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A Day in the Life of an Oxford Student

By Eve Tranter







I’ve just started my final year of Medicine at Oxford. I can’t believe it! Unlike lots of other students who are on their vacation, we start our term much earlier (in July!) so that we can gain experience on placement. At the moment I’m on a medical placement so here is a snippet of a day in the life…








Morning


8am: Breakfast and get myself ready for the day! I need to be at the hospital for the ward round at 9am, so I like to give myself some time to get myself ready for the day.


At the ward round, you join a team of doctors to review and discuss patient cases, assess any changes overnight, and plan the day's management strategies. As a final year student you can get more involved by typing up notes, and responding to questions from the doctors.


11am: Following the ward round which typically lasts around 1-2 hours, we dive into direct patient care. This involves conducting physical exams, and helping with practical procedures. It’s also a great opportunity to speak to patients, take their history and chat to their families if they are happy to. Lecturers often tell us that we learn the most from conversations with patients! 


Afternoon


1pm: After lunch there is usually some teaching arranged, either on the ward or as a lecture. Sometimes we have to present interesting cases that we have seen. We also have simulation sessions in which we practise emergency scenarios or more complex practical skills. 


The days are very varied, depending on which rotation you’re on and which ward. Days can include: shadowing surgeries, performing supervised procedures, or participating in specialised clinics. For example, during a surgery rotation, we might get to scrub in for operations, learning techniques directly from surgeons. 


Evening


5pm onwards: Self-study time! Depending on what you’ve been up to in the afternoon, the time you leave the hospital can vary greatly (sometimes at lunchtime, sometimes it can be early evening!). 


I like to end my day with some sort of exercise to allow me to reflect on what I’ve learnt that day, and then spend time with friends over dinner. Rest is the most important thing of the evening!


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