Sharp Scratch

In this episode of Sharp Scratch, the panel made up of Elgan, Anna and George get together to talk about medical school interviews. They are joined by expert guest, Paul Garrud who is chair of the Medical Schools Council Selection Alliance. The episode covers topics including how you can best prepare for medical school interviews, what the different types of interviews you may encounter are, what interviewers are looking for, and tips to help you manage nerves and anxiety. The panellists chat about their own experiences of interviews as well as their advice. The episode goes on to emphasise the importance of fitting in time to practice before your interviews, ensuring that you reflect on your experiences, and how to find ways to show authenticity rather than rehearsing scripted answers. The episode also discusses misconceptions applicants may have about what interviewers are looking for and the widespread availability of free online resources for preparation.  Follow BMJ Students on Instagram, X and TikTok https://www.instagram.com/bmj_student/ https://x.com/BMJStudent https://www.tiktok.com/@sharpscratchpod

In this episode of Sharp Scratch, the panel made up of Judy, Elisabeth and George get together to chat about bias that exists in medical education. They are joined by expert guest Dr Laetitia Zeeman, lecturer in Public Health and researcher in the field of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, whose work focuses on addressing the health needs of minority groups. The episode discusses the importance of being inclusive and intersectional in our approach to medicine as well as what medical students and doctors can do to address the gaps in our knowledge and confidence when it comes to the healthcare of minoritised patient populations, including people of colour, women and LGBTQ+ people.  The episode also touches on  implicit bias, microaggressions, and how medical schools teach about health inequalities.The panel also discusses what students can do if they encounter discrimination while on placement, and the steps that can be taken to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for both patients and healthcare professionals. Follow BMJ Students on Instagram, X and TikTok: https://www.instagram.com/bmj_student/ https://x.com/BMJStudent https://www.tiktok.com/@sharpscratchpod

In part 2 of this episode of Sharp Scratch, the panel, made up of Mary, Éabha and George, get together to discuss palliative medicine with Dr Mary Miller, a consultant in palliative medicine with an interest in medical education.  In the second half of the discussion, the panel discusses the challenges medical students and doctors face when dealing with end-of-life conversations and palliative medicine. Dr. Mary Miller provided insights on how to cope with the emotions that may arise when treating patients at the end of their life, as well as how medics can develop their coping strategies. The panellists also discussed how medical students are a part of providing holistic care for patients, including within the palliative medicine team and the importance of showing compassion towards patients, colleagues and yourself. Dr. Miller emphasises the valuable role medical students do play in providing holistic care and the privilege of being a part of patients' end-of-life journeys. Follow BMJ Students on Instagram, X and TikTok https://www.instagram.com/bmj_student/ https://x.com/BMJStudent https://www.tiktok.com/@sharpscratchpod

In this episode of Sharp Scratch, the panel, made up of Mary, Éabha and George, get together to discuss palliative medicine with Dr Mary Miller, a consultant in palliative medicine with an interest in medical education.  During the episode, Dr Miller talks about her career journey, what drew her to working in palliative medicine as well as how to open up conversations as medical professionals about death and dying. Together, the panel, along with Dr Miller discuss palliative medicine as well as the experiences of medical students on palliative care placements, including the panel reflecting on their own experiences.  The episode also discusses the emotions that can sometimes arise when medical students and newly qualified doctors are working in palliative and end-of-life care, and ways in which we can learn to cope with those feelings. The discussion emphasises how to holistically approach this as well as the importance of drawing on the support of colleagues, faculty and fellow students, as well as the ways that communication skills can help medics become more comfortable with these conversations about death and dying.  Follow BMJ Students on Instagram, X and TikTok https://www.instagram.com/bmj_student/ https://x.com/BMJStudent https://www.tiktok.com/@sharpscratchpod  

Can you really pass medical school by only doing online question banks and never attending lectures? In this episode, George and panellist Judy meet with Professor Andy McKeown, Director of Undergraduate Medicine at Keele University, to discuss the different study habits of medical students and whether some techniques are better than others. Whether you prefer OnExamination, PassMedicine or Anki, medical students are always looking for the most efficient ways to pass exams. Judy and George ask Andy questions about how the ways we study interact with how we learn medicine, and discuss the pros and cons of the different study techniques medical students commonly use.   The episode highlights the importance of implementing a good work-life balance, particularly during exam season, as well as the approaches we can use to promote understanding medical school content beyond just passing our exams. The episode considers the role of implementing a number of different study techniques when preparing for exams including the actual reason it might be wise to attend your lectures.   

In this episode of Sharp Scratch, the panel made up of Inez and George get together with the band GULZ to chat about balancing a musical career alongside working as doctors. GULZ talk about their experiences as musicians and forming a band while at medical school, as well as how they are able to balance rehearsals and gigs alongside studying medicine and working as doctors. The episode touches on how medical training can put pressure on medics to abandon extracurricular activities but emphasises the importance of medical professionals to pursuing creative interests outside of medicine and how this is beneficial for student and doctor wellbeing.  Fill in our feedback survey to let us know your thoughts about Sharp Scratch and content from the BMJ and BMJ Student https://forms.gle/hr9BWNYx6DkVrBSP7 Follow us on Instagram, X and TikTok https://www.instagram.com/bmj_student/ https://x.com/BMJStudent https://www.tiktok.com/@sharpscratchpod  

In this episode of Sharp Scratch, the panel talks about why misogyny and racism exists in medicine and how students and resident doctors can educate themselves to tackle bias in healthcare.  The panellists for the episode, made up of Sarah, Anna and George chat with expert guest Annabel Sowemimo a community sexual and reproductive health doctor, activist and author of Divided: Racism, Medicine and Why We Need to Decolonise Healthcare.  Together they discuss the existence and history of medical misogyny and racism, as well as how medical students can learn to address these. Annabel highlights the ingrained gender bias in medicine and how the dismissal of women’s health issues have been normalised, particularly for women of colour. The episode emphasises how medical students and resident doctors can empower themselves through educating themselves on the history of medical misogyny and racism in order to promote anti-racism and inclusive practice throughout our careers.  Fill in our feedback survey https://forms.gle/hr9BWNYx6DkVrBSP7 Follow us on Instagram, X and TikTok https://www.instagram.com/bmj_student/ https://x.com/BMJStudent https://www.tiktok.com/@bmj_student  

Lorelei Jones, a medical anthropologist and senior lecturer at Bangor University, shares insights on navigating the complex hierarchy within healthcare. She discusses the challenges junior doctors face in advocating for patient safety in a system that can stifle their voices. The conversation highlights the shift towards more collaborative, patient-centered care post-COVID, emphasizing the importance of psychological safety and open communication. Lorelei also encourages empowering medical students to speak up and voice concerns, fostering a healthier work environment.

Clare Owen, Director of Policy at the Medical Schools Council, champions widening participation in medical education. She discusses the barriers underrepresented students face, especially from working-class backgrounds. The conversation highlights innovative strategies to enhance diversity and create equitable pathways into medicine. Clare emphasizes the importance of role models for marginalized groups and how a diverse NHS workforce benefits patient care. The discussion inspires action towards a more inclusive medical profession.

In this episode of Sharp Scratch, the panel gets together to discuss the gaps in the medical curriculum when it comes to teaching on sexual health.  The panellists, made up of Will, Elisabeth and George chat with sexual health doctor Naomi Sutton.  Together, they highlight how teaching at medical school often has a focus on sexually transmitted infections and contraception, and the importance of considering broader aspects of sexual health and wellbeing including sexual pleasure. The episode emphasises the importance of taking a holistic, non-judgemental approach in sexual history taking.The episode also addresses societal stigma in conversations around sex. Overall, the episode highlights the importance of advocating for a comprehensive and sex-positive approach to sexual healthcare.  Naomi Sutton is a consultant sexual health doctor, who you may recognise from E4 The Sex Clinic. Find us on social media: Twitter/X Instagram