The elective you choose to take is among most memorable aspects of the five to six years in medical school. You have the chance to travel anywhere in the world for between 4 and 12 weeks. It’s a huge choice. Make the right choice make sure you don’t leave preparation to the final moment!
Introduction
Medical electives provide a great opportunity to improve your abilities and broaden your medical interest in a new and unfamiliar region. There is no need to travel far , as there are plenty of amazing opportunities within the UK, for example with helicopter emergency personnel. In contrast studies or electives that focus on careers (eg at an internationally renowned cancer center) can greatly boost your career ambitions in an increasingly competitive job market.
If you are certain that you’d like to explore the world make sure you choose wisely. There are plenty of opportunities to go overseas for holidays while you’re a physician, but it may not be an easy task in the near future to be working in a rural village in Uganda for 8 weeks. as an example, you’ll have more expenses to pay, you might have a house and may have a family member to provide for. If you are intent on going abroad to pursue your dream take advantage of an exciting, unique opportunity that you’ll not get the chance to do again.
The purpose of the elective
It is vital to determine what you want to get from your elective. Do you want to get a general overview of the medical system/hospitals/conditions in the developed or less developed world? Are you seeking something more specific? Are you looking to publish research papers? Do you wish to teach? Do you wish to become an expert in haematology through working in a specialist haematology hospital? Do you wish to be a witness to unusual medical conditions that you’ve read about in textbooks? Do you wish to be skilled in medical procedures, eg putting in chest drains by working in an emergency room?
For information on a UK medical elective, visit this website…
Resources
The most reliable source is previous medical students who have been on their elective. They will have good ideas as well as contact information and might be able put you in touch with colleagues who have had experience of other electives. Contact your foundation year 1 doctor (FY1s) as well as specialty registrars (StRs) as well as registrars and consultants – all should be able to offer some great ideas and be willing to share their experiences from their elective.
Many medical schools maintain records of their medical electives that they have taken including contact information as well as reviews. Some royal colleges may also be able assist with suggestions or contact information to schools that offer career-focused options.
The Medic’s reference to work and electives across the globe offers detailed information on the hospitals and nations, along with the contact details. The Electives Network website gives useful information and reviews by students of electives. Although both provide valuable information, they are not complete. If you’re feeling that you’re missing the mark meet with your hospital’s dean and your career manager.
Types of elective
There are a variety of elective, so you have an almost endless option. Do you want to work in a more developed world like Australia and Europe? What about conducting the most cutting-edge research in modern hospitals within the USA? Would you like to see the delivery of medical care to the poorer regions of the areas of Africa as well as India? Or are you even more adventurous? If so, you should consider options that are primarily focused on high altitude – such as working with mountaineers as well as in ski resorts. Are you interested in working with emergency helicopters or NASA? In addition, medical students from the past have worked at ‘low’ altitudes with scuba diving or hyperbaric centres.
Are you looking to brush up on your survival or language skills simultaneously? Do you want to do research, or build your skills in the field of clinical or surgical? Or how about doing all these things while on a tropical island within the Caribbean?
Organising
Begin thinking about your choice around 18 months in advance of the time. Hospitals, popular destinations for electives, and schemes will be booked up 6-12 months ahead therefore, make sure you book your tickets as soon as is possible. If you plan to embark on your elective with medical school students it is possible to reserve even earlier to ensure you get a seat.
There are several commercial firms that can handle the entire process of choosing. While they are typically efficient and successful, they can be pricey.
Medical electives offer an unparalleled opportunity to experience healthcare and life in a other part of the world. However, in less familiar areas, be aware of travel tips and be aware of any warnings. Also, check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website prior to booking. You should also check it again prior to travel.
Finance
Electives are typically expensive, and the cost quickly goes up: accommodation, flights and vaccinations, deposit insurance, processing fees, travel, spending money etc. Plan your budget before planning the choice; for instance, it is not worth traveling to New Zealand for 2 months with a budget less than PS1 000. For electives that have a specific such as research, or humanitarian the funding can be found in the form of awards or grants; check the websites of Royal Colleges and specialist societies as well as other medical organizations for details. A Google search is probably a good starting place to search for and apply early.
Final arrangements
While you’re preparing for your final exams and applying for FY1, remember to allow plenty of time to finalize your preparations, which includes medical tests, vaccinations checks and visa applications – visas to those from the USA and Canada can take weeks and sometimes even months.
Do not forget to include indemnity coverage as well as a reliable travel insurance policy. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is worth taking with you if it is not readily available in the hospital where you’re going – hopefully you won’t need it. Consult your local infectious disease or occupational health department for information.
If you are in need make an appointment with your GP to get advice on travel, including the need to take malaria preventative and medical travel packs, that can include antibiotics for emergencies (for diarrhoea or eye/ear infections) along with basic medical equipment.
Finally – enjoy yourself.