SAMDA Schools Programme – Widening Access Into Medicine and Dentistry

On Thursday 22nd June, our year 12 students were involved in a workshop run by SAMDA to learn how aspiring medical and dental students can make a strong and informed applications.

SAMDA is student-run society based at Barts and The London, Queen Mary’s School of Medicine and Dentistry. Their society is dedicated to supporting sixth form students in local state schools as they take their first steps towards a career in medicine or dentistry. They help highly motivated students who have the academic potential to achieve the grades for medical and dental school.

Their aim is to widen participation in medicine and dentistry by providing continuous support through events that give sixth form students an insight into what it is like to study the degree at university. They also provide prospective students with guidance on writing the perfect personal statement as well as preparation for their interviews. Their Medicine/Dentistry taster days are opportunities for sixth form students to get a feel of what these careers entail. They also guide students on preparing for their UCAT and/or BMAT.

Stepney All Saints is currently part of the SAMDA Mentorship Scheme. This is a mentorship scheme where a team of current medical and dental students at Barts and The London (BL) are allocated to our school and provide tailored support to prospective medical and dental applicants in year 12 and 13. The aim is to support students through every stage of UCAS applications from personal statements to entrance exams and interviews.