Faculty Development at the University of Aberdeen

You can listen to the podcast for free on Spotify: Year 1 to 3 of the MBChB Curriculum

This episode focuses on the vital role of teaching medical students in Years 1–3 and how educators can support their transition from classroom learners to active clinical participants. Academic leads Alison Jack, Pietro Marini, and Jerry Morse explain how the early years form an “inverted pyramid,” moving from lecture-heavy teaching in Year 1 to increasingly immersive clinical placements by Year 3. Throughout this progression, the emphasis is on building confidence, clinical reasoning, and professional identity, with educators encouraged to tailor expectations to a student’s stage of training and involve them meaningfully in real clinical tasks.

The discussion also highlights the changing nature of today’s student cohort, shaped by widening access, diverse backgrounds, and post-COVID learning habits. Educators are urged to foster inclusion, communicate clearly, and actively engage students, while reinforcing the importance of attending and participating fully in placements. Beyond ward teaching, clinicians can contribute through simulation, assessments, small-group teaching, and curriculum development. The key message is that everyone involved in clinical care is also an educator, and enthusiasm, trust, and simple supportive interactions can have a lasting impact on future doctors.