. Actively engage with the experience – that means asking thoughtful questions when appropriate, expressing interest in what’s going on, and being eager to learn. Doctors and nurses will likely be happy to explain things to you if you ask politely (when they are not in the middle of something critical). For example, if you’re observing a ward round, you might later ask, “Dr. X, I noticed you had to break some bad news to a patient today – that must be challenging; how do you approach that?” or “I was curious about the patient with condition Y, what are the typical treatment options for that?” Showing that you are paying attention and interested will make you stand out. Conversely, avoid just standing in the corner looking bored or playing on your phone – even if there are slow moments, stay alert. Remember that enthusiasm is often noted by supervisors. Many consultants report that some students never ask a single question – don’t be that student! That said, always be respectful of timing – save questions for when the staff have a moment, not in the middle of a consultation or emergency. A good trick is to carry a small notepad: jot down questions that arise, and ask them later when appropriate. It also shows your proactive mindset.
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Observe Actively and Take Notes: There is a ton you can learn just by watching carefully. Pay attention not only to medical facts, but also to how healthcare professionals interact – with patients, with each other, within a team. Notice the communication styles, the teamwork between doctors and nurses, how they manage their time and stress. Observe the patient perspective too: How do patients react to news? What concerns do they voice? This can build your empathy. Whenever you encounter something new (a term, an abbreviation, a procedure you don’t understand), quietly note it down. Later, you can research it or ask someone. Keep a reflective journal during your placement. Each day after you finish, spend a few minutes writing down what you saw and how it made you feel or what you learned. For instance, “Today I observed an orthopedic surgery – I was struck by how many people were in the operating theatre and how crucial teamwork was. I learned about the concept of informed consent when I saw the surgeon get consent from the patient beforehand.” Recording these details will solidify your learning and provide great material for your personal statement and interview. (Admissions tutors love to ask, “What’s the most interesting thing you saw in your work experience?” or “What did you learn about the role of a doctor from your work experience?” – if you have specific anecdotes and reflections, you’ll shine in your answers.) If your placement provider offers a reflective diary template or logbook (some programs do), use it. And even if not, your self-made notes will be invaluable later.
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Embrace All Aspects of the Experience: Sometimes students focus only on the doctors, but a hospital or clinic is a multi-disciplinary environment. Try to talk to a range of staff if possible – nurses, healthcare assistants, physiotherapists, receptionists – everyone plays a role in patient care, and you can gain different perspectives. If you’re shadowing a doctor and there’s downtime, you might ask, “Can I spend an hour with the nurses to see the ward from their perspective?” – many doctors will actually encourage this, as it gives you a fuller picture. Understanding how the whole team works will impress interviewers (you might say, “I realized how crucial nurses are in monitoring patients continuously, and how doctors rely on their input – it taught me that medicine is very much a team effort”). Also, take initiative in small ways: if you’re volunteering, offer help when you can (“Can I assist in wheeling this patient to the x-ray room?” or “I can help restock those supplies if you’d like”). You might be limited in what you’re allowed to do, but showing eagerness to help, rather than standing idle, makes a great impression. Of course, only do tasks that are permitted – you should not, for example, handle any medication or confidential paperwork. But even fetching a cup of water for a patient (with permission) or helping a nurse change a bed (if they invite you to) demonstrates a proactive attitude.
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Reflect and Ask for Feedback: Towards the end of your placement or volunteer stint, see if you can have a short debrief with your supervisor or a friendly staff member. You could ask them for any feedback or advice for someone pursuing medicine. This not only could give you valuable guidance, but also helps you practice receiving feedback – an important skill for medical training. Some hospitals give students an exit questionnaire or a certificate of completion – keep those for your records. After you finish, reflect on the whole experience: Did it strengthen your desire to do medicine? What was the hardest part to witness? What qualities did you observe in good doctors that you want to emulate? Perhaps you saw a doctor show great patience with a difficult patient, reinforcing to you the value of empathy. Or maybe you found some situations emotionally challenging, but it confirmed your resilience. These reflections are the heart of why you do work experience – so you can discuss them later as evidence of your insight. Admissions tutors often say: it’s not enough to say “I shadowed Dr. X in cardiology.” They want to hear what you learned. For example: “Shadowing Dr. X taught me how important communication is – I observed him breaking bad news to a family and admired the compassion and clarity he showed, which is a quality I aspire to develop.” If you can articulate such points, you’ve truly made the most of the experience.
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Maintain Connections (Optional): If you built a good rapport with someone during work experience (say, a doctor or volunteer coordinator), it’s okay to politely keep in touch – perhaps to send a thank-you email or ask if they’d be willing to be a reference in the future. Some students even later ask a doctor they shadowed for a reference letter to include in their medical school application (though not all schools require references beyond teachers). Regardless, a short thank-you note to the department or individuals who hosted you is always appreciated and reflects well on you. You never know – if you apply to the local medical school, you might meet some of those same people at interviews or on the course, and they may remember your professionalism.
By following these tips, you will not only gain more from the experience personally, but you’ll also have plenty to talk about in applications. Work experience is your chance to test your career choice and start “thinking like a doctor” – observing ethical dilemmas, communication challenges, teamwork, and the responsibilities of medical professionals. Medical schools will often discuss your work experiences at interview to gauge what you learned. If you can convey enthusiasm, insight, and reflection – for example, explaining how volunteering at a hospice taught you about the importance of listening and simply being present for patients in distress – you’ll show them you have the makings of a thoughtful future medical student.
Lastly, remember that every doctor was once in your shoes, nervously stepping into a hospital for the first time. They know it’s daunting and that you won’t understand everything you see. The goal of Year 12 work experience isn’t to turn you into an expert, but to give you exposure and inspiration. So relax, be yourself, soak up knowledge, and confirm that this is a career you’ll love and excel in. Good luck!
About The Medic Life Free Medicine Work Experience Workshop for Year 12's
Following on from the success of The Medic Life Work Experience Workshops over the last 6 years, and especially due to the HUGE demand this year. We are very excited to announce the FREE Medical Life Work Experience Workshop on 22nd February 2026.
This will be a day packed full of talks from Doctors across various specialties, explaining what their roles consist of. You’ll gain an understanding of the variety of experiences they go through, along with the pros and cons of working in the medical field. We will also guide you on how to reflect on your medical work experience and use it effectively in your personal statements and interviews.
Last year, over 2000 students wanted to attend The Medical Life Work Experience Workshop on 27th April at King's College London, but with only 340 spaces available in the lecture theatre, free tickets were given out on a first come, first serve basis — and sold out within 60 seconds!
HOW DO I SECURE MY SPOT?
To support your application to Medical and Dental School, we’re offering GUARANTEED spaces to anyone who books onto our 2-day LIVE Online UCAT course this summer. Priority will be given to iIf any tickets remain, they’ll be released 1 week before the event. Please register NOW to join the ticket release list.
FAQs - Medicine Work Experience Year 12
Does the NHS offer work experience for Year 12 students?
Yes, many NHS Trusts do have work experience programmes for Year 12 (age 16–17) students. There isn’t one centralized NHS scheme; instead, each hospital trust or healthcare organization manages its own placements. Typically, hospitals accept applications from students aged 16 and over for clinical shadowing (with some departments requiring students to be 18 if the environment is very sensitive). These placements are usually short-term (a few days up to a week) and observational only. To find them, check the “Careers” or “Work Experience” section of your local hospital’s website or contact their education/training department. Keep in mind that spots are limited and often prioritized for local students or those who meet certain criteria (for example, some trusts run programs specifically for students from under-represented backgrounds in medicine). Besides hospitals, some NHS ambulance services and community trusts offer insights or ride-along programs for older students, and some GP practices (which are part of NHS primary care) will host Year 12 observers as well. The key is to proactively reach out. The NHS is very supportive of encouraging future healthcare workers, but you have to find the right avenues. Programs like Step Into The NHS provide general guidance on finding work experience and even suggest contacting local NHS organizations directly. So in summary: yes, the NHS does facilitate Year 12 work experience, but you need to apply locally and early. Many Year 12s each year do successful placements in NHS hospitals, GP clinics, or other settings – it’s a well-trodden path. Just be prepared that it’s competitive, so leverage all the tips in this guide to secure your spot.
How can I find medical work experience near me?
To find opportunities close to home, you should use a combination of local research and networking. First, start with your area’s healthcare facilities: make a list of all hospitals (NHS or private), clinics, GP practices, care homes, hospices, etc. in your region. Visit their websites or call/email to ask if they offer work experience to Year 12 students. Many hospitals have a dedicated page listing how to apply (and the timing) for placements. For example, one trust might open applications in January for placements in April, while another handles requests on a rolling basis – so find out the process for each place.
Don’t forget smaller facilities like community hospitals or rehabilitation centers – some may be more accessible than big flagship hospitals. Second, talk to people: your school’s career advisor or teachers may know of local schemes (some schools have partnerships with hospitals for student placements). If you know any doctors, nurses, or allied health professionals personally, ask their advice – even if their workplace doesn’t take students, they might connect you with someone who does. Third, utilize online platforms and forums: websites like The Medic Life, or medical admission blogs often share leads or databases of opportunities. The Medical Schools Council also suggests volunteering in your local community – e.g. care homes or charities – as a way to gain experience nearby if clinical posts are scarce. So “near me” might not always mean a hospital; it could be a Red Cross center down the road or a pharmacy on your high street. Additionally, check if your town has any medical school outreach programs (if you live near a university). For instance, some universities run summer schools for local Year 12s which include hospital visits. Keep an eye on “careers fairs” or “medicine insight days” in your county – sometimes local healthcare staff run workshops for students. In short, finding work experience near you involves researching local healthcare providers, leveraging school resources, and asking around. Start early, be willing to send out many enquiries, and something will hopefully click. Even if the perfect hospital placement isn’t available, remember that any people-focused experience in your area (like volunteering at a local care home) is valuable. You can gain a lot close to home while you keep pursuing clinical shadowing opportunities.
Are there online medicine work experience opportunities for Year 12 students?
Yes, there are several online work experience options for aspiring medical students, which have become popular and highly respected. Two of the most prominent are Observe GP (by the Royal College of General Practitioners) and the BSMS Virtual Work Experience (by Brighton and Sussex Medical School). Observe GP is a free interactive video platform that allows you to virtually shadow a GP and primary care team – it’s open to UK students aged 16+ and is considered an approved form of experience by medical schools. Similarly, the BSMS Virtual Work Experience is an online course introducing you to different medical specialties through videos and quizzes, culminating in a certificate and reflection on what you learned.
These online programs can be done from home at your own pace. Aside from these, you might find recorded hospital webinars, YouTube medical scenarios, or virtual tours (for example, some websites offer 360° virtual hospital tours). While these are not interactive in the same way, they can still give insight. Universities and organizations occasionally host live virtual work experience days – for instance, during COVID-19, many NHS trusts did live-streamed events for students. Keep an eye on the Medical Schools Council and NHS careers websites for any new virtual offerings. It’s also wise to read healthcare news and watch documentaries (like BBC’s “Hospital” or “24 Hours in A&E”) – though not officially work experience, they broaden your understanding of medical environments (just be sure to critically reflect on them, as TV can dramatize situations). Remember, when you do online work experiences, treat them seriously: find a quiet time to engage fully, take notes, and do the reflective exercises provided (both Observe GP and BSMS, for example, encourage keeping a diary of your thoughts). Medical schools will accept virtual experience as part of your portfolio of experiences, especially if in-person was hard to get – just make sure you can discuss what you learned from it (e.g. “Through an online GP simulation, I gained insight into how GPs manage multiple patients’ needs in a short appointment and the importance of clear communication, even via a screen”). In summary, online opportunities are abundant and absolutely worth doing. They demonstrate your initiative and can teach you a great deal about medicine in the UK healthcare system. Just balance them with some real-world experience if you can, to show you have also interacted with people face-to-face. Together, virtual and in-person experiences will give you a well-rounded preparation for your medical journey.