Junior doctors start careers early to join Covid-19 fight

More than 120 junior doctors have started their medical careers early as they join frontline staff in the fight against Covid-19.

All 121 volunteers took on the roles at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde on Monday with support from their colleagues, supervisors, mentors and a peer buddy system.

They will work in surgery, medicine and care of the elderly and will likely be treating patients with suspected and confirmed coronavirus.

The junior doctors will be spread out across Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Royal Alexandra Hospital and Inverclyde Royal Hospital.

Dr Lindsay Donaldson, director of Medical Education, NHSGGC, said: “We’ve been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and dedication of this group of junior doctors that are joining us early in their medical career.

‘We are nervous but we are ready.’
Diane Vlek, junior doctor

“We look forward to welcoming to the teams and providing them with as much support as possible as we all work together against Covid-19.”

Diane Vlek is one of those junior doctors starting on Monday. Originally from Surrey, she completed her studies at Newcastle University and then the University of Glasgow.

She said: “My experience as a healthcare assistant taught me the importance of working together as a team, where every role is valued and has a part to play.

“I’m honoured to be able to join the NHS team at a time like this and provide support. We are nervous but we are ready.”

Cullen Mcculloch, from Perth, will be joining the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital’s trauma and orthopaedic team. He completed a pharmaceutical science degree at University of Dundee before pursuing medicine.

He said: “Doctors and healthcare workers have an immense responsibility right now and it’s a privilege to be a part of it.

“There’s been a real sense of unity during this crisis and it’s amazing to have the support of friends, family and the wider public as we head into this.”

Dr Jennifer Armstrong, medical director of NHSGGC, said: “We want to thank this group of junior doctors for starting their careers early with us at such a pivotal moment.

“They will be a huge help to our hospitals and this is greatly appreciated by colleagues who will support them every step of the way.”