Intercalation stories
Current students and established doctors share why they chose to intercalate and what the experience means to them.
Alastair's story
"The biggest reason a student doctor should intercalate is because you can explore an interest of yours in a lot more detail. For me that was ophthalmology and that will really benefit me going forward when I'm applying to specialty"
Lisa's story
Lisa Roche intercalated in BSc Pharmacology at the University of Liverpool. “I think one of the most worthwhile things that I've acquired might be the self-discipline that you get by having to manage your own schedule.”
Shantanu's story
"I chose the ACE course because I felt I wanted to build up my emergency medicine skills, learn more about A&E and how that works and with a specific focus, probably not quite commonly, on mental health."
Pooja's story
"It’s a great opportunity to learn something new and push yourself outside your comfort zone. Intercalation can open many doors when you start to consider applying for jobs and can guide your decision to specialise."
Will's story
"An extra year to your studies isn’t a decision to be taken lightly and it’s one that requires time and research so you are clear on why you wish to intercalate and what you want to get out of it. The learning opportunities are there to be had."
Victoria's story
"I had important developmental and life experiences, starting over and connecting with people from a whole range of different walks of life - it led on to important things for me".
Charlotte's story
Charlotte completed an MRes in Emergency Care. "Completing the Masters has made me more confident in analysing papers and writing research of my own, which you will go on to do in most speciality training."
Natasha's story
Natasha completed an Clinical Sciences MRes. "I know I want a career that combines academic work with clinical work, this gave me the opportunity to do so during my undergraduate studies".
Janie's story
Janie Bamforth intercalated in LLM Law, Medicine and Healthcare. "I undertook an intercalated degree to broaden my skills, develop new ways of learning and research topics of interest in further depth."
James' story
"I chose to intercalate in Anatomy - which for a GP may seem a strange decision but I thoroughly enjoyed it! I don't know anyone who regrets the decision to intercalate. I use the skills I learned every day".
Glen's story
Glen J. Munday completed an MSc in Acute, Critical and Emergency Medicine. "I realised just how important it is for junior doctors to be proficient in clinical research, no matter the specialty".