Year 12 and 10 pupils were fortunate to hear from Dr Samir Guglani who is an NHS Oncologist, Author and Director of Medicine Unboxed. Speakers for Schools is a charity that has a pool of well-established professionals who offer their valuable time to give back to the community.
Dr Sam is a registered speaker for the charity offering his services. Dr Sam also dips in a bit of poetry and is also a novelist. He is a consultant clinical oncologist practising in the Cheltenham area of the Midlands, where he specialises in the management of lung and brain tumours. He has a background in medical ethics and chairs the Gloucestershire Hospitals Trust law and ethics group. He is the Director of Medicine Unboxed, a project that engages health professionals and the public in conversation around medicine, illuminated by the arts.
Dr Sam spoke to our pupils about his experience being in the field and did a very interesting and informative Q&A. Not only was this an insightful assembly, but it was also an opportunity for our young people to hear from a professional in a career field that they are considering for themselves, which in turn will allow them to make a well-rounded and informed decision.
We have received positive comments from staff and pupils alike, “Dr Sam was very able to gauge pupils’ attention and made the assembly very interactive. It was excellent that he made loads of links to our values, which I enjoyed a lot. A top speaker!”, (Ark St Alban's Academy Teacher). “Dr Sam was very fun, and I enjoyed participating in the assembly, it was good to hear the thoughts of my peers too. He truly has inspired me into medicine or a healthcare-related career, I no longer feel the need to consider any other pathways” (Ark St Alban's Academy Pupil). Those statements and many others were warming to hear as they showed that the assembly was meaningful and impactful.
We are truly grateful for Dr Sam and Speakers for Schools contribution to our school community and the enhancement of our careers programme.
More information about Speakers for Schools: https://www.speakersforschools.org/
More information about Dr Samir Guglani: https://www.speakersforschools.org/speakers/dr-samir-guglani/ and https://www.speakersforschools.org/inspiration-inspiration/nhs-75-medicine-unboxed-with-samir-guglani-nhs-oncologist-author-and-director-of-medicine-unboxed/
As part of Character and exploring the big question 'Where am I going next?' pupils are allowed to meaningfully engage with employers and apprenticeship providers so they can make well-informed decisions about their futures.
For more information and guidance about careers education at Ark St Alban's, you can email careers@arkstalbans.org