A new course that aims to give promising pupils from disadvantaged and rural areas a spoonful of help into medicine has accepted its inaugural batch of students.
The new Gateway2Medicine scheme, a joint initiative by Aberdeen University and North East Scotland College (NESCOL), aims to encourage youngsters who might not consider a career in medicine to get into the field.
The first 20 students will begin the course this autumn.
The programme will offer the prospective medical academics the chance to gain the experience and qualifications required to study medicine at university.
Professor Steve Heys, head of Aberdeen University’s School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for young people who had never thought about pursing a career in medicine.
“We believe widening participation in medicine is key, both to address inequality for those from social and geographically disadvantaged situations, and to create a diverse environment that benefits all our students and medical practices in Scotland.
“Our nationally acclaimed research in this area shows that highly-achieving school pupils at schools in deprived areas are less likely than those from other school backgrounds to consider medicine as an option.
“When they do, the practical support available is often limited, or even discourages medicine as a career.
“We have a long track record of building initiatives that encourage disadvantaged students to study and to work in remote and rural areas, and this latest initiative will enhance this even further.”
Those wishing to apply for the course can do so through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).