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WMS MB ChB Current Students

Learning beyond Medicine

Hear from a few students of the 2020 cohort what they learnt in their first year at medical school, three things that are not related to the subject matter. This might give you a more holistic picture of what a MB ChB student experience can be like.

Lucas

  1. Adapt: I am more adaptable than I thought, and if life gives you lemons, at least you won't get scurvy!
  2. You get out, what you put in: The effort you make pays off and opens doors.
  3. Save your best for when you need it: Pace yourself, and don't let your motivation be fuelled by fear.

Isi

  1. Have commitments outside of medicine: This is important! It not only gives you balance but is vital to your mental health.
  2. Everybody has a unique way of learning: So do your own thing and have confidence in it!
  3. Being a patient in hospital yourself: Shows you the importance of listening and making the most out of the time that one day you'll be spending with patients.

Stan

  1. Teachers MATTER! (Especially in medical school). A good teacher does not simply deliver material, but they inspire.
  2. Medicine is far from where I would want it to be, and that needs to change ... but how? Always try to go out into the world and tackle health inequalities and implement change.
  3. What does it actually mean to listen? How can we ensure our patients feel listened to?

Nivekkah

  1. It is OKAY to fail. Do your best, and what comes is what comes. Your anxiety can drive fear of even trying. So, don't let your fear keep you from trying.
  2. I have learnt to learn from people around me. My peers come from a variety of backgrounds which inspire and drive me.
  3. Tending to your mental health is VITAL. Notice if changes are happening in yourself and take steps to help yourself.

Julia

  1. There has been a positive paradigm shift in how diversity and equality is being embraced - which is refreshing!
  2. WMS has represented the real diversity in what being a doctor is, and who becomes doctors.
  3. I don't have to stop being a humanity student at heart in order to become a doctor.

Rachel

  1. It is OKAY to work with others, and not do everything on your own as an 'independent learner'.
  2. Teamwork is important.
  3. You can't learn everything, and that is okay - this can be frustrating, but learn to be okay with doing your best, and leaving it at that.

This content was produced by the Medical Education Interest Group led by Dr Erin Fillmore (April 2021).