Dr Sachin Patel graduated in 2022 and is now based at Colchester General Hospital where the early clinical exposure and medical research mentorship he acquired at Liverpool are fuelling his ambitions of a career in gastroenterology.
From the very first days of the course, I was impressed by the quality of teaching and the state-of-the-art facilities the School had to offer. We were warmly welcomed at the Human Anatomy and Clinical Skills Resource Centre, where we met our tutors and had our first hands-on experiences with the academic rigor and patient care that define medicine. The supportive environment reassured me that I would be well-guided throughout my academic journey.
Studying medicine is a steep learning curve compared to A-levels. The sheer volume of knowledge, the need to apply clinical skills, and the demands of ongoing assessments—all while being on full-time placement—can be challenging. However, the supportive and approachable staff at Liverpool made the experience much more manageable. I was assigned a mentor who guided me throughout my academic years, and I would encourage students to actively reach out to consultants and senior colleagues and make the most of their guidance.
The curriculum at Liverpool places a strong emphasis on both the theoretical foundations of medicine and the practical application of this knowledge. A variety of teaching methods—including anatomy sessions, simulation training, and case-based discussions—cater to different learning styles, helping students build a solid foundation in medicine.
Early clinical exposure, starting from the second year, allowed us to apply this knowledge in real-life scenarios.
Liverpool also offers placements across primary, secondary, and tertiary care settings, providing valuable insight into the NHS system and diverse healthcare environments.
In fifth year, one of the key placements was the pre-foundation placement, designed to ease the transition from medical student to doctor. We had the opportunity to work alongside an FY1 doctor, assisting with day-to-day responsibilities such as carrying and responding to emergency bleeps, delivering effective handovers, and experiencing on-call and night shifts. This hands-on experience made the transition to FY1 much smoother.
Liverpool supports and nurtures its students in their areas of interest.
In my fifth year, I had the opportunity to work in gastroenterology and surgery for six weeks at Aintree Hospital. During this placement, I gained valuable experience in operating theatres, endoscopy, and specialist clinics. Additionally, I had the privilege of working alongside Professor Graham Kemp, a clinical academic at the University, who helped me develop my skills in medical research—skills that I have since applied during my foundation training.
My foundation training took place at Colchester General Hospital in Essex, where I gained experience in gastroenterology, emergency medicine, urology, and vascular surgery. I am currently applying for specialty training while conducting research on capsule endoscopy.
To make the most of the opportunities at the School, get involved in research, seek as much clinical exposure as possible during placements, and don’t hesitate to ask for help from senior colleagues. Beyond academics, Liverpool is a fantastic city with a rich culture and welcoming people, making it a great place to live and study!
Discover more
- Interested in following in Sachin’s footsteps? Take a look at our fantastic MBChB programme and the opportunities for an in-person or virtual tour.
- If you’re currently studying with us, see how the School can support you academically and in medical research on Academic Support and Student Research on the student intranet.