Faculty Development at the University of Aberdeen

The final years of medical school focus on transforming students into safe, confident practitioners ready for clinical work. In this podcast, Craig Brown and Owen Dempsey describe Years 4 and 5 as a shift from knowledge acquisition to professional practice, with Year 5 functioning as an apprenticeship. Students take on supervised responsibility within ward teams, shadow junior doctors, and complete GMC-mandated assistantships, managing patients in a supported environment that mirrors real Foundation training.

Simulation and assessment play a crucial role in this transition. High-fidelity simulation allows students to practise decision-making, communication, and managing uncertainty, while demanding OSCEs test their ability to handle complex clinical scenarios. Craig and Owen emphasise the central role of NHS clinicians in shaping student confidence through supervision, feedback, and creating a culture where questions and uncertainty are welcomed. Exposure to out-of-hours and night-time working further prepares students for the realities of hospital life, ensuring they are ready for the challenges ahead.