The FAQs
We’ve compiled a list of the most commonly asked questions by those starting to plan their elective, including “how to decide elective goals”, “USMLE for USA”, “funding, visas and insurance”. We’ve also provided some links to useful resources!
1. When should I start planning?
Firstly, don’t panic, there’s always plenty of time. Ideally though, earlier the better. I started looking into things a year before my elective start date, during the summer break. I found this to be a good point to start as it ended up giving me plenty of time to mull over things and decide what I actually wanted.
2. How do I decide what I want?
This is a tricky one. My advice would be to decide your priorities and go from there. Essentially, do what you feel is going to make you happiest. If you want to chill, then pick the placements known to be chilled out. If you want to grind, then pick a placement that’s going to push you. How will you know which is which? From TEN reviews and from past elective-goers.
3. Do I need the USMLE for an elective in the USA?
Firstly, what is the USMLE? It’s basically the exam non-US trained doctors need to do and pass in order to go off and work in the US; essentially it’s the US equivalent to the UK final MB exams. So, do you need to do it for a US elective as a medical student? Yes and No. Honestly, depends on where you are applying to in the USA. Harvard-based electives do not require one atm, but several other American destinations do require the USMLE, especially if you’re looking to get hands-on. So check the local requirement before applying.
4. Visas?
Check visa requirements with both the hospital that you are going to and the embassy websites. You might need no visa, a travel/tourist visa or even a work visa depending on the destination. Some places are very difficult, Canada is infamous, so try to sort this out well in advance. Tobago was chill, no visas required and USA, an ESTA is good enough.
5. Do I need to pay to apply?
Unfortunately, things cost money. Annoying, I know. Some places charge application fees, some require fees for the elective placement itself and some are completely free from start to finish. Tobago was completely free, so had nothing to lose applying. Other places, you need to think hard before applying, especially if you’re going to go via the official means to places like Harvard. If you’re committed and sure of yourself, then go for it. If you’re on the fence or want to minimise spend, try alternative means like emailing consultants directly or using known contacts. I was lucky enough to have well connected friends @subi , but if you ask around enough, you’re bound to find someone who knows someone.
6.How can I get funding?
You don’t need to fund everything through your own pocket. Your university/ college may offer some funding, so check their websites or ask your tutor. There’s also specialty organisations that offer some funding. For example, as I did plastics, I applied for the student bursary from British Association Of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS). Yeah, I hadn’t heard of them before either, but look out for newsletters and just good old Google to find one that may be relevant for you. There was also some talk about the NHS funding accommodation costs, so keep an eye out for NHS bursary news. The key message is, don’t feel like money will be a major issue, there’s plenty of funding out there.
7. Travel insurance?
Yes, take some. Your university might provide you one for free, like Cambridge did for us. A really easy and quick process to get it: https://www.insurance.admin.cam.ac.uk . But, it’s often basic. So, if you plan to do anything adventurous like water-sports etc. then take out some extra cover; check out https://www.comparethemarket.com for the best prices.
8. Vaccinations?
Check some handy websites to see what you’ll need before travelling: https://travelhealthpro.org.uk etc. Check with your local occupational health department and also check the cheeky travel laws on embassy websites.
