MORE than 60 school pupils attended an event to inspire the next generation of medical professionals.

New College Durham hosted the Durham and Sunderland Medical Day for Year 10 and 11 pupils.

Eight County Durham secondary schools took part, including Durham Johnston, Durham Community Business College, King James I Academy, Fyndoune Community College, Woodham Academy, Durham School, Teesdale School, and Farringdon Community Academy.

During the half-day event, undergraduate medical students from Newcastle University staged a series of interactive activities aimed to raise aspirations and encourage young people to consider a career in medicine.

Pupils took part in patient role plays and discussions, medical ethics scenarios and CPR techniques.

Marilyn Keaveney, from New College Durham, said: “The pupils, who were handpicked by the schools, were able to experience life as a doctor and will be able to make a more informed career choice in the future.”

Fiona Gowland, chemistry teacher at Durham School, said: “It was a great afternoon, giving students an insight into medical ethics.

“It really got them thinking about the less practical side of medicine.”

To find out more about the further and higher education courses at New College Durham, visit newcollegedurham.ac.uk or the college’s open event on Tuesday, January 10 at 5pm.