Recognising Potential

Recognising Potential is the University of Derby's programme for young people who are interested in medicine and healthcare careers.

Our aim is simple: to raise aspirations, develop potential and help make medicine more accessible to young people from Derby, Derbyshire and beyond, particularly those from backgrounds that are currently underrepresented in medicine.

The programme provides practical, hands-on experiences alongside information, advice and support at key stages of the journey towards medical school. Activities are delivered by University staff, healthcare professionals, students and our partner organisations.

There are three ways to take part:

1. Recognising Potential: Pathway to Medicine

Our year-long Pathway to Medicine is designed for students who are in Year 12 when the programme begins in January, continuing with them into Year 13 and finishing in December.

Students join a cohort of aspiring doctors and take part in a structured programme of activities throughout the year. These include simulated work experience, understanding medical careers, UCAT and application support, consultation and communication skills, interview preparation and opportunities to learn from healthcare professionals and students.

Time is built into each event for students to meet others with similar aspirations, reflect on their experiences and build confidence as they progress towards applying to medical school.

The Pathway particularly aims to support students from widening participation backgrounds and those who may have had fewer opportunities to access medical careers support.

2. Recognising Potential: Summer School

Our Summer School at Treetops Hospice gives Year 11 and Year 12 students the opportunity to explore medicine and healthcare in a supportive and inspiring environment.

Through interactive workshops, practical activities and conversations with healthcare professionals, students explore areas such as communication and consultation skills, the patient experience, different healthcare professions and the importance of compassionate, person-centred care.

The Summer School also gives students the chance to meet other young people interested in healthcare and to find out more about the different routes into medicine and related careers.

3. Recognising Potential: Events

You don't need to join the year-long Pathway to benefit from Recognising Potential. Throughout the year, we offer a range of standalone events for aspiring medical and healthcare students.

Simulated Work Experience - experience realistic healthcare scenarios and explore how different professionals work together to care for patients
Healthcare Insights Days - discover the breadth of careers across healthcare through practical activities, workshops and conversations with students and professionals
Medicine Interview Preparation Days - develop confidence for medical school interviews, including opportunities to understand and practise Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs)
Strategic Applications to Medicine Webinars - learn more about choosing medical schools, understanding entry requirements and making informed decisions about where and how to apply.

New opportunities are added throughout the year.

Who is Recognising Potential for?

Recognising Potential is primarily aimed at young people in Years 11-13 who are considering medicine or healthcare as a future career. Some opportunities have specific eligibility criteria or prioritise students from groups that are underrepresented in medicine; details are provided for each programme or event.

Whether you already know that you want to study medicine or are simply beginning to explore whether a healthcare career might be right for you, Recognising Potential is designed to help you explore your options, develop your skills and recognise your potential.