Liverpool’s ACE Care programme is a fantastic intercalation option for student doctors looking to develop in depth knowledge, professional behaviours and clinical and research skills in Acute Medicine, Critical Care, Emergency Medicine and Trauma Care.
Student Doctors Shivali Pancholi and Blessing Okuchukwu both chose to intercalate in the Acute, Critical, and Emergency Care BSc and have already racked up an impressive list of accomplishments in the year so far.
Deciding to intercalate
Blessing: Before entering third year, I wasn’t too keen on intercalating. However, last February, I found myself wanting to take a break from medicine and felt that a change of pace before completing my final two years would do me some good.
I knew if I wanted to intercalate, the course had to be something related to medicine without a full-time clinical placement, include a research module and be assessed through coursework. I came across the ACE course in a MBChB newsletter, saw it included both a 6-week clinical placement in one of the three specialties and a research module so I just went for it, and I can’t say I regret my decision.
Shivali: I first decided to intercalate after going to a talk in third year where I was able to see all the different courses on offer. The ACE Care course particularly caught my eye, as I was already interested in Emergency Medicine as a specialty. I was also drawn to the idea of taking a year out of the MBChB course, to be able to do something a little different for a year, whilst also getting another degree!
I wanted the opportunity to do research type projects, so I could increase my skills in this area and be able to get something published.
The ACE Care course allows me to do different types of research and writing, as well as carry out placement in a specialist area.
Intercalating Student Doctor Blessing Okuchukwu
The year so far
Blessing: The course consists of a clinical imaging and specialty teaching module which are completed in the first semester and a placement and research modules which are completed in the second semester.
One of the key benefits of the ACE has been the flexibility to balance lectures and placements with career development and project work.
This year I’ve been able to observe and scrub into cardiac and thoracic surgery, shadow several consultant anaesthetists, participate perioperative and intensive care of patients and present at an anaesthetic meeting at the Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital.
I’ve also observed the production of platelet rich plasma to inform my research project. Outside of career development, I’ve had additional time to do hobbies such as skating, making music covers and reading.
Shivali: The first few months have been very interesting; I have done a module on clinical imaging where I learnt in detail about CT and MRI scans, I have completed a literature review and a BMJ style case report, and I have done placement in Aintree's ED. I have enjoyed doing two different types of research, where I practised presenting a poster too, which are vital skills in a future medicine career.
I have also really enjoyed spending time in the Emergency Department, where I saw a fast-paced side to medicine whilst also gaining confidence in different clinical skills
The way the course is structured is great, and the split between clinical research and placement allows extra time for personal and social activities. Compared to the MBChB, there is a lot more self-study time and independent research means having to balance your time well, as well as organising projects with your supervisor, but overall it is a great opportunity to see a different side of medicine. Coming up, I have a long placement block and a final project to complete, which I hope to be able to present at a conference next year with the help of my supervisor, which is exciting.
Professional development? ACEd it!
Blessing: Since starting the ACE, I’ve enhanced my academic writing, gained confidence in delivering presentations, strengthened my clinical knowledge and become confident in a clinical environment. For anyone interested in acute, critical or emergency medicine, refining their academic writing and presentation skills or further developing their clinical knowledge, I highly recommend this course.
Shivali: For any student doctors hoping to intercalate, I say go for it! There are so many different opportunities that Liverpool offers, and the Intercalation team are a great help, as well as the reassurance of support when you enter back into fourth year.
Deciding to intercalate was a process of picking the right course, as well as seeing what finance I could be granted; the intercalation talk gave me all the information. If you are thinking of intercalating, I would highly recommend.
It may seem scary at first, the thought of doing something different when you are used to a specific degree, but the variety of courses on offer really do go hand in hand with the MBChB.
Overall, it is a great opportunity to undertake whilst still at university and I would strongly advise you to do so!
A word from the Programme Directors
Programme Directors Dr John Jenkins and Mr Abdo Sattout share the theory behind the course -
We have been developing and refining the ACE programme for a few years, always listening and adapting to the current clinical climate and the student doctor voice. The aim has always been to empower student doctors with skill sets and experiences that they can not only use in the acute care setting, but across all clinical specialties, and beyond.
The key elements are:
- Small group clinical knowledge delivered by specialist consultants
- Clinical research skills which are transportable
- Assessments that open doors for the future
- A personalised pathway
- Affordable, usually a continuation of your current funding model.
We are always happy to talk to you, as are previous students on the course who can share their experience, so get in touch!
Discover more
- Check out the Acute, Critical, and Emergency Care BSc course page for full details of this exciting one-year programme and email ACE.Medicine@liverpool.ac.uk with any queries.
- Keen to explore the many other intercalated courses at the University of Liverpool? Head to our Intercalation web area.
- Are you a current Liverpool student doctor weighing up your intercalation options? The Intercalation section of the student intranet has all the resources you need to guide you every step of the way.