A GAP year student proved to be just what the doctor ordered after enrolling at his local college to improve his bedside manner.
Darlington College student Hans Kukreja excelled in his studies and on his placement and has now secured a coveted place to read medicine at Imperial College, London.
The 19-year-old, of Darlington, applied for medicine last year but was unsuccessful despite gaining grade As in maths and chemistry, an A* in biology and the highest award of D3 in physics.
He decided to take a gap year but instead of working or travelling abroad he enrolled on the CACHE level 3 diploma in health and social care course at Darlington College and found a placement on the dementia ward of a local care home.
“I wanted to experience life from a patient’s point of view to increase the levels of empathy I will have in a future career of medicine,” he said.
“Some doctors fall down on their bedside manners not realising sufficiently they are there to serve the public.
“I am not sure which aspect of medicine I will specialise, perhaps neurology, in but I want to make sure I make as much impact in the field and the community as possible.”
Tutor Jaime Leanne Ross said: “Hans wanted to experience patient centred care which many clinicians miss out on.
“He makes me feel so proud. He always works over and above what is expected from him and the staff at the care home love him and hold him in such high regard. This course is about care and putting other people first. It can’t fail to stand Hans in good stead for a successful career in medicine.”
For more information on opportunities at Darlington College visit www.darlington.ac.uk.
