It still to this day feels like a dream. I got to experience a completely different healthcare system and solidify my clinical knowledge and skills while also experiencing the exquisite nature, history, and culture of the UK and networking with notable healthcare figures. I was initially worried about the new environment, the different traditions, and the unfamiliar expectations of medical students in the UK.

Nevertheless, I found a home away from home. I received immense support from all levels of East Surrey Hospital and Sussex and Surrey Hospitals (SASH) NHS trust: staff, administrators, physicians, nurses, and fellow medical students. They made sure I felt fully comfortable and supported in the sometimes challenging and fast-paced A&E environment.

This adventure in retrospect became an integral part of my medical education and personal development; It helped me gain confidence and further develop my clinical skills and intuition in a busy and demanding work environment while developing priceless connections in the NHS system.

“I want to express my deepest gratitude to my mentor Dr. Reem Al Jayousi, fellow medical student Saad Syed and the MBRU Electives’ Team: Dr. Adrian Stanley, Dr. Shaikha AlZaabi, and Ms. Mariam Kahoor for their endless support in making this dream a reality.”

How to apply for the Electives’ Program?

The Electives’ Program is a required part of the Phase 3 curriculum, taking place in both years 5 and 6. Students get a briefing by MBRU’s Electives’ Team during October-November and then proceed with the process independently, choosing on their own where and what specialty they’re interested in.

Common destinations and their pathways:

• US: via The AAMC Visiting Student Learning Opportunities™ (VSLO®) portal.
• UK: contacting individual medical colleges and NHS trusts by email or website portals.
• Canada: Using the AFMC Student Portal.
• UAE: Guidance provided by MBRU Electives’ Team.

How did the Electives’ Program help me in my studies?

The impact the Electives’ Program had on my education was tremendous. I was able to balance getting a long-awaited vacation in the tranquil English countryside that recharged me well for my intense internship year with taking my Clinical knowledge and Skills to the next level. I was able to participate in patient care by taking history, examining, devising a care plan, and documenting.

I was in direct contact with patients, answering questions, collecting blood, doing ECGs, and attending to their needs. This direct exposure allowed me to gain much more confidence in my clinical skills and knowledge and witness a different healthcare system.

What did I learn during the Electives’ Program?

1. Learned about the NHS system and its pathways in providing healthcare to patients.
2. Learned about the training pathway in the UK.
3. Learned about the different relationships between doctors and nurses in the UK.
4. Actively participated in patient care under the direct supervision of physicians.
5. Make helpful contacts in the NHS system.
6. Improve my knowledge base by attending different educational sessions with other fellow medical students and registrars.
7. Being a tourist in the UK. Exploring the rich culture and stunning nature of England.