From sports medicine to therapy dogs

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Student Experience Administrator Russell Smith

At the end of their fourth year of studies on the MBChB programme, student doctors take a four-week Elective placement as an opportunity to broaden their education as well as explore new disciplines, or old favourites in greater depth.

In this interview, Student Experience Administrator Russell Smith guides us through the eclectic and creative world of Electives, offering some top tips for students preparing for these placements this year or in the future.

“In my role I look after both Electives and Intercalation and handle all the related administration, which can be anything from providing a recommendation letter or transcript to liaising with Zimbabwean authorities to verify one of our student’s qualifications!

A great number of our student doctors take up the opportunity to complete an intercalated degree between Years 3 and 4. Intercalation represents a significant opportunity for self-development and is a real investment in their future careers.

I support students in their applications to degree programmes, many of which take place here at the University of Liverpool, as well as with enquiries about funding and scholarships to support their intercalated year.

These include the School of Medicine Intercalation Scholarship Awards, which were introduced last year. Students can find a lot of information on their intercalation options on the School website (link) and student intranet (link).

Electives in a nutshell

Electives are four-week placements that student doctors complete over the summer at the end of Year 4.

In a nutshell, Electives are an opportunity to expand your skillset, learn more about a particular area of medicine and, in some cases, take part in an original research project.

Electives also encourage study in a different cultural, environmental and social sphere and, usually, can involve students completing these outside of the United Kingdom.

Unfortunately, due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, Electives this summer are available primarily in the UK, with only students whose permanent/non-term time address is outside the UK able to complete an Elective abroad, and whilst staying at that address only. This mainly refers to international students.

Organising an Elective

Student doctors are responsible for arranging their Elective placement, based on their individual passions and interests. You certainly don’t have to organise a placement in a big hospital, and we would encourage you to think outside the box when it comes to making arrangements.

It’s important to do your research and plan ahead. Once international Electives are an option again, some of the overseas programmes in places like Australia, New Zealand and South Africa have quite long lead times which means applying maybe 12 months, if not 18 months in advance.

Research is key. Google is your friend here! And of course use your network. That could be clinicians you know, family members, fellow student doctors you know, your Academic Advisor, Educational Supervisor, the local trust, the list is endless!

This year, we have created an Elective document on the student intranet (link) to help with this process and there are still a number of opportunities in the North West trusts. We can help with advice and guidance, especially for hospitals around the Mersey region.

There have been LOADS of interesting Electives that students have either already completed or have expressed interest in this year. You don’t have to go to Belize when you could be in Birmingham!

  • Electives at Silverstone - quite literally the “pits”
  • Working with therapy dogs at Alder Hey
  • Sports related Electives, working with football club doctors or physios
  • Lifestyle Medicine - around healthy living, diet and nutrition
  • Working with charities, homeless charitable organisations or supporting refugees
  • Broadcasting and Medicine in the media – you could be the next Dr Ranj!

Documenting your experience

Once you’ve completed your Elective, you will submit a report which is a reflective piece and tasks you with telling us about your Elective experience and what you gained from it.

This could include your biggest learnings, the particular skills you were able to develop further or details of interesting cases.

For example, stories of patients being able to be seen quicker in Peru after bringing in what could be termed euphemistically as “gifts” for the doctor.

Students submitting the most insightful reports are usually invited to present to the next group of students at the Year 4 Electives evening, and their stories are made available on the student intranet (link) to be viewed by future student doctors. There’s even a School Prize category (link) attached to the Elective report, which includes a £200 award.

That completes the latest report from your Elective correspondent! Feel free to contact me with any queries at elective.mbchb@liverpool.ac.uk, and be sure to check out all the information available to you on the student intranet (link).

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