Young Civitas for Medics is an independent society supported by the social policy think tank, Civitas, that aims to engage medical students in debates about the future of health care and develop critical thinking skills.
Through a series of interactive discussion forums planned for 2009/10 on vital topics such as the structure of the NHS, clinical leadership, clincial decision-making, comparative health politics and the evolution of health policy, Young Civitas for Medics aims to encourage open and impartial debate among students about healthcare policy and the practice of medicine in the UK.
We are a new organisation formed in May 2009, led by medical students for medical students.
Young Civitas for Medics was founded by a group of medical students after a wide range of people including clinicians, health service managers and fellow students expressed concern that we graduate as medics, but are surprisingly ignorant about the system we will soon be working in. This is a concern, because this lack of knowledge will limit our ability to participate in crucial health policy debates that will affect how we practice medicine, to become effective leaders in our field and to engage in quality improvement programmes.
As Bruce Keogh, medical director of the NHS, said recently:
"Juniors are the best agents for change in our devolved NHS. Here's the deal. You do it and I'll promise to implement it. It's our opportunity to start something."
Medical students, although relatively inexperienced, should not be passive observers; we have great potential to offer innovative solutions and think outside the box. To do so, however, we need knowledge of how the system works knowledge that is not covered by standard medical curricula.
Young Civitas for Medics is an attempt to fill this gap as Nikki Chow, one of the student members of our steering group, explains here.
Discussion forums will start in November, and in total five events will be held at regular intervals throughout the year. They will be led by expert speakers in the field of each topic covered, with the emphasis and majority of time given to questions and discussion. Events will be chaired by our President, Professor Parveen Kumar.
The events will be held in a central London location on a weekday during the evening, and run for two hours, from 6-8pm. You will be provided basic information on the discussion topic prior to the event, which you will need to familiarise yourself with in order to keep the discussion informed and relevant.
Drinks and canapis will be served.
For the most up-to-date information about our forum series, see our events page.
NB. We have plans to hold events outside London in the future.
By the end of the year, you will be better equipped to begin your career in medicine, with a knowledge of the NHS, how it works and why we practice medicine the way that we do.
According to how many events you attend, you will receive a certificate of attendance, signed by the directors of Young Civitas for Medics and our affiliates, which can be added to your achievement portfolio.
You will also have the opportunity to meet like-minded students and leading figures in medicine and health care at the discussion forums; and nominate yourself to join the steering committee.
back to top
|
