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The pilot of the Outer Metropolitan Program in three high schools last year proved a resounding success, with one-third of interested students being offered places to study medicine this year.

It has proved so popular that it will be rolled out to 10 outer suburban high schools this year. And to improve the program, the concept of mentors for the students is being canvassed.

Of the 65 students from Years 10, 11 and 12 who participated in the pilot program last year, 13 sat the UMAT (Undergraduate Medicine and Health Sciences Admission Test), nine were interviewed and four were successful in gaining a place in medicine. Three students will start this year and one has deferred.

The pilot program involved three schools, one each from the government, independent and Catholic sectors, which identified upper secondary students keen to study medicine or dentistry and considered likely to achieve the requisite TER.

The students attended workshops, visited the University campus and spoke to University role models. The three high schools involved were Kingsway Christian College, Kolbe Catholic College and Swan View Senior High School. This year the extra seven that will participate are Gilmore College, Girrawheen Senior High School, John Septimus Roe Anglican Community School, John Wollaston Anglican Community School, La Salle College, Lumen Christi College and Mirrabooka Senior High School.

Sue Pougnault, the Faculty’s Student Support Co-ordinator, said this year she would like to introduce the concept of mentors who would be doctors and dentists happy to give up an hour of their time to speak to the students.

“They would talk to the students about why they went into medicine or dentistry and the challenges they faced and the problems that are out there now,” she said.

“Many of the students have had not a lot of contact in a non-professional way with doctors and dentists.”

Ms Pougnault has also planned a day’s workshop in September when she will bring together all the year 12 students from the 10 high schools to help them with goal-setting and personal development.

“I am really excited about where this program is going,” she said.

Any qualified doctors or dentists prepared to act as mentors can contact Sue Pougnault on 9346 7323.