Finding your feet at Liverpool School of Medicine
As we move towards the end of term, Year One student doctors share highlights from their first year on the MBChB programme, the biggest ambitions for Year Two and their top tips for those following in their footsteps this coming September.
Our Year One students are fresh from completing some head-scratching exercises with 208 Liverpool Field Hospital, designed to put their leadership and teamwork skills to the test. The activities were part of the curriculum’s The Clinical Team theme, which focuses on developing an understanding of self and others - crucial to successful medical practice.
The field trip is just one of many highlights from this academic year. Student Doctor Joe Moody counts sessions at the University’s Human Anatomy Resource Centre (HARC) as one of his favourite parts of the course so far.
First year (nearly!) in the bag
"I’d say I’m a hands-on/visual learner, so being able to see the structures we get taught about in lectures on human prosections is really valuable for my learning. The HARC team are very knowledgeable and happy to help, so I always leave the sessions knowing more than when I went in.”
The clinical exposure offered by the MBChB programme here at Liverpool, both on placement at the wide range of trust and practice partners across the region, as well as the learning opportunities available on campus, is always a big draw to the course.
Students Callum Robinson and Erin Connell loved getting stuck in during small-group Clinical Skills teaching.
Callum says, “I’ve enjoyed lots of things in Year 1 but a highlight is probably the Clinical Skills sessions where we can put into practice the theory we’ve been studying."
At Liverpool, students have Clinical Skills sessions from the first semester of Year 1 - I think this will stand us in really good stead when we go on placement later in the course.
Erin has appreciated the practical side of the course, which nicely complements the lecture content, as well as the social side. “I have loved getting involved with medical societies such as Liverpool Medical Students’ Society (LMSS) and attending the annual ball and charity dinner.”
The principles of developing a deep and meaningful understanding of (and compassion for) yourself, colleagues, and your patients, are embedded across the curriculum. An important part of developing this is the practice of reflecting on experiences as they unfold. Something that was quite new for Joe Moody.
“One thing I didn’t expect from the course was the amount of reflective writing. It was something I’d never really done at school and kind of caught me off guard. I feel a lot more comfortable with this style of writing now however, which is good as I think there’ll be a lot more of it in the future.”
Student Doctor Rhema Nwosu is thankful for the great connections she made this year, as well as the 'various opportunities that were provided to develop personally and professionally'.
Year One Students Joe Moody and Callum Robinson
First steps onto the ward
And what are our students most looking forward to? Beginning clinical placements, which start from Year Two, is definitely up there.
Joe says, “A lot of the sessions like Communication for Clinical Practice (CCP) and Clinical Skills are to prepare you for speaking to real patients when on placement, so I’m hoping that all the practice pays off."
I’m sure that I’ll always remember my placement because it’ll be my first experience of working in a hospital, and I’m excited to see how it develops me as a future doctor.
Rhema Nwosu agrees, “Placement will be a great opportunity to put our learning into action!”
Matt Deehan says, “I am most looking forward to the clinical experience that Year Two (and beyond!) offers. This is what I pursued medicine for and I look forward to viewing and learning from doctors in a clinical scenario.”
Erin Connell is also excited to put things into practice on placement, as well as ‘learning more about the pathology side to medicine’.
Student Doctors Rhema Nwosu and Matt Deehan
Tips for next year’s Year One
Joe encourages anyone preparing to begin the course with us here at Liverpool School of Medicine this September to try not to get overwhelmed at the start of the year.
“There are a lot of new concepts and information in the foundation block, and it can be tough to keep up with all the content. However, as you go through the year, a lot of topics tie in with each other and things start to make more sense with time. Also, make friends with people on the course - they’ll be your colleagues someday!”
Matt recommends joining a club or student group. “I would say to get stuck into all the societies and medics sports team. I myself have found the medics rugby great. I have thoroughly enjoyed myself and having connections to older years is always a bonus.
Callum says, “Work hard and try to be organised right from the start of the course. But, also, make time to enjoy yourself!"
Liverpool’s a great place to be a student and there’s always lots going on.
Rhema agrees, “Aim to enjoy your time at medical school and make the most of it! Work towards achieving the right work-life balance and make sure to look after your wellbeing.”
The good news is the School has its own dedicated Wellbeing service offering activities, events and one-on-one appointments to help you take control of your mental wellbeing and organise the unique demands of studying medicine.
Erin suggests new students get involved with as many things as possible.
There are so many events and societies within the School, some of which I have made my best memories and friends within.
"I would also say to not worry about the academic side too much! It can be overwhelming at times but there is lots of support and help available from the School and friends. I would definitely recommend making friends within the course as it makes it easier when you're all in it together!”
Discover more
- Interested in studying medicine at the University of Liverpool, take a look at our MBChB course overview on the website (link).
- Browse through the wide range of medical societies operating at the University over on the Liverpool Guild of Students webpage (link).
- Follow the School of Medicine on Instagram (link), Twitter (link) and Facebook (link).