25/08/2026
A huge well done to Gabi, who has returned to NHS Dumfries and Galloway’s Ophthalmology Department for a second work experience placement. 👏
Gabi’s experience is a fantastic example of how work experience can help young people explore careers, build confidence and make informed decisions about their future.
We’re also delighted that our pupils are preparing to take part in this year’s NHS Dumfries and Galloway Schools Work Experience Programme with placements beginning in September. 💙
A huge thank you to NHS Dumfries and Galloway and all the staff who make these valuable opportunities possible.
Well done, Gabi we’re excited to see where your journey takes you! 🌟
Read the full story below 👇
This summer staff at NHS Dumfries and Galloway’s Ophthalmology Department welcomed school student Gabi Korbut back for work experience following a placement with them last year.
Gabi, who studies at Annan Academy and is pursuing a career in medicine, first took up the opportunity to spend time at the department as part of the organisation’s annual schools work experience week programme.
On that first placement she gained an initial insight into the speciality and the service provided to patients; spending time in clinic, theatre, and a recovery ward, and valuable experience of a hospital environment, as well as something of what a working week there could be like.
Gabi said: “I enjoyed everything about my placement last year and again this year.
"It was exciting for me to arrive at work in the morning and spend the whole day finding out what goes on and learning about the speciality, and it has me want to be a doctor and surgeon even more.
"I got to be in with the team when they were with patients, and had a real working day with them from start to finish. I learned a lot the first time I was there and this time I gained a deeper knowledge and understanding of the speciality.
“I loved being a part of the team. They were all so nice and helpful. They gave me tasks to do so that I could learn from them, and at the same time I was helping look after patients.”
Keen to learn more about working in health and social care and do more for her application to medical school, Gabi found that the second work experience placement further inspired and motivated her to pursue that, and with ophthalmology as a potential speciality.
When asked about setting off so early on a day off school to get to her work experience placement, Gabi said: “For me it was worth it, to learn, and it helped me decide more about my career, and the people I worked with made the day interesting and so enjoyable.”
Derek Beeton, Senior Charge Nurse at NHS Dumfries and Galloway’s Ophthalmology Department, said: “We were so pleased to welcome Gabi back for another work experience placement with our team.
"Gabi first spent a week with us last year as part of the schools’ work experience programme and we were delighted that she enjoyed it so much she wanted to come back.
“She was so enthusiastic and showed a real interest in what the team does, and she made the most of every opportunity to gain experience and ask questions. It was great to have her back, and we hope she enjoyed her time with us.
"We wish her all the best for the future!"
Gabi was one of 128 students who worked in a placement during the organisation’s fourth annual schools work experience week programme in September 2025.
Around 100 school students will once again take up placements in September this year across a wide range of specialties and departments within health and social care, giving them insight into potential career paths and hopefully helping them to come to a decision about the next move beyond their school studies.
Pamela Jamieson, Workforce Director at NHS Dumfries and Galloway, said: “I’m delighted that from the work experience programme last year this aspiring young medic came back to learn and experience more about working in the Ophthalmology Department.
“Work is well underway for this year’s Schools Work Experience Week, and we look forward to welcoming the students to their placements.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank our Workforce and Sustainability Team, along with the many staff across the organisation who make it possible for school students to take up work experience placements in such a focussed way, on a week dedicated to give insight and encourage careers in health and social care.”
Photo is of Gabi (front, second from right) with some of the staff on shift with her during her placement.
