As part of the undergraduate and graduate-entry MB degree programmes, UCD students are introduced to General Practice through clinical placements in the community, and taught by clinical GP tutors both on campus and in GP practices.
Given the increased demand for exposure to General Practice earlier in student training, we are recruiting enthusiastic and motivated GPs to join the UCD GP Network.
During their ‘preclinical’ studies’, students are exposed to the early patient contact programme. They are introduced to the fundamentals of confidentiality and consent, professionalism and ethics. History taking and communication skills are covered with an emphasis on the bio-psycho-social model of health and illness. The students are taught in small groups on campus by GP tutors.
The transition from classroom learning to clinical learning takes place during the Clinical 1 programme. This programme is informed by the Irish Medical Council’s Eight Domains of Good Professional Practice and contains a four-day clinical placement in general practice. This is the students very first clinical placement and exposure to patients.
‘Medicine in the Community’ is delivered in the penultimate and final year of the MB degree programme in collaboration with Medicine for the Elderly. Contributing to the final degree award, the module is run four times each year. The module runs in a block of six weeks duration. Students spend a total of two weeks on clinical placement in general practice: one week in a Dublin practice and one in a non-Dublin practice.
If new to education, the lead GP supervisor will be provided with training in order to support the students learning appropriately. All patient contact complements the students learning, this can involve other students, GP registrars, practice nurses and other staff.
| "Clinical 1" Programme | The development of basic clinical skills in communication, history taking and clinical examinations. | Clinical Placement Logbook
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| "Medicine in the Community" Module | To further student understanding of medicine as it is practiced, and healthcare as it is delivered, in the community. Development of clinical reasoning, patient assessment, management plans & ongoing monitoring of health problems. |
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“They are very enthusiastic, and it is lovely to help them transfer their book knowledge to real life scenarios. In return, they are almost invariably very grateful.”
“They bring variety and teaching raises standards for everyone.“
“It’s refreshing and challenging in the questions and knowledge students seek - it’s very enjoyable passing knowledge on.”
“The students learn so much from us, each other but also time spent with GP registrars, practice Nurses and admin.”
“The best placement I have been on! So much hands on experience with everything!”
“I really enjoyed this placement and would consider a career in GP because of it!”
“Excellent educators and very nice people. They gave me plenty opportunities to see patients, present back and discuss management. This was the best week of placement I have ever had and would recommend to anyone.”
Prof Walter Cullen, Dr John Frizelle and Dr Niamh Murphy
Ms Aisling O'Shea: gp.admin@ucd.ie
Telephone: (01) 716 6696