Torquay Boys' twins continue remarkable three-generation legacy in medicine

After both receiving outstanding A-level and International Baccalaureate results, two Torquay Boys’ Grammar School students are continuing a remarkable family legacy by being the third generation of twins to pursue careers in medicine.

Will and Josh Powles, who achieved 38 points out of 45 in IB and three A*s respectively, will both go on to study Medicine at Exeter University in September, continuing a family trend that started three generations ago.

That trend  began in 1938 when identical twins Ray and Trevor Powles were born. After studying medicine at St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London, they became oncologists at Marsden Hospital, with offices opposite each other.

Ray and Trevor became leading oncologists, both achieving medical breakthroughs that saved countless lives. Trevor worked to treat breast cancer, running the medical trial for tamoxifen, one of the original top breast cancer drugs.

Meanwhile, Ray performed the first successful bone marrow transplant in Europe and pioneered the use of cyclosporine in bone marrow transplantation.

In 2002, Ray and Trevor were each made Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for their services to medicine. As identical twins, they were the first to receive the honour simultaneously. They also received the Pride of Britain award in 2013, presented by then-Prime Minister David Cameron.

“I don’t know why they both went into the same field, but they both excelled in it,” said James Powles, son of Trevor and father of Josh and Will.

“Identical twins with jobs at the same hospital with offices next to each other. Looking back, it all seems very strange.”

Now in their mid-80s, Ray and Trevor have only just retired and are looking to move to Shaldon with the rest of the family.

The next generation proved to be just as outstanding. Ray’s side of the family saw two more identical twins, both going into medicine. Both trained at St Bartholomew's; Sam Powles became a Consultant Gastroenterologist at Torbay Hospital, and Luke Powles became a GP in London.

Meanwhile, Trevor had two sons, James and Tom. James has been a Consultant ENT Surgeon at Torbay Hospital for 17 years, while Tom Powles’s breakthrough success in treating severe bladder cancer got him on the cover of TIME Magazine as one of the 100 most influential doctors. Tom continued the family relationship with St. Bartholomew's Hospital by becoming the Director of the Barts Cancer Centre.

Finally, James’s sons, Will and Josh Powles, took the first step in becoming the third generation of medics in the family after their outstanding grades secured them spots at the University of Exeter’s Medical School.

James said: “I think there’ll be a decent amount of medical conversation around the dinner table! I’m delighted that they both got in and they’ve worked so hard throughout exams, interviews and UCATs. They’re closer to each other than I think they realise, but I think a bit of sibling competition may have helped.

“Torquay Boys’ has been crucial in their support throughout. It really allowed them to fulfil their potential.”

Although Josh had been set on Medicine for some time, Will said that he only decided he wanted to go into the field recently.

“I did IB because I didn’t want to put everything behind medicine straight away,” Will said.

“But it’s always been on my mind. Seeing my dad work and doing a bit of work experience made me realise it was really interesting. It was never a mutual decision between me and Josh either, we just fancied doing it.”

He added: “I think what’s drawn me and Josh to it is the same as dad and grandad. If you want to make a lot of money, medicine isn’t really the place, and it is a lot of work. But there’s a real value to the profession. Even with work experience, you can see how your work can help people in just a few days. Being a doctor will always be rewarding and it’ll always be satisfying.”

James added: “Medicine isn’t for everyone, but they’ve shown what they need for it and it’s reassuring that the best and brightest of the next generation still want to pursue a career in the subject.

“As professions go, I think medicine is one you're more likely to follow your family into. It’s a good life as a medic, you get consumed by it. Of course, the NHS is struggling, but working at Torbay Hospital for the last 17 years has been the privilege of my life and I still very much enjoy my job.”

"It is great to know TBGS has been able to set Will and Josh on the pathway to further success as they start their medical careers, continuing the family tradition. Many congratulations to them and all our 2024 sixth-form students; we look forward to hearing about your progress in the years to come."