Topic outline

  • Introduction



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    Student Support

    Studying for Medical and Health Science careers can be a long and demanding journey.  The University has various support services available to help you on the way. 

    Students can access all University facilities and services throughout their entire time on the course, even if you are in your placement stage and not based on campus. Please click here for more information.

    Life as a student can be difficult and sometimes things can get imbalanced or a little overwhelming.  The University's Wellbeing, Skills and Diversity team can be contacted about any issues that you may be struggling with, whether it is general student life problems or more personal issues.  Their SharePoint site can be found here or you can email them to arrange an appointment to speak with one of their team: wellbeingskillsanddiversity@buckingham.ac.uk

    The Faculty also has its own Mentors, based at both Buckingham and Crewe, who will work with students to provide support in developing strategies and tools to help you as a student. Contact them directly to arrange a meet up, or contact Student Support for more details.



    Looking after yourself - You should try to keep a good balance between work and relaxation while on the course. Pursuing interests, sports and hobbies will help keep you in good shape, both physically and mentally. The University has a lively Student Union with various clubs and societies for students to join. If you can't find something you like, try a google search for a local-based community group instead. Get outdoors in the fresh air as much as you can - our campuses have easy access to nearby parks and green-walks - take a look at the Campus sections for links to other resources in your area.



    The Faculty Student Support Team are here to assist with specific problems that are affecting your ability to study on the course and to assist students going through various University and Faculty procedures. 
    Take a look at the various sections below to see what areas we are involved with. 

    Please do contact the Team if you are experiencing any difficulties that are affecting your ability to study. This could include issues regarding your health (both physical and mental), learning difficulties, disabilities, academic issues, professionalism issues etc.  
    We can be contacted using our FMHS-studentsupport@buckingham.ac.uk email address.

    Meet the Faculty Student Support Team 



    IMPORTANT - MEDICAL STUDENTS
    As Medical Students, you have an added layer of professional expectation.  We strongly recommend that you read the GMC (General Medical Council) publication "ACHIEVING GOOD MEDICAL PRACTICE" and refer to this document regularly throughout your time on the course, so you are familiar with the expectations the GMC have of all UK Medical Students. The Faculty has designed the course, and professional expectations of you as a Medical student, based on these guidelines. 

    • Welcomed and Valued

      The GMC advocates inclusion of disabled learners in the Medical profession and strives to see that they are welcomed and valued by the profession.  The GMC provide advice on how medical schools and postgraduate educators can support disabled learners in medical education and training.
      Please see their dedicated webpage: 'Welcomed and Valued' for more information. 

      The Medical School strives to work towards the GMC guidance and recommendations of meeting our duty to all our students, including making the course as inclusive and welcoming as possible. 

      Please speak with the team if you have a disability that is affecting your studies and would like to find out about support available.

      • Medical Students - Phase 2

        In Phase 2, as well as the continuation of University and Medical School Support Services, there will be additional services available to you through the hospital.

      • Beyond Medical School


        There are various resources to help with planning your future steps once you have graduated from the Medical School. Please see this page for information about Careers and Foundation Year.

        The University has its own Careers Department which can be accessed by current students.
        Their online Careers portal can be accessed here, where appointments can be booked with one of their team and other information is available. Their SharePoint site can also be accessed here.  
        • Anti-Bullying


          The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh has an ongoing commitment – through the #letsremoveit campaign - to working with healthcare professionals to challenge unacceptable behaviours and support change across the NHS. An informal alliance of medical and healthcare bodies has come together to share ideas and best practice as well as illustrate the variety of assistance available. Bullying not only affects those on the receiving end but has severe consequences for patient care.

          The new document produced by the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh can be found here 


          • Personal Tutors



            The Personal Tutor system is at the heart of the Faculty Pastoral network and is designed to support every one of you for the duration of your studies on our courses.


            You will be allocated a Personal Tutor on registration to the course. Your Personal Tutor will:

            • Provide you with confidential guidance (unless there a fitness to practise or safety concern) if you encounter any difficulties during your studies;
            • Help you to reflect on your performance, set future goals and discuss your career aspirations;
            • Will guide and advise on some issues themselves but for others such as health related or other more complex problems they may suggest that you refer to other support mechanisms which would be more appropriate, through the Faculty Student Support Team;
            • Will operate independently (but not in ignorance) of the Concerns Process and will keep the Faculty informed of any mitigating circumstances that might be affecting your studies in any way. 

            FOR THE STAFF PERSONAL TUTOR PAGE - PLEASE CLICK HERE


            • Educational Supervisors



              All Medical students in Phase 2 of the course are assigned an Educational Supervisor when starting a new Block. The Educational Supervisor is an essential help to your journey during the clinical phase of the course.


              Student are expected to meet with their Educational Supervisor at least three times during the Block. The Educational Supervisor (ES) is there to help you, advise and support your clinical placement and learning. It is your responsibility to arrange meetings with them and follow up on any suggestions or requirements they may discuss with you.  Meetings are recorded on EMER and at the end of the Block your ES will assess whether you have completed the necessary requirements of the course for that specialty. They will also have access to your Attendance and Engagement records and will be monitoring your complete engagement with their Block.

              IF YOU ARE AN EDUCATIONAL SUPERVISOR - PLEASE CLICK HERE