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Last updated 15th January 2012
by Simon Crossland (Webmaster)

Surgical Matters

Contents

  1. 1 Academic Surgery
    1. 1.1 What is Academic Surgery?
    2. 1.2 The Intercalated BSc
      1. 1.2.1 To Intercalate or Not to Intercalate
      2. 1.2.2 What is Intercalation?
      3. 1.2.3 Advantages
      4. 1.2.4 Disadvantages
  2. 2 Surgical Electives
    1. 2.1 Useful Links
    2. 2.2 Funding Your Elective
  3. 3 Surgical News
  4. 4 Surgical Careers
    1. 4.1 Applying for Jobs
    2. 4.2 Further Information

Academic Surgery

In this section of the site is run in conjunction with the Leeds University Academic Medicine Society (LUAMS). It aims to provide information about opportunities in academia for budding surgeons whilst celebrating the achievements of cutting edge members.

If you have undertaken surgically related research during your time at university and would like to appear on these pages, please get in touch by emailing us at mail@cuttingedgeleeds.co.uk.

What is Academic Surgery?

Leeds Crest

When we think of 'the surgeon' we imagine (most probably) a middle aged male in scrubs in the operating theatre. Independent clinical practice is, for many, the core of medicine and surgery. However, without clinicians taking an interest in expanding our understanding of pathophysiology or evaluating new and potentially better procedures we cannot hope to push forward the discipline and improve the services we offer to our patients.

Many surgeons are involved in academia. This can vary widely, from the Consultant who reports the odd case series to the Professor who run his or her own laboratory and spends a significant time out of the clinic, working on multiple large scale projects. Rather than following the suggestions of others, an involvement in research gives you a voice on an International stage to help shape the future direction of your chosen specialty and truly influence patient care on a much wider level.

It is never too early or too late to get involved in the academic side of surgery and there is no reason why you cannot begin to acquire the key skills at medical school or actively contribute to the literature during your time at university.

The Intercalated BSc

Intercalator's Graduation

All undergraduate UK medical schools provide an opportunity to obtain an intercalated Bachelor's Degree in science or arts in a year out of the medical course, within another faculty. In Leeds, there are currently 14 intercalated degree programmes available which can be found here.

An intercalated degree is a good way to acquire some of the key academic skills including literature searching, critical appraisal of published material and lab-based skills. It is a unique opportunity to undertake a significant research project in a highly specific area at the front-line of academic research. This work can provide a springboard to for presentation at a regional, national or international conference, or publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

An intercalated B.Sc (or B.A.) is a challenging year outside of your comfort zone in the medical school. Traditionally, a B.Sc. has been a must for anyone wishing to apply to a competitive speciality, but times are changing.

To Intercalate or Not to Intercalate

The decision to intercalate (or not) is one that plagues many students as they enter their third year. Many end up intercalating without really knowing what to expect often only doing so "because everyone else is". In this article we intend to provide some practical and down to earth advice on intercalating, particularly in reference to those wishing to pursue a career in surgery, to help you make an informed choice.

What is Intercalation?

Intercalation is the acquisition of a Bachelor's Degree in one year (rather than three) which is offered to medical students after they have completed at least two years of the M.B. Ch.B. course. It is most commonly undertaken after the third year, but increasing numbers decide to intercalate after year four. Intercalation is compulsory in some UK Medical Schools but is optional at Leeds.

The Intercalated B.Sc. (iBSc) has traditionally been undertaken by around 60% of the year. The argument goes that as it has traditionally been required to undertake research before reaching consultant level, an iBSc endows students with the key skills before the end of their undergraduate career. Quickly, a situation arose where a significant proportion of budding surgeons had obtained a B.Sc. and therefore, it became almost necessary to do an iBSc to keep up.

With the introduction of Modernising Medical Careers (MMC) and the removal of emphasis on research experience for all, the exact importance of an iBSc has become somewhat confusing. At the time of writing, the number of students opting for an iBSc has fallen and it appears that whilst it will always have the potential to increase your job prospects, it is no longer "necessary" as perhaps it once was.

Therefore, it seems appropriate that you consider the positive and negative aspects of spending a year doing an iBSc before you make your decision.

Advantages

An iBSc provides a really unique opportunity in your undergraduate career to get to grips with basic science to a level not offered by the medical degree, and undertake real front line research. Much of the work you do will not be directly linked to clinical practice. As a result, it is more a question of the transferable skills you will acquire than the specific knowledge itself; although this can come into

 play once in a while.

The most valuable skills gained during most iBSc programmes are the ability to find appropriate literature, read it quickly and effectively critique it. To elucidate what it says, how well the work was conducted and therefore what influence it should exert upon clinical practice. Similarly you will develop a much more mature writing style which lends itself to publication far more than that necessary to succeed at medical school. Depending on the iBSc, you may also acquire basic laboratory skills, the ability to use software such as SPSS or even image manipulation techniques.

Disadvantages

Many students mistakenly see an iBSc as an 'easy year out of medicine.' Nothing could be further from the reality of what is an academically very challenging year. Succeeding in an iBSc requires very different skills from those picked up at medical school. As a result you find yourself lagging behind the B.Sc. students and have to fight hard and adapt quickly to these challenges.

The subject matter of the modules also causes some confusion. One assumes that all modules will specifically relate to the degree programme, but this is not always the case. In essence, you will do a selection of modules from the school of biomedical sciences, that may or may not directly relate to you degree programme, or area of interest. As a result, you may find yourself sitting modules for which you lack a particular interest, and for which you feel grossly under prepared.

Finally, do not forget the financial implications. It is an extra year at university and for some, can be the straw that breaks the camel's back. That said, there is funding available if you look around hard enough.

The best advice I can offer is this: only intercalate if you are doing so for the right reasons and have an interest in the subject matter. It will be a tough year, but if your heart is not in it, it will be even more difficult.

Surgical Electives

Just come back from your elective? Had an interesting surgical experience?

Tell us about it, so it can feature on these pages to help future students plan fun surgical electives!

Include a description of where you went and what you did. Tell an interesting story and send us a few good snaps of the area and action shots of theatre. If you have a contact that would be happy to take students in the future, please include a name and contact details.

Send your info to mail@cuttingedgeleeds.co.uk.


Useful Links

Medical Student Electives Medical Student Electives' offers unique opportunities to experience an integrated health program in a poor rural community. The Charities Advisory Trust, a UK registered charity, has joined with local organisations in India to offer medical students the opportunity to spend their elective in an alternative setting.
Electives Network The Electives Network has been set up to provide medical students from around the world with detailed elective planning information. They provide information on over 100 countries and 5,000 hospitals worldwide. Explore their site and see some examples of what they feature.
Medical Electives in the Developing World Work the World is a British company that organises placements for student medics, nurses, dentists and physiotherapists to gain experience working in Africa and Asia. Although they focus in particular on electives, placements are available to students at any stage of their course and to those wanting to broaden their experience after graduation.
Student BMJ Guide to the Electives  A brief guide to your electives.
Working Abroad in Surgery A presentation by Mr Jeremy Hayden, on behalf of Cutting Edge Leeds, on working abroad in surgery including your elective period.

Funding Your Elective

The Healing Foundation have partnered with BAPRAS (British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgeons), BBA (British Burn Association), BSSH (British Society for Surgery of the Hand) and CFSGI (Craniofacial Society of Great Britain and Ireland) to provide you with a Student Elective Award for your elective period. Please see the posters in our files and resources page (under "Affiliate Documentation") for more details.


Surgical News

Medical News Today

Surgical Careers

Every year over 6 million operations are performed in the UK alone ranging from the mundane: adenoidectomy, to the radical: oesophagectomy. This diversity means that its experts become increasingly sub specialised and therefore a career in surgery can be tailored to one's own particular interests in the long run.

The postgraduate training pathway is currently in a time of considerable fluctuation. In these pages we aim to provide information and advice for medical students interested in a career in surgery by presenting some information about surgical training under MMC and a description of each of the major specialties by consultants from the field.


Applying for Jobs

Job applications now involve using the UKFPO system, whereby applicants register online and complete the national application form, which includes details on the applicant, their previous qualifications, and a set of questions related to clinical and extra-curricular activities. In addition, applications rank their foundation schools in order of preference and their top foundation school then marks their form. The applicant is later informed of the school they have been allocated to and, thereafter, they are required to rank the job postings for that particular school in order. Some schools then ask the applicant to undertake an interview, including the Yorkshire and Humber school currently. Jobs are then allocated based on an amalgamated score comprising the applicants academic ranking, marks related to the application form questions, and the interview (if applicable).


Further Information

For more information on surgical careers, please view the Royal College of Surgeon's website on surgical careers.