Coincidentally, the seminar took place during National ODP Day 2023, where operating departments across the country celebrated the crucial role they play in healthcare.

After leaving RGS Worcester, Alistair pursued Medical Studies in Prague. He later returned to the local area and worked for the West Midlands Ambulance Service for over 12 years as a Community First Responder. Alistair responded to emergency calls around Worcestershire, providing immediate care to patients before the ambulance arrived, whether for a few seconds or several minutes, all during his spare time.

During his time as a Responder, Alistair discovered his passion for working in the operating theatres. In 2015, he decided to pursue a career as an Operating Department Practitioner (ODP) and returned to university to obtain the necessary qualifications.

During the seminar, Alistair discussed the various roles available to ODPs, including working in operating theatres, A&E resuscitation rooms, intensive care units, air ambulances, and other clinical roles outside the traditional operating department. He also mentioned the possibilities of taking on leadership and management positions within or outside of operating departments, as well as pursuing education roles in operating departments or higher education.

Alistair emphasised that many of the skills required for this profession could be developed during pupils’ time at RGS. These skills included having a caring and compassionate nature, the ability to work well within a team, problem-solving abilities, organisational skills, the capacity to concentrate for extended periods, and the ability to adapt and react quickly.

As the seminar drew to an end the pupils were ready with a range of thought-provoking questions, clearly inspired by Alistair’s career journey. They enquired about typical working hours and patterns, an average day in the life of an ODP, how to gain experience in a hospital setting, and advice on studying medicine abroad.

Thank you to Alistair for returning to School to share his inspiring career in healthcare.