The benefits of work experience

Editor - I was interested to read Claire Ripley's desire to undertake work experience even after an offer of a place at medical school.1 In the same issue medical student Daniel Sado provided venepuncture advice after his experience as a phlebotomist.2 After entry to medical school it is all too easy to let our medical experience be time­ tabled for us. Often we do not see it as our responsibilty to provide learning opportunities.

My colleagues at veterinary college undertake a mandatory period of self organised work experience and veterinary related employment each year. This has to be completed outside the academic term and provides students with an essential understanding of their future workplaces. It would be beneficial for medical schools to take a similar initiative in the preclinical years.vacations are often long, and there are a multitude of nursing, portering, and other medically related jobs ideally suited for future doctors to gain experience.

My employment as an operating theatre porter and a phlebotomist has given me insights that my medical school, through no fault of its own, does not provide. I cannot emphasise enough the benefits and I will take what I have learnt to house officer years and beyond. At the same time I have thoroughly enjoyed my work.

Thom petty, intercalated medical student, Edinburgh university; phlebotomist, Macclesfield District general hospital; and operating theatre porter, BupA Regency hospital
Email: T.C.j.petty@sms.ed.ac.uk


studentBMJ 2001;09:305-356 September ISSN 0966-6494

1. Ripley C. The benefits of work experience. studentBMj 2001;9:299. (August.)
2. Sado D. Improving your blood taking skills. studentBMj 2001;9:271­2. (August.)