Charlotte Graham
Year 4 student doctor Charlotte Graham intercalated in Acute, Critical and Emergency (ACE) Care at the University of Liverpool.
In my third year, I felt uncertain about whether intercalating was the right choice for me. The prospect of stepping away from medicine for a year, being a year behind my friends, and facing additional financial pressures was intimidating. I knew I would need to find a course that genuinely interested me, offered a balance of research and placement, and aligned with my future career goals.
Attending various intercalation events helped clarify my options, and I was quickly drawn to the Acute, Critical, and Emergency Medicine course. It had taught components, research opportunities, and interesting placements. It ticked all my boxes!
The course offered something different than the MBChB programme while providing flexibility throughout the year and clear benefits for my future. It was exactly what I was looking for.
Before starting, I was particularly excited about the A&E placement. With only one year of clinical experience under my belt, my exposure to the emergency department had been limited. However, from the brief time I had spent there, I realised that the fast-paced, high-pressure environment was a great fit for me.
On the other hand, I was quite apprehensive about the research components of the course. With three projects spread across the year and the challenge of RS3 fresh in mind, I felt anxious about tackling each one. Despite my initial concerns, the course provided me with the essential skills to conduct high-quality research at a high level, boosting my confidence and ability in this area.
The most unexpected highlight of the year turned out to be the research component. The first project involved a BestBETs review, where I developed a three-part question comprising of patient characteristics, an intervention, and relevant outcomes. The second project was a BMJ case report on an interesting clinical case. Both pieces of work were accepted as posters for the European Society for Emergency Medicine conference, which I recently had the privilege of attending in Copenhagen.
The transition from struggling with RS3 to having my work showcased at an international conference was an incredible journey and completely unexpected.
Beyond the academic aspects of the ACE programme, one of its most valuable benefits is the flexibility it provides - something rarely afforded by the demanding MBChB curriculum. It meant I had the opportunity to take on a part-time job, focus on personal activities and was able to travel. This balance between academics, work, and leisure made the year not only enriching for my career but also deeply rewarding on a personal level.
One of the key skills I developed and refined during the ACE programme was the A to E assessment.
This skill is essential for any doctor, particularly as an F1, as it forms the foundation for effectively evaluating trauma patients or any acutely unwell patient.
During my A&E placement, I had the opportunity to perform an A to E assessment on a patient presenting with seizures of an unknown cause. During the assessment, the patient’s airway became unstable, requiring me to take immediate action to stabilise it whilst awaiting the anaesthetists to assist with intubation. Being confident enough to lead this assessment not only allowed me to systematically evaluate the patient's condition but also reinforced my ability to stay composed under pressure. This experience highlighted the importance of a structured approach to patient care and gave me a deeper understanding of how to identify and address life-threatening issues quickly.
It was a moment that solidified my confidence in my clinical skills and prepared me for the challenges I will face as a resident doctor.
In my opinion, the number one reason for a student doctor to intercalate is the invaluable experience it provides. With a wide range of courses available, each offers opportunities that not only boost your future career prospects but also allow personal growth. Intercalation allows you to explore areas of interest in greater depth, develop new skills, and gain perspectives that go beyond the standard medical curriculum.
For me, this year has been transformative - I’ve built confidence in my abilities, refined key skills, and gained a deeper understanding of myself as a future doctor. The experience has been both rewarding and empowering, providing a solid foundation for my medical career ahead.
Student doctors (and furry friend!) on ACE Medicine course, 23-24
Keen to follow in Charlotte’s footsteps? Take a look at the newly designed Acute, Critical and Emergency (ACE) Care BSc course at the University of Liverpool and check out the wide range of further Intercalation opportunities open to you here at Liverpool.