Verrisha's internship: University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW)

Health and Medical Sciences student Verrisha spent part of her summer shadowing health professionals in the Diabetes and Endocrinology department at University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW). Here, she reflects on what she learned from the placement and how it has shaped her future career ambitions.

Tell us about your placement and what attracted you to it

I completed a summer placement within the Diabetes and Endocrinology department at University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire. I was particularly attracted to this opportunity after developing an interest in diabetes and endocrinology during my Health and Medical Sciences degree. I wanted to build on the scientific knowledge I had gained through my studies and understand how these concepts are applied in a clinical setting. The placement gave me the opportunity to observe the realities of patient care and gain a greater understanding of the role of healthcare professionals in managing complex and often long-term conditions. I was especially keen to experience the clinical environment and observe how doctors communicate with patients, make decisions and work alongside multidisciplinary teams.

What did you do as part of the placement?

During my placement, I had the opportunity to shadow specialist doctors within the Diabetes and Endocrinology department. I observed outpatient clinics, specialist foot clinics and patient consultations, which allowed me to see how healthcare professionals assess patients, discuss symptoms and investigations, and develop individualised management plans. I also spent time observing patient care on the wards and gained insight into how patients are supported before and after treatment or surgery. One of the most valuable aspects of the placement was seeing how theoretical knowledge from my degree is applied in real clinical situations. I learned that managing endocrine and diabetic conditions often requires consideration of many different factors, including a patient's medical history, lifestyle and individual circumstances. I also developed a greater appreciation of the importance of communication, empathy and multidisciplinary teamwork in delivering effective patient-centred care.

What did you most enjoy?

The aspect I most enjoyed was observing the interaction between healthcare professionals and patients. It was particularly interesting to see how complex medical information was explained in a clear and understandable way, while also ensuring that patients felt listened to and involved in decisions about their care. I also enjoyed seeing the variety within the specialty. Diabetes and endocrinology involves a wide range of conditions and requires both scientific understanding and careful consideration of the individual patient. Observing this combination of problem-solving, communication and long-term patient management made the experience particularly engaging. The placement also allowed me to connect what I have learned during my degree with real-life clinical practice, which made the topics I had previously studied feel much more meaningful and applicable to the real world.

Has the experience changed how you think about future options?

Yes, the experience has strengthened my interest in pursuing a future career in healthcare and has given me a more realistic understanding of what working in a clinical environment involves. Before the placement, much of my understanding of medicine and healthcare came from my academic studies. Shadowing healthcare professionals allowed me to see the importance of skills that cannot always be learned from textbooks, such as communication, empathy, teamwork and adapting to the individual needs of each patient.

Do you have any advice for those thinking about summer placements?

My main advice would be to apply for opportunities that genuinely interest you, even if you are not completely sure what career you want to pursue. A placement can be a valuable way of exploring different areas and discovering what you enjoy. I would also encourage students to be proactive and make the most of the opportunity by asking appropriate questions, observing carefully and reflecting on what they experience. You do not need to know everything before starting a placement; being curious and willing to learn is often more important. Finally, I would recommend applying early and not being discouraged if opportunities are competitive or difficult to find. Reaching out to departments, academics or organisations and showing genuine enthusiasm can sometimes lead to valuable experiences. Even a short placement or period of shadowing can provide useful insight into a potential career and help you develop a clearer understanding of your future options.