14 A gateway to paediatrics: Multi-speciality exposure and career preparation at GOSH Summer School 2025

Objectives As one of the top five paediatric hospitals in the world, Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) is ideally placed to be a leader in the field of paediatric recruitment. GOSH Summer School is a well-established annual conference aimed at medical students and foundation doctors. First conceptualised in 2018 when recruitment to Paediatrics was low; since then, paediatric recruitment is now thriving with a 3.30 competition ratio in 2024. 1 GOSH Summer School has taken a new direction, promoting career diversity within paediatrics and at GOSH and providing an opportunity for paediatric portfolio building.Methods The GOSH Summer School 2025 programme encompassed a hybrid approach for a broader reach globally. Talks ranged from community paediatrics to the Children’s Acute Transport Service. Additionally, due to the demand for paediatric speciality posts, an emphasis was placed on paediatric portfolio and skills building, through paediatric skill stations and a poster competition. Results were collected from post conference feedback and attendance records.Results Summer School 2025 welcomed 209 attendees over the 3-day hybrid event, with notably the highest number of in person attendees in the events history. 23 in person posters were presented, over 80 GOSH staff were involved in the conference and 196 workshop spaces were utilised. 99% of attendees would recommend GOSH summer School (n=100). And 98% Summer School met expectations (n=100). Qualitative feedback highlighted participants ‘really enjoyed the interactive workshops’ and learnt ‘more about alternative career paths’ within paediatrics.Conclusion GOSH Summer School remains an excellent platform to inspire passion in paediatrics and allows for GOSH to be the leading name in paediatric career aspiration. As a conference aimed at medical students and foundation doctors, it provides an accessible platform to experience a national conference at a junior level and build essential skills and networks.Reference NHS England- Competition ratios for 2024 (2024) Available at: https://medical.hee.nhs.uk/medical-training-recruitment/medical-specialty-training/competition-ratios/2024-competition-ratios (Accessed: 25th July 2025).