Applications for the Medical Specialist Group’s (MSG) bursary scheme are now open, supporting the island’s next generation of doctors to pursue a career in medicine.
The scheme will give one student a £2,000 annual bursary for up to five years while they are at medical school. The recipient will also be offered any temporary roles the MSG has available during university holidays, providing the chance to get hands-on experience working in secondary healthcare, and to work with senior specialists at the MSG.
The last recipient back in 2015 was Anna Ogier (pictured) who is now a qualified foundation year two (F2) doctor working at Kingston Hospital in Surrey, currently on a general medicine and acute medicine rotation.
“I really valued the support I received from the MSG throughout my degree’, said Anna. ‘Economically it was invaluable. Having financial aid took the pressure off during term time and allowed me to focus my attention on my studies and immerse myself in university life.
“It also helped me link up with the MSG and build my network with local professionals. This ultimately led me to get involved in summer work with the Group, working on projects alongside some amazing consultants.”
Chair of the MSG, Steve Evans, said: “I highly encourage any prospective medical to apply. Aside from the support it offers while at university, our bursary is a fantastic way to build on your studies, apply that knowledge, experience a range of clinical areas and learn through osmosis, working alongside the amazingly talented professionals we have here in Guernsey.
“We’re invested in futureproofing our island’s medical services and feel the scheme is a great way to support and keep in touch with the next generation of consultants, so we can continue to provide clinical excellence for our patients for years to come.”
To apply, students should submit a 1,000-word essay outlining their career aspirations and how they would use the money from the bursary. The applications will be reviewed by a panel of MSG professionals, who will draw up a shortlist and conduct interviews before selecting a winner. The deadline to submit applications is 31 July, with interviews taking place in early August.
The scheme is open to any Guernsey Bailiwick student who is not a dependant of a current MSG consultant and who has applied to start at a UK medical school from the 2023 autumn term.
Applications should be sent to nathan.collenette@msg.gg.
