I am in the middle of my third year of medicine and it is the first fully clinical year. I am currently placed in the Northern Trust in Antrim Area Hospital. My first week on placement was a whirlwind of exciting new experiences, lots and lots of clinical exposure and the challenges that come with finding your footing in a new environment.

I definitely had the nerves before we began because this year is a huge step up from second year. But the only advice I would give you is follow the study guides Queen’s gives, stay proactive and don’t leave things for the last minute.  Overall, it has been a very pleasant experience and I can’t wait for what lies ahead! 

In this blog I will try and give context for what a week on placement looks like. 

Find out more about life as a medicine student on placement

Monday

The staff in the Northern Trust are so lovely, and they really take care of the medical students! I began my week with some coffee and croissants at the induction talk with our ward supervisor. He gave us some precious advice about how to work through placement and survive third year! Then, he showed us around the hospital and all the main units we will be working in. This was also the day when I received my HSC ID and locker key.

Later in the day I was scheduled to be in the emergency theatre but unfortunately all operations got cancelled so I did not get to observe any surgeries. However, I did get the opportunity to observe the theatre environment and learn how to scrub in for surgeries. 

Tuesday

The next day began with early morning ward rounds. I got to shadow the consultant and the rest of the surgical team. It was a great experience and gave me an insight into patient care and how to communicate with the patient effectively. In the second half of the day, I got to perform venepuncture for the first time! 

There are opportunities to shadow consultants and the surgical team in your hospital

Wednesday

On Wednesday I was scheduled to be in the breast clinic. I got to observe consultations in the red flag clinic and even learnt how to perform a breast exam. The doctor who was leading the consultations let me take a history from all patients and gave valuable feedback. The rest of the day went in performing more clinical skills and getting them signed off on our MyProgress app. 

Thursday

Thursday was another interesting day as I started in the Emergency Surgical Unit. It is a totally different experience as it more fast paced and the F1s managing the ward can be beeped and called into surgery any time! (and if you ask, you might be able to join them). This was also a teaching day, and we received short lectures in the hospital, and online by Queen’s. 

Friday

The last working day, Friday, was the most exciting for me. I got to scrub in to observe my first ever surgery. It was so mesmerising watching the surgeon do his work. The teamwork that goes on inside an operating theatre is commendable. From the anesthetists and the surgeon to the nurses, everyone works in tandem. I got to witness a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The technology used to carry out this procedure is so advanced. It was an exhilarating moment. 

Hear more about Medicine at Queen's

This week was filled with so many learning opportunities and an insight into what a career in medicine looks like. Even though the week seems busy, I have had enough time to socialise and prioritise my studies. It is a small group of us placed here in Antrim, and we all try and have lunch together. There are a few of us living in halls together and we often catch each other walking to and from the hospital. Even though this year is focused on more independent learning, Queen’s try their best to provide some structure and keep us on the right track! 

Find out more

Medicine at Queen's

A Week in the Life of a Medical Student at Queen's

Why I Chose To Study Medicine At Queen’s (and why you should too!)

VIDEO: What is Medicine Placement like at a Russell Group University?

Manya Ranganathan Medicine | Undergraduate Student | India I am in my third year of medical school at Queen’s. It has been an enjoyable few years in Belfast with lots of study sessions in the McClay, discovering new parts of the city and working together with my peers. I am an international student from Delhi, India but the wonderful people I have met and the friends I’ve made make Belfast seem like home.