OSFC students take part in In2MedSchool London Hackathon!

As part of OSFC’s prize-winning support for aspiring medics, 15 Year 12 students have worked with the organisation In2MedSchool to find out more about medicine. 5 of these students recently participated in In2MedSchool’s annual ‘Hackathon’ at King’s College, London. This is a distinguished event at which Year 12s present their own hypothesised lifestyle medical interventions in front of like-minded students from all over the UK, as well as, more dauntingly, a panel of esteemed doctors. 

The OSFC team, the ‘Medic Merchants’, delivered a talk on the alarming prevalence of Type-2 Diabetes in their local community. More specifically, the narrow ethnic demographic that it tends to affect the most. They discussed the impact of differing socio-economic backgrounds on a person's likelihood to contract Type-2 Diabetes, including anecdotes, research, and their own convictions. 

The group displayed its dedication by leaving Manchester at 2.30am, by coach, to attend the Hackathon. They were determined to travel to King’s College, as it gave them the opportunity to experience a university setting to which they may be applying in Year 13. Despite the long journey, and the inevitable nerves, the presentation was a testament to the team’s collaborative spirit, as they supported and encouraged each other throughout, while the positive interaction with other teams proved a rewarding experience. 

Once the presentations were over, the students got fully engaged in many different workshops. From surgical knot tying, to roleplaying and taking one another's medical histories. The students felt this was an extraordinary experience and offered them a great insight into what a future in medicine could present!

Overall, the OSFC students had an amazing time in London.

We've all benefited immensely. It broadened our horizons, exposing us to a multitude of new ideas and skills, and fostered strong, interdependent relationships. The event was fantastic!