Over 250 junior doctors are being welcomed onto wards across Greater Glasgow and Clyde as they take the next step in their medical career.

Before starting their rotations across hospital departments, the newly qualified doctors are currently taking part in detailed online inductions, simulation, and immediate life support training.

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Glasgow Times:

Dr Harry Earnshaw, 24, from Killinchy in Northern Ireland, completed his training in Dundee and says he was inspired by the dedication of medical staff during the pandemic.

He said: “I’ve been amazed by the ability of the NHS to rise and meet the COVID-19 pandemic head on.

“It has inspired me to believe that change, innovation, and improvement are always possible despite the worse circumstances.

“As I move into the NHS workforce I am emboldened to be around people who can adapt and work as a team for the betterment of all.

“Medical school has been a long six years, and I am very glad to have succeeded thus far and to move on to working as a doctor on the wards.”

Dr Charlotte Greenslade, 28, from Bristol, trained in London and also found working through the pandemic an ‘eye-opener’.

He said: “I’ve been vaccinating and feel proud to have been a part of that.

“When we enter medicine I don’t think it’s seen as a profession with a high risk of losing your life.

“The commitment of our frontline workers has given me an even greater respect for the profession.”

Glasgow Times:

Dr Jennifer Armstrong, Medical Director at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, says the junior doctors should be ‘proud’ of everything they achieved.

He said: “I’m delighted to welcome our newly qualified doctors to the NHSGGC family.

“I know how hard they have worked to get to this stage, not least when their studies and placements were impacted by the pandemic.”

After finishing medical school, junior doctors must complete a two-year foundation programme in hospitals and primary care to experience different areas of practice.

Once completed, they will decide their next steps which can include speciality training or training as a GP.