Author: Katie Burrell

First Year – Term Two !

/ Katie Burrell

It is finally Easter break – aaaannd it’s going to be a holiday of studying. It’s 9 weeks until summative exams and everyone is starting to sense how close that really is. We’ve been here 6 months and I think it’s safe to say everyone underestimated how much knowledge and content medical school expects you to fit into your brain. Saying this – term two was so much easier than term one. We have settled in and felt more at ease, both inside and outside of studies. From the structure of PBL to the layout of the campus and city, all aspects of our lives here have become a little more familiar and comfortable – Lancaster truly feels like home now.

The curveball of term two (apart from mock exams and the SSM) – the Community Clinical Teaching sessions. This initially terrifying notion turned out to be my favourite part of the whole term. CCT’s are the first real clinical exposure we get in year one, where we get to talk to real patients and practicing GPs about their lives and thoughts on health care. Considering the most we’d had to worry about up to that point was making sure we introduced ourselves and gained consent to speak to a ‘simulated patient’ (actor/actress) – the prospect of talking to a real person was scary for all of us. We had 3 placements in 3 different GP practices, which meant that for 3 days in February, we got to break out of the Lancaster bubble and discover some beautiful places – Kendal, Sedburgh and Grange–Over– Sands. Talking to patients with chronic diseases was so eye-opening and inspiring. Each brought their own unique story and one patient in particular was the most positive and lovely person I have ever met. She will be somebody who I will remember throughout my career. The doctors also talked to us before and after we met the patient, informing us of what it is really like to be a GP and the vast amount of opportunities open to us in GP land! I also loved exploring the hidden gems that are on our doorstep at Lancaster. Eating chips on the promenade of Grange-over-Sands with some of my fabulous medic mates – you can’t get much more northern or much more relaxed– but the places we visited were serene and it was great to see everyone appreciating the beauty the North has to offer. (FYI – I am a northerner through and through).

Other personal highlights of the term include using the on-campus cinema, Take 2, for the first time. It’s brilliant and it’s pretty safe to say La La Land gained an extra fan! The Medsoc Take Me Out was also a brilliant event for charity, and a night to remember!! (Medics just KNOW how to party.)

So, as we enter what is bound to be an intense last term of our first year of medical school – I can’t wait to see what caffeine-fuelled memories I make with the incredible friends I have made here at Lancaster.

Settling In – The First 6 Weeks

/ Katie Burrell

It’s hard to believe that it has only been 6 weeks since that oh-so-exciting first day. My flatmates were my main concern – what are the chances of 8 complete strangers getting along? This was followed closely by – wait, hold up a sec. I’ve been working my socks off to become a med student for years and now I’m here, is this what I want and will I be able to do it??

Thankfully those questions were swiftly answered. Fresher’s week melts away any fears about not making friends. Standard cliché line but – everyone is in the same boat, and Lancaster make sure that you have a great time. Flat reps: one thing that I didn’t know about beforehand – so listen up. When you arrive, each flat is assigned two reps (older students) that take you under their wing. They aren’t like controlling parents sticking their noses in, they’re a bit like cool older siblings who are the pool of all Lancaster wisdom and can answer everything; taxi numbers, which bus to get or luckily for one of my flatmates even how to replace a snapped door key at midnight.

For the anxious parents out there, the reps also make sure you get home okay during the first week. Sounds silly now – but trust me, when you’re having a fab time at the paint party (100% would recommend) and realise you’re covered in UV paint, it’s 2.30 am and you’re in a totally new city (maybe had a few too many), you’ll be glad to know there’s someone looking out for you.  My personal highlight of fresher’s was the silent disco – I challenge you to name something more fun/cheesy than dancing the night away to the likes of Mr Brightside and all the S Club classics.

Staying with the guidance theme, as a 1st year med student we are assigned a medic parent (second year) and a medic grandparent (fourth year).  We meet with them during fresher’s and they are there to help with absolutely anything. It’s a brilliant way to get to know the upper years and all the secrets, tips and tricks on how to survive and thrive.

Moving on to the course – it’s definitely lived up to expectations. I absolutely love it, especially clinical skills. We spend two hours a week at the hospital and have very interactive sessions. The first time I used my stethoscope to learn how to examine the abdomen, that’s when it felt very real. Luckily for me, my flatmates are more than willing for me to practice on them. Unluckily for them I’m not quite the doctor they think I am yet and unfortunately don’t know the cure for the dreaded fresher’s flu. (Naps. Naps solve everything. I didn’t tell you that though.)

I’m also a part of Teddy Bear Hospital, a society run by med students who go to local schools and lead sessions with children, aiming to reduce anxiety and fears about hospital. The kids bring their ‘sick’ teddies in and then we work through diagnosis and treatment. (Let me tell you, you soon rediscover how fun toy thermometers and bandages are.) It’s something both fun and meaningful and really gives you some perspective, especially if you’ve been in a little study bubble all week.

I could write pages on how fabulously crazy the past month has been; I can’t wait to see what the next few weeks bring.

 

9th November 2016