The Guide

So, that was my story. Now let me help you with your very own. I’ve compiled below a step-wise approach to planning the best elective. Start by deciding your goals and then find out which locations and hospitals are best suited to those goals using The Electives Network website. Be pro-active and persistent throughout! Click here for the video.

Step 1: Decide what you want from your elective. 

Do you want it relaxed? Do you want to be worked hard? Or do you want a mix? Do you want a hands-on elective? Do you want a research-based elective? Do you want an elective that looks good on the CV? Do you care more about the destination than the placement or vice versa?  

Step 2: Roam The Electives Network (TEN). 

Once you have an idea of what type of elective you want, it’s time to find the right destination and hospital. TEN is a great one-stop website that has compiled 1000s of destinations in a very user-friendly format. To top it off, it also features medical student reviews on most destinations. This is THE place to start and offers contact details (email addresses and telephone numbers) for the places that interest you, allowing you to contact the hospitals directly. Other places to find contact details include the website of the hospital or university that interests you, past elective-goers, your own university’s established links etc.

Step 3: Be pro-active. 

Draft a cover letter/ the body of your email, detailing who you are, why they should pick you, what you want to apply for and why. Attach your CV and letter from your medical school verifying that you’re legit. Then start emailing out to ALL the places that interest you.

Step 4: Be persistent. 

Often you won’t hear back or they take ages to reply. You have to take the initiative and send follow-up emails or call on almost a week-fortnightly basis. Make sure to get your placement confirmed in writing.

Step 5: Book your flights and accommodation.

Several places you can go for this; Skyscanner (often the best deals come a few months before your flight date, so keep your wits about you) and AirBnb have proven to be the popular choices. 

Click here for the video.