TYNEDALE’S doctors of the future took their first steps into medicine with a special masterclass.

Sixth-form students from Hexham’s Queen Elizabeth High School took notes from some of the county’s top medical professionals at the event.

They formed part of a group of more than 50 pupils from across the region keen to learn more about starting a career in medicine.

Consultants from a range of specialities, including general surgery and orthopaedics at Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust gave local teenagers an insight into life as a medical professional in the NHS.

Students from 20 schools including Queen Elizabeth High School, Cramlington Learning Village, Astley Community High School in Seaton Delaval, Burnside Community College in Wallsend and Royal Grammar School in Newcastle attended the masterclass.

They joined the clinicians in a range of demonstrations from how to perform CPR and investigative surgery to understanding different radiology examinations.

Dr Colin Doig, medical director and consultant cardiologist at Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust said: “As one of the region’s biggest NHS employers we are passionate about working with young people and reaching out to the medics of the future.

“We are always thrilled to allow students the opportunity to explore a career in medicine and have the opportunity to talk with our top consultants about the various areas of specialist NHS care.”

Northumbria Healthcare has organised two more events for April.

An allied health professionals masterclass will take place April 6 focusing on careers such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy.

And on April 28, there will be a nursing masterclass.

Dr Chris Tiplady, director of medical education and consultant haematologist at Northumbria Healthcare said: “I was very impressed by the students’ enthusiasm about the NHS and confident that with the right commitment and desire, many could go on to build successful medical careers in the NHS.

“I hope to see them back in a few years as students and doctors in our hospitals.”

For more information contact (0191) 203 1415.