Navigating Clinical Years: Essential Tips for Medical Students

I’ve just finished my first year of clinical placement in medical school, and it was an experience, to say the least. It quickly became apparent that being a medical student carries a different meaning in the real world. On campus, I felt like a shining star, but in the clinical setting, I felt like I was at the bottom of the barrel. Adjusting to this new environment was challenging, but I thoroughly enjoyed the year and the new learning style it brought. Whilst it was challenging to begin with, I eventually found my footing thanks to the guidance of many experienced professionals who had already been in my shoes. Their support helped me not only survive but thrive on the wards. Here are my top tips for making the transition to clinical years a little smoother.

Everyone had a “first day”

Entering the ward on the first day is easily one of the most nerve-racking experiences I’ve ever had. My mind was racing with thoughts like who to talk to, what to say, how to avoid getting in the way, and so much more. These concerns were valid to an extent. After all, a hospital is a work environment, and everyone there is focused on their jobs. You don’t want to disturb the peace and start off on the wrong foot. However, it’s important to remember that it’s okay to be unsure of what you’re doing. Don’t hesitate to ask for directions or help because you’re not the first clueless student they’ve encountered on day one. Keep in mind that FY1s were students themselves just a few months ago, so if you’re worried about being judged, they’re always a safe bet for support.

Use your time wisely

One of the biggest changes from lecture theatres to the wards is the unpredictability of what you’ll learn each day. It’s all up to chance, which can lead to some incredibly engaging and helpful days or, conversely, some repetitive days with little benefit to your learning. A piece of advice that really stuck with me this year was, “If you think you can be doing something better with your time, you probably can.” This doesn’t mean you should skip everything, but remember you have access to an entire hospital full of interesting cases and procedures. If you find yourself feeling like a fly on the wall during a ward round, don’t hesitate to sneak away and seek out opportunities that are more beneficial to your learning.

Know your fundamentals

Being fresh out of your academic years of medical school, you’ll feel eager to demonstrate your knowledge about niche conditions and physiology. However, this will be of little use in your third year. You won’t be expected to recall obscure facts, but you will need to know the basics i.e. history taking, examinations, and interpreting basic investigations. Excelling in these fundamental skills is the best way to impress seniors on the ward, especially consultants. They understand you’ll receive plenty of teaching throughout the year to build on your clinical knowledge, so don’t worry too much about that at the start. If you can show off that your fundamentals of practice are nailed down, you can earn some serious brownie points, and make staff members more inclined to let you get involved, rather than just observing.

Have a thick skin

My final tip is to develop a thick skin and be self-assured in a hospital environment. While senior doctors may have a reputation for being intimidating, it’s even more crucial when handling patients who might not be the most pleasant. As a student, learning procedures like taking blood, you’ll eventually need to practice on real patients. Most patients are understanding and appreciate that you need to learn, but a small minority may be less patient if you aren’t as slick as your senior colleagues. I’ve encountered various reactions from patients, ranging from being told I don’t know what I’m doing to requests for a “real” doctor, and even outright refusal to acknowledge my presence. It’s important to remember that these patients are in the hospital for a reason and are going through a tough time. Don’t take their comments to heart or let them undermine your confidence. Throughout your career, you’ll have all kinds of interactions on the wards, and not all will be pleasant, so it’s essential to get good at brushing off negative remarks sooner rather than later.

Hopefully, after reading this, you’ll feel better prepared to navigate the challenges of your clinical years and make the most of this crucial phase of medical school.