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“The iBSc was a fantastic course which helped develop awareness in many areas of medicine. The course was well structured and support was given at all times. All changes due to COVID-19 were communicated immediately with the students. The quality of all sessions were great throughout the course”
“ …the best part of placement was the practical aspect of it. Being able to take histories and assessing patients in person was fantastic! Also being able to lead clinic sessions and also practice practical skills such as vaccinations was very useful”
“ …was a great opportunity - wish we had more time and COVID wasn’t around! I had a fantastic GP tutor who gave great tutor sessions which were very helpful (especially being a senior student) and gave great support” (BP, External student May 21)
"As far as I am aware primary health care is only amongst a few iBScs to offer patient contact - one day a week throughout the year. Not only does this help tie in the theoretical learning about consultation models and patient-belief systems, it most definitely prepares us for the 4th year clinics and in my opinion, is a truer placement than the 5th year GP placement because we actually see continuity of care over a prolonged period."
"I cannot think of a single session where I thought the teaching was overbearing or too complex. Tutorials can be up to three hours but it's not as bad as that since the format lends itself to promoting healthy and productive discussion between different groups of students. As someone who was often happy to sit silently I now appreciate being driven out of my comfort zone, and it has helped to develop my confidence speaking to larger groups."
Ranjit Randhawa
"(I)…really appreciated the value of small group teaching, complete freedom in project design and execution, and the early but appropriate clinical exposure"
"…the high number of contact hours, the variety of topics and teaching methods and also the applicability of what is covered in the BSc (I.e. neuroscience is great for when you're a neurosurgeon, but knowing about consultation models and the primary care system is essential in any area of medicine)" "…(it is) a good 'all-rounder' BSc that looks good on all job applications and gives a strong general grounding for all of medicine, compared to a much more specific or niche BSc choice"
James Everson
"I enjoyed my intercalated degree immensely and realise now, as I am planning the next stage of my medical career, what a unique opportunity it was. From devising my own primary care research project to exploring elements of medical anthropology and public health, this BSc sparked my interest in general practice, broadening my perspective on health, disease and the doctor-patient relationship."
Name withheld
"Using the skills acquired in the iBSc in Primary Health Care at UCL I have developed into a self-proficient researcher and have since gone on to publish a dozen articles in peer-reviewed publications, present over fifteen nationally and also peer-reviewed numerous pieces of academic work."
"The iBSc was the first opportunity I ever had to try taking part in research. Academia was not something I had ever considered before, as in my head I thought it usually consisted of lab work and being told what to do (two things I can't stand!).
However, in comparison to the other courses available, this iBSc was one of few to give you an opportunity to run a research project from start to finish, even applying for our own ethics (I can say happily now, but not so much back then!). Although seemingly daunting at the time, the task of designing my own project was possibly one of the most useful I was able to complete during medical school. It meant that in the proceeding clinical years, I had a solid grounding in research methods and was able to start taking on work myself that others in my year group wouldn't have the knowledge of where to start."
Dr Joht Singh Chandan