Second Year Science students recently attended Trinity College Dublin’s TAP Med Day, where they gained a valuable insight into studying Health Sciences at third level. Meshach A , George C, Saoirse M, Shane R represented St Joseph's Secondary school at the annual TAP Med Day where they joined with students from 20 other Post Primary schools in the Main Hall TCD Sports Centre.
After travelling by train to Pearse Station, the group walked to the Main Sports Hall in the TCD Sports Centre and rotated through a wide range of hands-on practical stations designed to develop teamwork, communication, observation, and critical thinking skills.
The stations manned by current students ensured a balance across emergency care, diagnostics, nursing skills, and medical technology. Students learned how to perform CPR, use a stethoscope and pulse oximeter, test reflexes with reflex hammers, and measure blood pressure.
At another station, they examined a model skeleton with three missing bones, challenging their anatomical knowledge, before analysing X-ray images to understand how air appears black and bone appears white. These included scans of lungs affected by COVID-19 pneumonia, a broken lower arm, and a lower leg injury.
Students also explored areas such as radiology, neuroscience, nursing, and children’s nursing, where they learned about caring for infants, including the importance of a baby’s soft spot, and practiced identifying signs of head trauma by comparing pupil size and reactions.
A highlight of the day was an engaging Q&A panel featuring 3rd and 4th Year medical students, midwifery students, Professor Luke O’Neill, and TAP representatives.
Listening to their experiences helped students better understand college life and the diverse range of careers available in healthcare, while encouraging them to consider future pathways in science and medicine.
Well done to the four students who joined in wholeheartedly in the station activities , great to see their enthusiasm. They can be proud of their efforts. .