Clinical Medicine
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Years 4 to 6 of the six-year course comprise the clinical component and lead to the award of the BM, BCh.
Most teaching takes place in the hospitals and general practices in Oxford, but with an important element taking place in other centres in the Oxford Teaching Network, primarily Northampton, Swindon and Reading. The Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust provides a local service as well as acting as a regional referral centre for speciality treatment. The other hospitals in the Teaching Network are busy district general hospitals.
The emphasis on self-directed learning and evaluation of medical literature recognises that the biosciences and the practice of evidence-based healthcare underpin clinical training: you are expected to become competent in searching for and evaluating information, so that you are equipped to assess advances in medical practice throughout your professional career.
The core clinical curriculum is taught and assessed during the first two and half years. During the last six months of the course you pursue subjects of interest including your elective and focus on preparing for work in the NHS as a Foundation Year 1 Doctor (F1).
Student Comments
I've very much enjoyed getting involved in the sports teams and societies run by Osler House, which has also continued to provide the tight social environment that the Colleges offer in the first three years. There are opportunities to go abroad as part of the 5th year course and I was lucky enough to have a fantastic experience of medicine in the developing world by spending two weeks of my Obstetrics and Gynaecology attachment in Tanzania.
Sam Folkard, Fifth Year Medical Student
It's possible to fit in lots of things around your degree, even during the clinical school years. This year I have trialled with the University Women's Lightweight Rowing Club, involving 11 training sessions a week in Oxford and Wallingford.
Rachel Cary, Fifth year Medical Student
As a student from abroad I have found the teaching and facilities offered here incomparable to those of my country of origin - particularly the practical skills and the two- or three-to-one teaching we are provided with. There is support wherever you need it and there are endless learning resources. However, there is also time and room for other non-medical activities, many encouraged by the Medical School itself, such as learning another language and the opportunity to study abroad for a month.
Victoria Endo, Third Year Graduate Entry Medical Student