AN Oxford teenager was given a glimpse of an alternative medical career at a clinical trials company.

Freddie Moore, a pupil at St Edward’s School, spent a week’s work experience at the Medical Research Network (MRN) where he was involved in projects including designing a clinical trial for hypothetical drugs for diabetes, lung cancer and hypertension, workshops and delivering presentations.

Freddie, 17, said: “I’m currently studying for A-Levels in biology, chemistry, physics and maths and am about to apply to study medicine at university.

“I knew about the research side of medicine but didn’t realise how many careers in clinical trials there were.

“My experience at MRN has been invaluable. It provided me with practical skills I didn’t have before and broadened my career horizons.”

Freddie was one of nine students taking part in work experience at the business based in Milton Keynes.

Chief executive Dr Graham Wylie said: “The job market is tough. Employers are looking for experience and many youngsters leave education not knowing what they would like to do as a career, because they have not been made aware of all of the options.

“Careers in pharmaceutical medicine are particularly poorly covered on university courses and people do not realise what alternative careers in medicine are available.”

The company’s work experience programme is now in its third year.