Auckland University Medical Trainee Intern Isabel White with HOD Medicine Dr Pierre de Villiers.
Strong teaching record boosts medical
student numbers
This year a record number of Auckland
University 6th year medical students are on
placement at Tauranga Hospital, in their final
year before they graduate.
The Clinical Campus, established by the BOPDHB in 2007, is
well regarded for its strong teaching record. This year 27 Trainee
Interns (TIs) are based at Tauranga Hospital, a big increase from
17 here last year.
The students are well supported by our medical teams during
their six week General Medicine rotations, as they prepare for
their medical long case examination, sat in the final week of
this rotation. This is regarded as their major exam before they
graduate. Students attend tutorials held by Oncologist Dr Richard
North and General and Obstetric Physician Dr Kylie Gilmore. For
many years, Dr Richard North has provided weekly tutorials for
the Trainee Interns, while Dr Kylie Gilmore's tutorials have been
a welcomed addition this year. Trainee Intern Isabel White shares
her experience here in Checkup.
The Medical Long Case is widely considered to be the most
important examination for Trainee Interns (TIs), who are in their
6th and final year of their medical degree. As such, many TIs
fear this exam, as it is essentially what stands between them and
graduation. The exam involves students spending 40 minutes
being observed taking a history and examining a patient with a
number of chronic medical conditions. Students are then allowed
10 minutes to collect their thoughts, before spending a further 30
minutes presenting the case to a second examiner, outlining a
management plan and completing a prescribing task. The exam
is completed at the end of a six week placement in General
Medicine, during which students are each assigned to work with
a consultant and their team on the wards. Within the Clinical
School at Tauranga Hospital, we are fortunate to receive teaching
and assistance with preparation for this exam from a number
of consultants who kindly take time out of their busy schedules.
Medical Oncologist Dr Richard North, provides a weekly tutorial
for students in order to develop case presentation skills – a vital
component of the exam. General Medicine & Obstetric Physician
Dr Kylie Gilmore, also began providing weekly tutorials covering
the diagnosis and management of common chronic conditions
for students this year, which has been a valued addition to the
teaching schedule. I was assigned to the team led by HOD
Medicine and General and Respiratory Physician Dr Pierre de
Villiers. During ward rounds, Dr de Villiers always took the time to
ensure there was an opportunity for teaching, which further helped
my preparation for the exam. I thoroughly enjoyed my General
Medicine attachment, and found the entire department both
welcoming and supportive.
So far this year, all eight students who have sat the exam have
passed – a trend we hope continues!
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