Electives Dr Connie Wiskin Senior Lecturer Academic Lead – Elective SSC Team: Emma Chambers, Leon Salter

Fly…be free!

On Schedule….. (final times TBC) October 2009: Project registration & home supervisor consent deadline January 2010: Protocol & Safety and Feasibility Form and Supporting Paperwok (both signed by home supervisor) deadline March 2010: Location Contact/Address Form deadline 6 th April 2010 – 21 st May 2010: Main period for collecting data/experiential learning (7 weeks with an expectation of working 5 weeks) July 2010: Location Supervisor form & Travel claim form submission deadline October 2010: Project Report submission deadline November 2010: Meeting home supervisor for feedback deadline

Motivations?

Reminder…… The elective may be fun, exciting; challenging; a change from routine, but above all else it is an important learning experience. It is a great opportunity to get something on your CV / FY1 application that will differentiate you from others It is a privilege not given to other students Nick Ross Feb 2008

GMC Goals for SSC a.Learn about and begin to develop and use research and/or lifelong learning skills. b.Have greater control over their own learning and develop their self directed learning skills. c.Study, in depth, topics of particular interest outside the core curriculum. d.Develop greater confidence in their own skills and abilities. e.Present the results of their work verbally, visually or in writing. f.Consider potential career paths.

DATA COLLECTION PROJECT or REFLECTIVE PROJECT You can plan your own, unique experience You can undertake an off the shelf elective offered by another institution You can go via one of the elective ‘package tour’ companies It’s all about Choice

Spot the difference Data Collection Research Audit Service Evaluation Ethics Student Project Ethics Approval Process R&D/ethical committee? Reflective Report Not a ‘dear diary’! Critical analysis of clinical and personal experience Linked to learning outcomes you set

Far flung places…. Stretch you Expose you to different cultures and healthcare systems Provide unique encounters (and memories) More shortly from our guest expert!

Nb: While many students do choose to broaden their horizons abroad, there are valid reasons for staying in the UK

But relevance is important Some experiences are more suited to a UK placement Valid personal or financial criteria may apply Supporting career decisions may be a factor

Supervision Home Consultant / Registrar / Academic Interest / Advice / Contacts? Not…ideas originators (that’s you!) Supervision Location Who is available? Smoothing your path / Support Professionalism (attendance / application / --good behaviour/ flexibility (that’s you!)

Safety First! At risk of being parental PLEASE note the following…. You are intelligent, but not indestructible You may be at risk re, eg, AIDS and Hepatitis Poor/unfamiliar road conditions and rogue transport operators can cost lives The biggest cause of accidents is ‘leisure’ pursuit outside of the clinical environment (these can be fatal)…….SO LOOK AFTER YOU!

If problems occur on site You will be responsible for things you’ve not planned well, or should have foreseen We will NOT hold you responsible for the inevitable changes/challenges/barriers that can occur on location If there is a problem, be flexible – what CAN you achieve with what you have? If the political or environmental climate changes and you are not comfortable GET OUT! You are more important than the report!!!

Status? SSA (5-6,000 word project; 7-8,000 joint) Personal & professional opportunity Meeting project landmarks is a requirement for MBChB Graduation Requirements – timely submissions to meet deadlines for all paperwork, a robust protocol, evidenced completion of the Elective Sanctions will apply in the event of failure on the above (ranging from withdrawal of financial support to threat to graduation) Additional project work in year 5 Cautionary note – in addition misbehaviour or lack of professionalism on the Elective will be referred to Fitness to Practice

Contacts SSC Team – not individual academics please! We have a system! There are standard letters already in place for you (eg ‘from the Dean’) Ditto information re Bursaries etc.

Use the handbook (Read it all!!!)

It’s what YOU make it Make sure we know where you are Over to our guest speaker……