Medical bursary applications open for aspiring Guernsey doctors
- MSG launches annual medical bursary offering £2,000 per year for up to five years to Guernsey residents
- Previous winner Aron Thomassen credits the bursary with enriching his university experience at King's College London
- Applications open from 1 April to 31 May for students starting UK medical school this autumn
- Applicants must submit 1,000-word essay and commit to 20 working weeks at MSG during their studies
- Selection process includes panel review, shortlisting and interviews in early July
The Medical Specialist Group (MSG) has opened applications for its annual medical bursary, offering £2,000 per year for up to five years to support aspiring doctors from the Bailiwick of Guernsey.
The bursary is designed to help students with the cost of educational materials and living expenses during their medical training, providing financial support to ease the burden of studying medicine.
Last year's recipient, Aron Thomassen, a former local student who is now studying at King's College London, was inspired to pursue medicine after participating in MSG's Taste of Medicine course for sixth form students in 2024.
Reflecting on the impact of the support, Aron said: "The MSG bursary has been a fantastic support during my first year. Having that financial weight lifted has given me the freedom to dedicate time to the things I'm passionate about in my free time, whether that be exploring research opportunities, starting new hobbies or developing projects alongside my studies."
He added: "I'd encourage anyone considering medicine to apply, as this support has truly enriched my university experience and has allowed me to make the most of every opportunity."
Dr Michelle Le Cheminant, chair of MSG, highlighted the organisation's commitment to supporting future healthcare professionals. "As an organisation at the heart of healthcare, we are committed to supporting students who are passionate about a career in medicine. As a small community, we value the opportunity to encourage local talent and help nurture the next generation of doctors, some of whom may one day return to the island to deliver high-quality care for us and our loved ones," she said.
"It is incredibly rewarding to hear from previous bursary recipients about the difference this support has made. Aron was an outstanding applicant and a very deserving winner. We look forward to receiving another strong pool of applicants this year."
Applications will be accepted from 1 April until 31 May. Any residents within the Bailiwick of Guernsey can apply for the annual bursary, provided they have applied to start at a UK medical school from this autumn term.
Applicants must submit a 1,000-word essay outlining their career aspirations and how they would use the bursary money. Recipients will also be required to commit to undertaking 20 working weeks at MSG over the duration of their course and bursary period.
A panel of MSG professionals will review all applications and create a shortlist before conducting interviews in early July. The winner will be selected following these interviews.
Those interested in applying can submit their applications by email to nathan.collenette@msg.gg.
Q&A
Q: How much is the MSG medical bursary worth?
A: The bursary provides £2,000 per year for up to five years, totalling a maximum of £10,000 over the course of medical training.
Q: Who is eligible to apply for the bursary?
A: Any residents within the Bailiwick of Guernsey who have applied to start at a UK medical school from this autumn term can apply.
Q: What are the application requirements?
A: Applicants must submit a 1,000-word essay outlining their career aspirations and how they would use the bursary money, and commit to undertaking 20 working weeks at MSG during their course.
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