Young people from Hammersmith & Fulham have explored the inner workings of medicine beyond textbooks and classrooms.
Hammersmith Academy students recently experienced science and innovation in healthcare careers firsthand during an interactive open day at Hammersmith Hospital.
It's one of the ways in which we help local young people access careers in the hottest industries of the 21st century as part of our H&F Upstream Pathway Bond initiative.
"I learned how one person doing work will lead to someone else building off of that work, which leads to the development of new treatments and drugs that get sold to us in pharmacies," said student, Sonny Enkhbat.
Everyone is important in a hospital, there are no useless jobs."
Run in partnership with Imperial College NHS Trust and National Institute for Health Research, the event offered students a glimpse into hospital routines including laboratory work, CPR training and medical imaging technology such as X-ray, CT and MRI scans.
Fellow student Fatima Hussein, who aspires to work in radiography, reflected on the visit: "I used to imagine what an MRI scan looks like but I can see it clearly now since going on the trip."
They were joined by students from Burlington Danes Academy and William Morris Sixth Form.
Building pathways to future careers
Many discovered career paths into healthcare and medical research they hadn't previously considered.
Student Sara Ali gained clarity about "the role of a doctor vs a nurse".
Ronnie Hendra, Science teacher at Hammersmith Academy, emphasised the unique value of the experience: "Having the opportunity to speak to professionals and ask them about their pathways into their roles was a highlight."
Our pioneering Upstream London industrial strategy brings together businesses and educators to offer young people clear paths into careers in fast-growing Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Medicine, and Media (STEM³) industries.
This approach offers work experience schemes, apprenticeships, mentoring programmes, and inclusive entry-level training by connecting bright local minds with inspiring STEM³ organisations. It's all part of our work to deliver economic growth and share the prosperity of our booming borough with everyone.
"We want H&F to be a true innovation campus borough – a place where ideas upstream of current thinking become a reality," said Cllr Stephen Cowan, Leader of Hammersmith & Fulham.
