On 30th August 2026, a dynamic workshop was held, organised by the Karimia Institute in partnership with Medology for young people and their parents. It was well attended, with around 60 people.
The event was led by Dr Amin Hashmi and Dr Tabish Ahmed, co-founders of Medology, who are both currently undertaking their foundation training in Stoke. Medology is an organisation that delivers workshops designed to give aspiring medical and dental students a crucial head start in a highly competitive application process.
The session focused on demystifying the journey into healthcare, equipping attendees with an understanding of the key skills needed for the profession.
Essential Skills and a Competitive Edge
Dr Amin and Dr Tabish, who have dedicated over six years to youth mentorship across multiple countries, brought their extensive experience to the session. They emphasised that strong interpersonal and communication skills are just as vital as academic qualifications, offering practical advice on how students can develop these attributes.
A significant portion of the workshop was dedicated to the complexities of the application process. With university places fiercely contested, attendees learned how to build a compelling portfolio. The doctors highlighted that a key differentiator is relevant experience, and they stressed the importance of volunteering. As the Medical Schools Council advises, any experience that involves working with people can be very valuable, and volunteering showcases a genuine interest in helping others.
Volunteering Pathways at Karimia Institute
A unique advantage for the attendees was learning how they could gain this essential experience. Karimia Institute, the event’s host, offers a wealth of volunteering opportunities for young people within its extensive network of community projects.
Young people can get involved at one of the Institute’s four Masjids, gaining experience in community engagement. They can also volunteer with the nurseries or get involved in the radio station to develop their communication skills. The Institute runs a variety of projects that provide excellent experience, including:
- Youth Clubs: Catering for boys and girls offers a chance to mentor younger children, lead activities, and develop teamwork skills.
- The Majestic Quran Project: This provides a unique opportunity to engage in educational and community work.
- Debate Club: This helps young people develop confidence, critical thinking, communication skills, and the ability to respectfully understand and challenge different viewpoints.
- HumanKind: This platform helps build confidence, leadership, and public speaking abilities.
By volunteering in these diverse settings, students can gain a wealth of evidence and skills to discuss in their personal statements and interviews. As admissions tutors value quality of experience and reflection over quantity, these opportunities allow young people to demonstrate their commitment, empathy, and understanding of a career in service to others, exactly what medical schools are looking for.
