Meet some of our students

Isra

"I always loved Biology and learning about the human body, combined with the practical aspect of Medicine and the opportunities to help and care for patients makes it the perfect course to study for me!"
Shiv

"After I graduate, I want to pursue a career in Surgery, studying at Lancaster has helped prepare me for my future ambitions as I have had the opportunity to work closely with surgeons across the region."
Nellie

"I have enjoyed being part of Lancaster University's Wilderness and Emergency Medicine society, which has allowed me to go on trips to the lakes, practise scenarios, and compete in wild trials. The Community First Responders scheme has also been a good opportunity to improve my clinical skills."
Jonty

"I’ve always wanted to be a doctor and I chose Lancaster because of its Problem Based Learning curriculum and the early introduction to placement and clinical practice. I really like studying here, I love my course and everything I have learned. Lancaster is a great place to study."
Rhys

"I always wanted to do something where I helped people. Once I started to progress through high school, I found human biology fascinating so put these two together to get Medicine. I attended the summer school at Lancaster and fell in love with the campus and activities available."

Isra

Isra is a 1st year Medicine And Surgery student having completed her Gateway Year. We asked what her experiences have been so far.

I really enjoy my degree, I think the course is well thought out and structured well to allow us to learn effectively. The course is really engaging and interactive, allows us to take control of our own learning due to the nature of PBL and the amount of free time that we have. I love being a student in Lancaster. It is a lovely area with beautiful scenery and independent businesses. I made the right choice for me by coming to Lancaster as I feel very comfortable and well supported by the university staff, friends, and members of the community.

What do you like about studying at Lancaster University?

I really like the small group teaching style (PBL) as I was quite nervous to start Medicine it made it less daunting. Not to mention the opportunities with Lancaster University Wilderness and Emergency Medicine Society. We go on hikes in the lake district and practice emergency scenarios that can occur in the wild, the sessions are taught by year Medical students from years 4 and 5 which allows us to network and ask questions. It is an exciting way to get to know other medics whilst also practicing medical scenarios.

What made you pursue a degree in Medicine?

I have always loved biology and learning about the human body, combined with the practical aspect of medicine and the opportunities to help and care for patients makes it the perfect course to study for me!

What has been the biggest challenge during your studies?

Medicine and surgery is a dynamic course I just really enjoy learning. I initially I found PBL difficult to get used to. There are a lot of different resources out there for us to use and it can be quite difficult to differentiate between what is too much or too little detail. However, it comes with practice and over time I have become more efficient at studying independently and recognising which resources are useful for me.

What have about PBL has benefited you the most?

PBL is very independent and self-directed learning, however, over time it becomes more natural and we get used to looking for resources, attending lectures and giving feedback to our groups.

Shiv

Shiv is a 3rd year Medicine and Surgery student with ambitions to become a surgeon, we asked how they had been finding their time at Lancaster.

What brought you into the world of Medicine?

I wanted to pursue a medical degree as I wanted a career in a field where I could combine research as well as helping people which is something I am extremely passionate about.

Why was Lancaster the best option for you?

I chose Lancaster because I like the small group teaching in the form of PBL as well as early clinical exposure right from first year and then regular clinical placements from second year onwards. It was best decision of my life, the degree is amazing, and I am making the most of it. Everyone at Lancaster is very friendly and support is always on hand. The library and campus has the best places to study.

Outside of your course what else does Lancaster University have to offer?

I'm the President of MedSoc and before this I was the social secretary, meaning I can make the most of the work-life balance but also know the majority of people within the medical school on a more personal level. These are both fun roles which allow me to give back to the medical school community.

What was the biggest challenge you overcame on your course?

My very first time talking to patients in a clinical setting was very daunting as it was mine and my partners' first day on the wards but now I can confidently take a history on my own from a range of patients. I became more confident at this by the communication for medical practice sessions taught by the medical school which make us excel in our history taking skills as well as early clinical exposure which strengthens our confidence when talking to patients.

Can you name some of the best reasons to study at Lancaster University?

PBL is a very fun way to learn as it is delivered by small group teaching and as a lot of the studying is independent it is very enjoyable as we get to choose what we learn. Early clinical exposure has been so helpful, the clinical placements early on may seem daunting at first, but they are a very engaging way of learning and getting more clinical experience for our future work.

Do you feel like you have been supported by the University during your studies?

I am hoping to pursue a career in surgery, the medical school are incredibly supportive with this as there has been the opportunity to work with expert surgeons early on in my degree be it through clinical placement or special study modules.

Nellie

We asked 2nd year Medicine and Surgery student, Nellie, about her favourite experiences at Lancaster University this year.

I enjoyed being part of Lancaster University Wilderness and Emergency Medicine society, which has allowed me to go on trips to the lakes, practise scenarios, and compete in wild trials. The Community First Responders scheme has also been a good opportunity to improve my clinical skills.

Have you found University societies benefited your studies?

Once I graduate, I want to work in either A&E or pre-hospital medicine. I have enjoyed spending time in A&E on placement and the super-curricular activities organised by Medsoc have been useful in helping me to explore these specialties.

What attracted you to study at Lancaster?

I felt that the Problem Based Learning curriculum would be well suited to my style of learning, and I wanted to start hospital placement as soon as possible. The campus and accommodation have created a really nice environment and Lancaster's proximity to the Lakes and the Yorkshire Dales means that I can go hiking as a day trip.

What have the benefits of Problem Based Learning been for you?

PBL has been really good preparation for hospital placement and the spiral nature of the curriculum helps to structure my learning. The careers department have been immensely helpful in providing workshops and 1-to-1 sessions so that we can find out the requirements for different specialities and are supported in meeting them.

Have you had any challenges during your time at Lancaster?

I found presentations really difficult at the beginning of med school, but after 2 years of PBL I feel much more confident presenting to a group.

What’s your favourite thing about your course?

I like that my degree is very structured. There are lots of contact hours, which are very varied.

Jonty

We caught up with Jonty, a 4th year Medicine and Surgery student to find out his thoughts about finishing his 4th year of study.

What made you study medicine at Lancaster University?

I’ve always wanted to be a doctor and I chose Lancaster because of its Problem Based Learning and the early introduction to placement and clinical practice. I really like studying here, I love my course and everything I have learned. Lancaster is a great place to study.

What have the benefits of PBL been for you?

PBL can be really beneficial especially when someone comes up with things that you haven't particularly covered or understood so you can identify your weaknesses and improve upon them. I absolutely love placement, and being able to see the things you have been studying first hand.

Have you experienced any challenges during your studies?

A lot of the theory in the course can be difficult to wrap your head around; anatomy in first year was quite difficult but drawing out and being able to visualise it really helped.

Do you feel as if you’ve been supported through that?

Yes they've helped me explore opportunities around it and I hope to pursue it further in my Elective.

What would you like to do after graduation?

I love orthopaedics and emergency medicine, although there is no dedicated trauma specialty in the UK I'd love to pursue it further.

Rhys

Rhys is a final year Medical student. We wanted to know what he thinks of his time at Lancaster, now he's in a position to look back.

What brought you to study Medicine at Lancaster?

I always wanted to do something where I helped people. Once I started to progress through school, I found human biology fascinating so put these two together to get Medicine. I attended the summer school at Lancaster and fell in love with the campus and activities available.

What’s been the best part of your time here?

I've loved my time at Lancaster. The course structure suits me perfectly, working in PBL scenario rather than traditional lecture-based learning. I've also made lifelong friends through the course and social activities available. I really enjoyed the early clinical exposure; getting a taste in a variety of different specialties and becoming a part of the clinical team.

What are some of the challenges you’ve faced on your course?

Initially, I found it difficult being on the wards, practising my skills and engaging with senior colleagues as it was very nerve racking and I felt out of my depths. But as time went on and I practised more, I've became much more confident in the setting.

What have been some of the highlights of the course for you?

I really like the style of teaching, and feel it was style that suits me. I wouldn't engage the best from lecture-based learning and enjoyed the group theme of PBL and the self-driven study. The early clinical placement is excellent because you learn from experience and seeing patients with these conditions helps it to stick much better.

Did Lancaster offer you all the support you needed?

I am interested in Anaesthetics and ICU and the University gives plenty of opportunity to explore specialisms in and out of placement. In 5th year I was able to choose 2 of my own rotations, one of which was Anaesthetics. I also work at the hospital as a clinical support worker. It is sometimes difficult to try and balance but luckily with this role I was able to choose when I worked allowing flexibility and forward planning.

Welcome to Medicine and Surgery at Lancaster Medical School

Let our students show you what studying Medicine and Surgery at Lancaster Medical School is really like. From the sense of awe at some of their learning experiences, the way the Medical School supports them, to the friendships they make, this short film tries to put you in their shoes.