FINALLY!!! You’re done with pre-clin, the dreary lectures and it’s now YOUR time to be released onto the wards. Let’s go!!!

I remember driving down to Cambridge for the beginning of clinicals refreshed and filled with a sense of “ah new beginnings!” Our first intro week flew by with very chilled out vibes and minimal work in sight. People in the year above were dropping lines like “ah this year is so calm”, “honestly enjoy yourself”, “use first term to get used to the wards”, “a patient a day is more than enough”. Finally, I’d reached the promised land. 

The start of your clinicals are all about 4 things:

1.Taking focused and complete histories. 

2.Learning the main clinical examinations.

3.Developing a diagnostic process/framework to arrive at the most likely diagnosis and provide sensible differentials.

4.Knowing the basic management for the common pathologies and emergencies.

 In order to help you achieve these goals, this is a suggested stepwise approach for you to follow at the beginning of your clinicals.

We’ve complied a list of the most frequently asked questions by new-comers to clinicals, including questions on time management, clinical life and CV building.