The second visit was the final year retakes . This was a different kettle of fish as they only had a short time with a Doctor and me to decide their future .
We then came to Covid and used video conferencing . It was different seeing two , sometimes three students at a time . Some of them were initially scared stiff ; this was first year students probably the first time they had spoken to a patient . But I have to say that within a short time most of them came out of their shells and showed that they were charming and very interested .
As for myself the program has given me an insight of the training of future Doctors . My attitude is that students have to learn somehow and talking to people like myself who have medical problems is the best way to learn . As we finished all the sessions , I always wished them well in the world of medicine , and hoped that someday some of them would help to alleviate or cure some painful condition , especially mine .
Jim Hendry Patients as Educators member
Keele