Sixth Form Students Lead the Way in Medical Ethics Debate at Medic Book Club
Each Thursday during second break, a quiet corner of the Charters Library transforms into a vibrant hub of intellectual discussion and leadership, as Sixth Form students take the reins of the Medic Book Club. Designed to engage aspiring medics, and the medically curious, this student-led initiative offers a unique platform for exploring cutting-edge healthcare topics and real-world ethical dilemmas.
In the latest meeting, students tackled the complex question:
Should all pregnant women be routinely screened and treated for Group B Streptococcus (GBS)?
Led by two passionate Sixth Form students, the discussion took a deep dive into both the science and ethics surrounding childbirth and preventative medicine. The group explored how GBS, a common and often symptomless bacterial infection, can be passed from mother to baby during birth, sometimes with devastating consequences. While most babies recover with prompt antibiotic treatment, GBS is still responsible for around two neonatal deaths and three cases of long-term disability each month in the UK.
The debate quickly evolved beyond statistics. One side championed the benefits of routine screening and antibiotic treatment, citing the potential lives saved. The opposing view raised concerns about the wider consequences of antibiotic overuse, particularly the growing global threat of antibiotic resistance.
Ultimately, the session highlighted that, like many areas in modern medicine, there is no perfect answer—only complex trade-offs. The consensus was clear: empowering women with the right to choose screening and treatment was paramount.
The Medic Book Club isn’t just about learning; it’s about leadership. Sixth Form students are not only expanding their own understanding of healthcare—they’re actively mentoring younger peers, fostering debate, and encouraging critical thinking about the medical world they'll soon inherit.
Charters School is proud of its Sixth Form leaders who bring learning to life and challenge others to think deeply, debate responsibly, and lead with integrity.
