Medical students at the University of Worcester were treated to a special visit from Pets as Therapy dogs.
Medical students with the Pets as Therapy dogs
The Charity, which uses animals to enhance health and wellbeing, has been visiting the University for many years now, but this is the first time they have visited the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson building on Severn Campus, which is a hub for many health-related courses, including the Medical School.
Medical students in particular flocked around the dogs for a chance to pet them.
Second year medical student, Jemima Marsden, who is also Raise and Give representative for the University Medsoc Society, worked in conjunction with the University’s Student Services team to bring the visit about.
“It’s such a beneficial thing,” she said. “We’re taught a lot about not just treating with medication and things like that, but also treating the whole person and mental health is a really huge part of that. It’s a demanding course so it’s important we look after our mental health. Anything like this is great.”
Nathan Scott, a first year Medical student, said: “It’s a really good experience and the dogs are really friendly. It’s a good way to break up the work. We had two exams on Friday so it’s definitely good timing.”
He added that it highlighted the value of animals in aiding health and wellbeing. “The mental health side of health is really important and it’s a really good way of raising mental health, which has so much effect on physical health.”
Andrew Parry, Assistant Coordinator for the Worcestershire Pets as Therapy branch, said: “It’s nice to think that as student medics they will take this experience with them into medical care, seeing how pets can help patients.”
Kathy Carney, Area Coordinator for the Worcestershire branch, added: “I think a lot of the students that come [to Pets as Therapy sessions] are from overseas and they’re missing their own pets. It’s a comfort for them and a distraction from studies as well.”
Alongside the University, the charity also visits a range of other places, in particular schools, hospitals, hospices and care homes, but also some businesses. Their services are much in demand and the Charity is calling for more people to join the community of volunteers.
Ms Carney said: “We have got so many establishments requesting visits and we don’t have enough volunteers to go around. We’re all volunteers and we just see the difference that they make.”
Anyone interested in volunteering for the Pets a Therapy should visit their website.
Students with the Pets as Therapy dogs