ScotGEM (graduate entry programme) MBChB

You will be based at the University of St Andrews and NHS Fife, where your learning will be focused around 30 one-week-long patient scenarios using an approach known as case-based learning. For example, a case of sore throat might lead into examination of the throat and neck, related anatomy, microbiology, pharmacology and related public health issues.

The complexity and challenge of the cases builds as you and your peers become more effective learners. Case-related clinical and communication skills will be introduced alongside topics such as biochemistry, pharmacology and anatomy.

Semester 1 will use cases that focus on foundational medical sciences; this knowledge will subsequently underpin more challenging scenarios.

Semester 2 concentrates on the body systems where examination skills can be learnt in conjunction with the relevant regional anatomy.

During this year, for one day a week, you will be engaged in small-group, work-based learning supported by a dedicated team of GP teachers or ‘generalist clinical mentors’ in a local general practice. This will include regular clinical experience and patient contact from the outset.

Agents of Change projects will include a voluntary sector placement and prescribing improvement project.

Year 2

This year introduces a further 20 patient scenarios structured around the lifecycle.

You will continue to work for a day each week with a generalist clinical mentor in the GP setting and, in addition, spend half a day in a specialist clinical environment.

Year 2 closes by providing experience of unscheduled care (GP, emergency department, ambulance, etc) and project work related to Agents of Change.

All blocks in Year 2 will be delivered across three regions with placements in Fife, Inverness, and Dumfries. You must be prepared to live and study away from St Andrews during Year 2. Accommodation will be provided when required.

Year 3

In Year 3, you will undertake a 'longitudinal integrated clerkship' (LIC) where you will join a general practice over the course of a year rather than taking part in ‘traditional’ clinical rotations. This apprenticeship-style educational model allows you to follow patients through their illness journeys.

Approximately half of your week is spent consulting with patients, the remainder studying the conditions you have encountered or following your patients into the secondary care setting. This approach works especially well for graduate learners and has been shown to develop more patient-centred doctors with improved decision-making skills.

Agents of Change activities run in parallel with your clinical learning during this period.

LIC placements will be available in all four partner health board areas, but the majority will be in rural areas and weighted towards Highland and Dumfries and Galloway. You must be prepared to live and study away from Fife and Tayside.

Year 4

As a competent generalist student, you will now be immersed in the hospital environment and prepare yourself for work as a junior doctor. You will complete two month-long foundation apprenticeships and other hospital-based clinical attachments in final preparation for practice as a Foundation Year 1 doctor.

You may choose clinical areas of particular interest which you can experience in greater depth. You will also arrange an eight-week clinical elective period which can take place anywhere in the world and will be focused on your own objectives.

You will also conduct a one-month healthcare improvement project in a hospital setting.