Pre-clinical years
This is an ideal time to explore what's available, get involved with societies and broaden your skills with work experience or summer placements.
Watch Sharon's vlog - What I did on my winter placement
Clinical years
As you become immersed in clinical practice you will start to get a better idea of the different areas of medicine. You will have opportunities to talk to doctors at all levels to gain an insight into their daily routines and the pros and cons of their specialty. You could offer to undertake an audit to gain further insight into that area of work.
During the Clinical Phase of your degree you will have the opportunity to go on placement in a specialty of your choice which may be overseas. You can use this opportunity to gain invaluable and different experience to further develop your skills.
Making the most of your Clinical Phase.
Hear from two F2 doctors, a fourth-year student and a consultant who offer advice about the importance of the Clinical Phase - how to build your CV, develop your self-awareness, network with colleagues and understand the demands of a specialty.
Special Study Module(s)
During your Clinical Phase you will undertake a number of Special Study Modules (SSMs). These are a great opportunity to pursue your interests, develop your research and presentation skills, and explore smaller specialties that you might not have encountered in earlier years.
Pick from a list of specialties provided by the school ranging from surgery and emergency medicine to modern languages, across multiple sites.
Medical student - selected components
Final year elective
While your final year elective gives you the chance to experience a specialty of your choice, it can also be a great chance to learn more about yourself and where you’d like to be in the future.
Wherever you choose to do your elective make the most of the opportunity to develop your skills, knowledge and networks.
Choosing elective
Clinical Audits
Clinical audits help to assess whether patients are getting the best treatment from their service and compare current practice with guidelines for improved practice.
Getting involved in an audit can show your interest in a specialty and help build networks with senior colleagues. In applications for Specialty Training (and the Specialised Foundation Programme - SFP) there is an expectation that you will have carried out an audit.
Getting involved in clinical audits