Clinical rotations in UK

[Haqster]

Hi guys, :headspin:

Any SMU students doing their clinical rotations in UK, (London or elsewhere) ? If so which hospitals? Do they have student dorms? Could you please share your experiences. Is there plenty of hands on experience, can you complete all your rotations (cores and most of your electives) in one place without having to move around too much.

I'm considering transfering to SMU's 5th semester. Would I have to take the step 1 before starting clinicals, even if I want to complete all my rotations in UK and practice there?

Any help would be deeply appreciated :smile:

Haqster

[sbturner]

Post is great, but please be sure to contact admissions for precise info. They will get you all set up. Best wishes!

[Bedazzled]

From what I've learned so far from school officials or students, I understand that you can complete all of your core rotations at one hospital in the UK, no moving required. However, a lot of students choose to do the FP rotation in the US, as it's run differently there. The UK is known for having great training, more hands on activity from the start. A lot of US schools only allow their top students to do rotations in the UK, so we're actually lucky to be able to go there, I think. I'm not 100% sure on the Step 1 part of your question. I believe you do have to take the exam before beginning the clinicals in the UK. Not sure though.

[ed gee]

<"A lot of US schools only allow their top students to do rotations in the UK, so we're actually lucky to be able to go there,">

Name one LCME school that has rotations in the UK.
Students might do an elective in the UK, but class rank would not be a factor.
You are misinformed.

[sinchu77]

A buddy of mine is doing his rotations at a hospital in Manchester. He says great things about his experience there. No, you do not have to pass step 1 to start there. However, you probably should take it while all the information is "fresh" after the 5th semester. He also says that he has less restrictions placed on him concerning what procedures he can do. That being said, he feels like it is a different system and might affect him when studying for step 2. I have heard that the hardest thing about coming back to the states after studying abroad is getting used to all the abbreviations we use in our hospitals.

[Bedazzled]

You may be right about only electives being an option to do in the UK for US med students, in fact I pretty sure that's correct. Sorry I was not specific enough. However, I believe if you look into it, I am correct about going to the UK, versus the traditional options, being an additional option for those who are deemed eligible.

Just trying to help and I believe I made it clear in my first post that I do not declare myself to be an expert by any means. Thanks for kindly pointing out my errors, though.

[Haqster]

Hey , thanks a lot for all the info everyone. :)

I cant seem to get hold of any contact no's or email ID's to get in touch with SMU's clinical coordinater. any help please

thanks once again

[Junito]

If you are not a current 5th semester don't bother contacting the clinical coordinators. They will give you the run around, or tell you to wait to October, when they have the clinical fair. I just asked a few 5th semesters for their info packet and made copies. There is a helpful guide that is for the UK rotation cites with the contact persons info listed there. Will post some of the info once finals are over with. There are three sites, all listed in the Green states sticky. London provides the best housing, but I was able to find housing (one bedroom) in North Yorkshire via the internet for about 425 pounds, that being about 750+ dollars. Hope this helps.

Juni

[SMU-Info]

All contact information is clearly listed on the SMU website under the contact us link.

[SMU-Info]

Barnsley District General Hospital, Barnsley, UK
Stepping Hill Hospital, Poplar Grove, Stockport UK
Whipps Cross Hospital, Whipps Cross Road UK


Stepping Hill offers dorms.

[DA]

If one did all their clinicals in the UK, would one stand at a disadvantage coming back to the U.S?

[Bedazzled]

In my opinion, yes, you'd be at a slight disadvantage. Personally, I think you're better off coming back to finish up electives/selectives in the US, so that you can become familiar with the differences in terms and protocol. In addition, you would then be able to "meet and greet" at hospitals you're interested in pursuing residency at. A lot of people say it's important to establish some sort of relationship with hospitals if you want to do your residency there.

That being said, I think you have some advantages by going over to the UK to do your cores. For one, you don't have to move around, which is VERY nice. (especially if you're married or have kids). Also, from what I've heard, it's pretty well known that the UK offers students more hands on experiences earlier than in the US. Finally, not sure if this is correct, but someone told me that it's a good way to learn the names of medications because the terms they use in the UK (which are often different than the US) are the same way they are written on the boards. If this is true, that's a huge plus, too.

[DA]

Thanks for your insight.