Learning Partnerships Program

Young Doctors

by Fiona Martin

The Doctors' Program, in partnership with The University of Melbourne and The Royal Children’s Hospital, as well as being taught this term as part of our electives, was a wonderful involvement for all parties.

The program is in its eighth year at Preshil. It is a powerful and enriching experience which provides dynamic learning for both medical students and Years 9 & 10 Drama students alike.

Each student was given a character profile (generated from statistical research and made up of components of a ‘typical’ teenager) to learn, embody and become familiar with; this was only a starting point from which students could imbue personality and flesh out their particular role.

Medical students cite the Doctors' partnership program as being one of the most enjoyable and informative curriculum experiences they have during their studies. Post workshop interviews cite students as feeling empowered and informed by their experience and more ready to tackle sustained performance work and apply critical thinking to issues and concepts.

I was very proud of the students who took part in this program. During the final workshop held at Preshil on Tuesday 14 March they were enthusiastic, polite and well versed. Feedback from the medical students and my co-facilitator Dr Anthea Rhodes was extremely positive.

As one of the students commented, "I learn't how to stay in character for a longer period of time." It is no mean feat to sustain character, coach and contribute to an intensive such as this and the students deserve to be acknowledged for their commitment.

The program was both challenging and rewarding for our students and one summarised it perfectly: "The exercise we did with the doctors was good. We had fun and the doctors were mostly great and cooperative. It was a good bonding exercise. It was good to learn how a complicated doctor/patient relationship works. I think I helped the doctors with my feedback."