The Medical Intern Programme is a successful collaboration between Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, the University of Manchester and Mansoura University in the city of Mansoura in Egypt, who are a partner institution of The University of Manchester.
The programme, which was introduced to Lancashire Teaching Hospitals in 2019, gives the students an opportunity to achieve a Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Medicine. The role of the Trust is to offer practical experience to the University of Manchester students. This includes four six-month placements, weekly tutorials and pastoral support.
The first cohort of nine doctors, who were all registered with the General Medical Council (GMC), commenced in August 2020 and their final presentation was completed at the Health Academy on Thursday 30 June 2022. The second cohort of nine doctors joined the Trust in August 2021, and the third cohort of doctors are due to be placed between Lancashire Teaching Hospitals and Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust later this summer.
Professor Joanne Hart, PG Dip Clinical Practice Programme Director, University of Manchester, said:
“Through their PG Diploma in Clinical Practice at the University of Manchester, they have developed their skills in academic writing, presentations, critical appraisal and broader perspectives on health care systems and clinical practice. I really enjoy working with our MIP colleagues and we are looking forward to hearing their presentations; and coming together as a larger group for the first time.”
Professor Mark Pugh, Medical Intern Programme Director, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals Trust, added to this by saying:
“It has been a privilege to witness the development of the MIP doctors as able and effective clinicians within the NHS over the last 2 years. I am looking forward to seeing the whole MIP family together, to listen to their presentations and collectively celebrate their progression to date.”
We caught up with one of the medical interns, Mohammad Hamdy, at the presentation evening and heard his thoughts on Lancashire Teaching Hospitals and the intern programme:
“I have liked Preston since I came… it has this ambience of a quiet rural area without being a remote area. You have all the amenities and everything you need is close by, but also it gives you that vibe which I like. Today has been great. I have been looking forward to it for a while now just to progress from this programme… to go and just start the next step…
I came to the UK almost two years ago… I am taken aback by the NHS… it is one of the most multicultural organisations to ever exist. I have met people from all around the world. I have shared experiences with people from all around the world. I have learnt a lot about Britain and about other parts of the of the world. It has been quite the experience for me here. “
The Medical Intern Programme has so far proved to be a successful initiative, with 7 out of 9 doctors choosing to remain and train in the NHS locally. We thank our fantastic staff, partners, and students for all their hard work.
