Clinical placement is one of the most rewarding learning opportunities available to medical students. From practising history-taking skills to performing clinical examinations and presenting summaries to doctors, the transition from pre-clinical to clinical medicine can feel overwhelming.

As a third-year medical student, I was initially worried I wouldn’t be able to keep up with how busy placement can be. But now that I’m on the other side of exam season, I’ve gathered a lot of useful tips that I hope will help you make the most of your clinical placement!

1. Familiarise yourself with the QUB MED EPAD 

This is incredibly important as there are many sign-offs that you’ll be required to submit for the duration of your placement. I approached the logbook with the following approach: 

• Submit attendance
• Try to find a patient to take a history /practise examination skills
• Present findings to doctor
• If interesting, write up a case report 

This will ensure you cover the basics and also will help you not waste time on placement. I always try to have a plan for each week of placement, for example if I’m on my respiratory medicine rotation, I’ll try to sign off respiratory focused skills in the logbook. 

The GMC23 skills are all listed clearly on the MED EPAD for you to complete!

2. Utilise GP placement to the best of your ability 

I think GP placement is a blessing in disguise for clinical year students. You’re exposed to a wide variety of clinical presentations and have to think quickly. Many exam questions and OSCE stations are often set in general practice and therefore require a different approach, as not all investigative procedures are available. I learnt a lot from my GP placement in year 3 as we were allowed to lead patient consultations, come up with management plans and brush up on many examination skills e.g. cardio/resp. I was able to sign off many procedures listed in the logbook and overall felt like I learnt a lot from this placement. 

3. Do group study sessions to get through content faster 

This is something my friends and I do to make studying more efficient. In clinical years, OSCEs become much more important, and there’s a lot more to cover in preparation for these exams. I like to start my OSCE revision early with a small group of friends, where we meet once a week for an hour to practise our skills. It’s often helpful to align what you’re revising with the placement you have e.g. if you’re on neurology placement, practise neuro stations! 

Group study in the Biomedical Library

4. Practise data interpretation

Data interpretation is a huge area of medicine that you need to be confident in. Interpreting patient bloods, scans, ECGs etc. is important as you need to be able to spot abnormalities. I like to view any opportunity I have to view x-rays or ECGs as useful, as often data interpretation is pattern recognition and also becomes easier the more you do it. Additionally, it forms a big part of the OSCE after year 2, so it’s a good idea to sharpen these skills throughout your clinical attachment!

X-rays often come up in exams, so practising interpretation is a great way to revise!

Clinical placement can be both exciting and overwhelming, but with the right mindset and a few practical tips, it becomes a truly invaluable part of your medical education. Best of luck on your clinical journey!

Find out more

Study Medicine at Queen's

Why I Chose Queen's for Medicine

My First Week of Placement as a Third Year Medical Student

How to Prepare for and Ace Your OSCE as a Pre-Clinical Student!

Radhika Gupta Medicine | Undergraduate Student | Derry, NI Hi! My name is Radhika, I’m 21 years old and originally from Derry. I’m currently a third-year medical student and so far, I’ve been loving my course and time in Belfast! I like to spend weekends exploring the city with my friends and trying to find good places to eat/drink. My hobbies include photography, reading and yoga! This year I’m trying to become more involved in university activities, so you may see me around campus as I’m a student ambassador, plus I also love spending time in the Students' Union with my friends in the evenings! I’m a member of various medical societies like SWOT and WOMED, and also recreational societies like Chess and Arts!