Twelve Tips for Medical Students starting Clinical Placements in the United Kingdom

Transitioning from the pre-clinical to clinical years at medical school can be challenging and overwhelming. This paper aims to utilise the experience of healthcare professionals to provide tips for medical students to consider in order to maximise their learning opportunities.

Before starting a placement, it is highly encouraged that you familiarise yourself with the curriculum, remember to bring your essentials and dress appropriately. During your placement, ensure good attendance keeping, introduce yourself to the team, manage your time well, engage in self-directed learning, ask questions to other doctors, interact with allied health care professionals and follow the patient’s journey from admission to discharge. It is also key to be wary of university requirements, regularly practice history-taking and clinical examination and examination style questions. Prioritise a suitable work-life balance by enjoying hobbies and extra-curricular activities in order to avoid burn-out.

These tips should ensure medical students make the most of their clinical placements as well as making it a memorable and enjoyable experience.