Starting Placements in Medical School

Erza Emini

Transitioning from lectures and teaching sessions during the pre-clinical years to starting clinical placements can feel daunting. The routine you’ve grown used to is suddenly gone, replaced by the unknown: new environments, new expectations, and a much less structured day. It can sometimes feel like you’re being thrown in at the deep end. When I first started placements, I had no idea what to expect — but after getting stuck in, I’ve picked up a few tips.

You will never feel “ready”

As a medical student, it’s easy to doubt how much you know and feel like you need to learn everything before stepping into a clinical setting. But the truth is, placements are designed to help you learn. Staff are understanding of your skill level and will never make you do anything you’re not comfortable with.

You don’t need to be fully prepared to start placements — placements are where you become prepared. Making mistakes and not always knowing what to do is a normal and valuable part of the process. Textbooks can only take you so far; real learning happens in practice. Embrace the nerves and uncertainty, and try to get involved as much as possible. It genuinely does get easier with time.

Time management is your best friend

Placements can feel intense — like you’re constantly on the move and the workload keeps piling up. And to some extent, that’s true. But staying consistent and doing a little bit often can make it manageable.

Be proactive: seek out opportunities to get your sign-offs early, and take advantage of quieter moments on the ward to ask questions or catch up on work (if appropriate). The more you get done along the way, the less stressful things will be later.

Get involved

On placement, you miss 100% of the opportunities you don’t take. You have to be proactive: introduce yourself to staff, ask to get involved, and say yes when interesting opportunities come your way. Even if you feel unsure or out of place, these are often the moments where you learn the most.

The more you put yourself out there, the more likely it is that staff will involve you in valuable learning experiences.

It’s okay to feel overwhelmed

Many people don’t like to admit it, but balancing placement, studying, and everything else can be overwhelming. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is give yourself permission to rest. If you didn’t finish your notes or decide to take an evening off, that’s okay.

Respecting your own limits will help you in the long run and protect you from burnout, especially as exams approach. Your degree is important — but so is your mental health. Don’t be afraid to reach out for support when you need it. Familiarise yourself with your university’s wellbeing services and use them if things get too much.

Final note

Placements are weird and wonderful. Some days you’ll feel out of your depth, and other days you’ll feel on top of the world. Take each day as it comes and remember, feeling uncertain is completely normal. Most importantly, take time to appreciate the incredible work clinical staff do and the impact they have on the community.