Flying
Start

Dear Incoming freshers

On behalf of the School of Medicine, I am delighted to extend a warm welcome to each and every one of you as you embark on an exciting journey towards becoming future medical professionals. As the incoming President of the School of Medicine, it is my honour to address you and share some insights that I hope will guide you throughout your time here at St. Andrews.

First and foremost, my heartiest congratulations on your admission to the University.  This achievement reflects not only your academic excellence but also your passion for the field of medicine and your commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others. You are about to embark on a path that is both intellectually challenging and incredibly rewarding. It may seem extremely daunting and new at first but believe me before you know it you will be so familiar with the three streets of St Andrews.

Your journey here at the school of medicine will definitely require you to be dedicated and possess a strong work ethic. It is extremely easy to get caught up in the rigorous academic curriculum and the responsibilities that come with it. Therefore, it is essential that you remember that the path to becoming a doctor is a marathon and not a sprint. It is important to embrace a holistic approach to life. Remember, you are not only training to become exceptional physicians but also to be well-rounded individuals who can thrive in the demanding world of healthcare.

Within the medical school and the wider university, we strive to provide a supportive and inclusive environment that fosters both academic and personal growth. The faculty is extremely dedicated to our success and are ready to guide you through the complexities of medical education. Don’t shy away from reaching out to the faculty because although it may seem intimidating at first, they’re usually ready to provide help and are the most reliable source of information.

I absolutely encourage to take advantage of the numerous societies ranging from sports clubs and arts societies to various ones catering to the medicine niche as they offer invaluable opportunities for networking, mentorship, and personal development. There are various institutions present within the medical school and the university as a whole, that you can reach out to, when you need support including the medical support team and student services.

Once again, I extend my warmest congratulations and welcome you to the School of Medicine. Your presence here enriches our community, and we are excited to witness your growth and achievements in the coming years. Finally, please feel free to reach out to me as well, if need be, I am extremely happy to help.

With my best wishes,

Shreya Apsani

President- School of Medicine

Martin Dover (BMS Treasurer) and Toby Lawson (BMS President)

Congratulations! Welcome to the Medical School!

What you have achieved is an immense feat of determination, grit and mental strength, and you can be madly proud of yourselves. The Medical application process is vast and draining, but you could all qualify for the Olympics with all the hurdles you’ve had jump over to get to where you are now; and whilst they have been hard, they will soon feel like a distant memory.

I hope you absolutely blast this Summer with relaxation and fun: the freedom must taste sweet. I know that starting university is an eclectic mix of excitement, nervousness, anticipation, and curiosity but don’t forget that you have time before to breathe and prepare yourself mentally for the crazy journey that you are about to embark on.

Everyone will have their own experiences of getting used to a new place with new people and new things but please do not forget to enjoy yourself. Of course, academics should be an important focus, but you only get to live your first year at St Andrews once! Meet people, go to events, try new things, explore. Don’t be afraid to wander about: give yourself time to build a lasting support system and understand yourself the best you can.

For me and many others, first year was a stupendously amazing blur. Reflecting now, it’s a big “Woah. That happened”. All university experiences have the great and the gloom, but the wonderful pairing of Bute and St Andrews provides a unique and hugely supportive community. Alongside academic rigour and the beyond beautiful scenery, St Andrews holds something special in the community it fosters. Honestly, make the most of it!

So, who am I?  My name is Toby Lawson, I live in London, and I am the Bute Medical Society President for the upcoming academic year. I have just completed my second year of Medicine at St Andrews so by the time you join in September, I’ll be starting my third and final year. I am immensely excited and honoured to be able to welcome you in September to St Andrews. With its three streets and all the Bute events it will host, no doubt you will see me around – please come say hi! I am more than happy to chat or help with any questions, problems, restaurant recommendations etc. Alongside Medicine, I am involved in various societies and sports’ teams so please don’t be afraid to come to me with anything else you are curious about around the university.

What is the Bute Medical Society? As well as being the largest and one of the oldest university societies, Bute is the most active society at St Andrews, with over 550 student members. Being a medical student and a ‘Butie’ go hand in hand since the society plays such an intrinsic role within the Medical School. Whilst most of our members are Medics both undergraduate and postgraduate (ScotGEM) we welcome any student at the university with open arms. Historically, the exceptional work of our committee and contributions from our members has earned us multiple awards including “Best Event” and “Best Society” for overall achievement.

Why you should (will) join!

Bute is the mortar that binds Medicine students at St Andrews. It is the singularly most ingrained society among medics and it acts to unite and support everyone. With a plethora of social and academic events throughout the year, we do our best to ensure there’s something for everyone.

We are ready to come back for 2023-2024 with a vengeance so be prepared for an insane year! Below is the low-down on just some of the great events we plan to run to get you all excited!

Hecklings: A welcome social event for all Medic freshers, normally held in the first few weeks of the semester involving games, challenges and other elements shrouded in mystery. Hecklings intends to be a crazy and iconic night, and one that every St Andrews medical student remembers (or at least the beginning part!).

Balls: We host three spectacular balls during the year. Our first Ball is called Hippocrates, a sneaky reminder of our study’s founder, which is held in the first semester and welcomes you all. Bute Ball, our largest most spectacular ball – and it will be spectacular – heralds our arrival back from the Christmas and New Year holiday: music, ceilidh dancing, delicious food, and lots of extra delights – an absolute gem. St Vitus Ball at the end of the year celebrates the end of exams and our departing third year comrades, helping you blow off steam in extravagant style. And a little extra piece of information, Bute subsidises all these events so all the balls are the best value for money you can get in town!

Academic talks: We encourage speakers to expand and challenge our medical knowledge and perspective. In the last academic year, we have been fortunate to host a series of talks under the banner of ‘Honest Talks’, in which speakers from a variety of fields provide insight into their role in the profession. Another series we hosted focuses on Evidence Based Medicine, giving us the opportunity to analyse research studies and the process of their conception more critically. In recent years, we have also been fortunate to hear from Andy Williams, leading knee surgeon to all your favourite premier league and premiership football and rugby players, Stephen Hearn the ‘Helicopter Doctor’ and many, many more. We are striving for this year to be as active and involved as ever, with a focus on bolstering student involvement and participation. Please let us know if you have any ideas for speakers you wish to invite!

Sports teams: Teaming up with your fellow Buties playing the sport you love is an excellent way to boost morale and put those claims of county sport x, y and Z you wrote on your personal statement to the test! Bute FC, Bute Rugby, Bute Hockey and Bute Netball have all been big hitters in the past but we are very much open to sharing the love with an array of other sports and getting a team started, as we are always on the lookout for new members. Training and matches are flexible around the very busy medicine timetable, so you do not need to worry that it’ll be too big a commitment. There is also no pressure and anyone, of any ability, is welcome so it’s a great opportunity to start something new!

Charity events: Pub quiz? Bake off? Fun run? Bute is not afraid to host classic fantastic events to raise money for the three charities chosen at the beginning of the year. Hugely popular and filled with great energy and spirit, our charity events are brilliantly designed to be a wonderful way to spend your time. Who wouldn’t want their histology lecturer to join them at the pub and grill them on Rihanna’s biggest hits?

Bute Revue: You’ll all very quickly meet the lecturers and Med Dems, so what better way to end the year than make fun of them and your fellow medical students at a comedy show? Undoubtedly one of the most iconic Bute events of the year. Just wait and see…

What should you look out for during Freshers’ Week?

Alongside all the events, gatherings and exploring during Freshers’ Week, the Medical School has some things planned to help introduce you to fellow students and staff:

Sunday 3rd September 

Family tours: Between around 13:00 and 15:00, the Bute committee alongside staff will have the pleasure of giving you and your families/guardians tours of the Medical School. Whilst you might remember some aspects from your interviews, this will be your first opportunity to check it out for real! You can also feel free to ask your guides (second and third year Medics) any questions that you may have (tea and coffee will also be provided) Do not worry if you are unable to turn up to this, as there will be separate tours for all incoming medical students throughout the week.

Monday 4th September

Introduction: Alongside introductory talks on Monday from staff, you’ll be able to meet both me and your School of Medicine President to hear a little bit more about what we do.

Meet Your Group Sessions: Between 3pm and 5pm, you will be toured around the Medical School by current students once more in your assigned groups. This serves as a great way to get to know your fellow group members whom you will spend the year with for clinical practice sessions with whom you will work on group projects.

Bute BBQ Social: Our long-standing tradition is a Bute BBQ in the afternoon from 17:00 in the Medicine Courtyard. Feel free to grab a burger, relax and mingle. Of course, vegetarian and vegan options will also be available.

Thursday 7th September

Welcome to our annual Medics Freshers’ Fayre! All medical societies and unions will have a stall ready for you to ask questions and sign up. Most societies (including Bute!) will be on the lookout for some First Year Representatives to join the committee. Being a First Year Rep in my first year was an excellent way to get insight into the ins and outs of Bute and meet some fantastic people especially from other year groups  – would highly recommend applying! Make sure to look out for us in the university Freshers’ Fayre too!

Throughout week – Help desk!

During Orientation Week, we will have a staffed “help desk” style system at the bottom of the stairs in the Medical School to help re-direct you or answer any questions. Our staff are very friendly so don’t be afraid to approach them if you are unsure of anything.

Is there anything you can do now?

Take a deep breath. I know it can be intimidating to be swamped with lots of new information, but trust me there is so much to be excited about.

You can keep up to date with all things Bute and check out your fellow medics before you come to St Andrews by joining our official “St Andrews Medic Freshers 2023/24” Facebook page. During the year, this will also be a platform for lots of posts about upcoming events, ticket drops, elections, merch and more.

If you have any questions for us, you can:

• Send us a message on Facebook – Butemed Soc (our society profile, add us!) and follow us on Instagram @butemedics
• Before Fresher’s Week you can email me directly at [email protected]. During term-time you can email our secretary on [email protected], and we will be delighted to help.

I’ve given you a taster of what to expect from us next year but believe me when I say that we have only scratched the surface. Freshers’ Week will be crazy and with all the forms to fill out, and stethoscopes and lab coats to get hold of, it can be difficult to find a minute to sit back and chill. However, things have a funny way of falling into place eventually. So, before you enter the gleaming gates of our small, bustling town on the East Coast of Scotland, remember that you have an entire Summer ahead to relax, be proud, and get excited. St Andrews is a truly a wonderful place to study and the Bute Medical Society and University staff cannot wait to see you all around the Medical School.

The BSc (Hons) Medicine Professionalism Agreement should be read before arrival – however do not sign the agreement yet – you will discuss the agreement with your personal tutor during Orientation Week and you will have opportunities to ask questions. The 2023-24 version will be uploaded over the summer, meantime 2022/23 version can be read at Click for pdf

Students should be familiar with the School of Medicine Med Handbook.

Click for web based handbook

You will complete an online Disclosure Scotland ‘Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme’ application form with a member of professional services staff.  As soon as your offer becomes unconditional firm (when you have met any and all of your conditions of offer), you should email 3 forms of supporting ID to [email protected]  If your offer is already unconditional firm, please send this information to us as soon as possible. You will be given an individual appointment time for a meeting on Microsoft Teams, please check your emails regularly throughout the summer for further information.

Please familiarise yourself with the online guidance which advises you on the information you will require to complete the online application as you only have 7 days to complete this after your meeting. If you are already a Scheme Member, find out if you are a member for both adults and/or children and also your Scheme membership number as you will need this information at your appointment.

The New Entrants page contains important general information for students who are matriculating (registering) at the University for the first time.

Be aware that there are a number of admin tasks to do before you come to St Andrews. You will find a helpful list on the New Entrants page.

University New Entrants page

The GMC Welcome to Medicine for medical students can be read at https://www.gmc-uk.org/education/welcome-to-medicine

You will need to have your own stethoscope, pocket mask and laboratory coats for our clinical skills training.   Advice about face coverings will be provided nearer to the time, in line with national guidance.

Stethoscopes:  We currently recommend the Classic Littmann III stethoscope, which you can find at: https://www.medisave.co.uk/diagnostics-equipment/littmann-stethoscopes/littmann-classic-iii-stethoscopes.html  It is very important for your basic training that your stethoscope has both a bell and a diaphragm. The Classic Littmann Classic III is all you need; you will NOT require a specialist cardiology- or electronic stethoscope. Medisave are currently offering St Andrews students 5% discount across the site if you enter STANDREWS.

Where do I get a Stethoscope and Pocket Mask?

Use Google to research this. The BMA ( British Medical Association) also offer a discount on stethoscopes from August for students who join.

There are a variety of suppliers and some special deals may be available after you arrive in St Andrews.

Pocket Masks: You will need a pocket mask, the clinical skills team recommends the Laerdal LD040 or LD021 masks. These can be purchased from:

• Medisave

Laboratory Coats: You will need a white ‘Howie’ lab coat for the Dissection Room. Although there are some available for purchase locally Students Association shop, supplies are limited, thereforeit may be better to buy one before you come to St Andrews, some suppliers include:-

https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=Howie+Workwear+Standard+Lab&i=diy&crid=3DS26QZD793BC&sprefix=howie+workwear+standard+lab%2Cdiy%2C73&ref=nb_sb_noss

https://universityofstandrewsshop.com/collections/lab-coats/products/cuffed-lab-coat-1

Should you be unable to purchase one before the start of term, you can borrow a lab coat from the Anatomy Team, donated by former students, dry-cleaned and in good condition until yours is delivered.

Safety Glasses: You will need your own safety glasses for dissection. There are many suitable types, some examples are:

• Normal type
• ‘Over the Glasses’ type

Example of Dissecting Room lab coat and safety glasses:-

The following guidance is not meant to be exhaustive but provides a quick framework for students to follow. It is in keeping with NHS Fife Dress Code and Uniform Policy (2020) which aims to ensure that all involved in care delivery maintain safety, convey a professional image and instill and maintain public confidence.

As students learning within a practice environment, you are expected to follow this guidance at all times during hospital or community based placements and also within a simulated clinical environment.

• Wear your identity badge that confirms you are a student.
• Dress in a discreet and professional manner to convey a professional image and create and maintain public confidence.
• Arms should be ‘bare below the elbow’ when delivering clinical care/working in or visiting a clinical area.
• Where for religious reasons, students wish to cover their forearms during patient care activity; it is acceptable to wear disposable over-sleeves where gloves are used, with strict adherence to hand and wrist washing before and after use. Over-sleeves must be disposed of as disposable gloves. Where for religious reasons, students wish to cover their upper forearms during patient care activity, it is acceptable to wear three-quarter length sleeves. Three-quarter length sleeves must not be loose or dangling. They must be able to be rolled or pulled back and kept securely in place during hand-washing and direct patient care activity.
• Wear appropriate footwear (clean, in a good state of repair, enclosed heels and toes). Excessively high heels should not be worn. Shoes should be black or navy however it is acknowledged that many staff/students, in particular those involved with moving and handling of patients, prefer to wear trainers. If trainers are worn they should be where possible black or navy, must be clean and made of a non-pervious material.
• Tattoos that could be considered offensive should be covered where this does not compromise good clinical practice.
• Keep hair tied back and off the collar.
• Jewellery is restricted to wearing one plain metal finger ring and one pair of plain stud earrings. Any other visible body piercings should be removed. Wristwatches, fitness tracker wrist- straps and bracelets must not be worn when in clinical areas. Jewellery worn for religious reasons such as Kara bangles worn by initiated Sikhs do not require to be removed for hand decontamination, however, they should be pushed up the arm and secured in place to enable effective hand decontamination and during all direct patient activity.
• Keep finger nails short and clean. No nail varnish, false nails or nail extensions should be worn.
• Cosmetics, perfume and aftershave should be discreet.
• Neck ties or lanyards should not be worn when in clinical areas.
• Pens or scissors should not be carried in outside shirt pockets.
• Store your stethoscope in a safe place such as your pocket or in your bag when moving between clinical areas or during breaks. Stethoscopes should not be worn around the neck.

Medical Education Department 15 September 2021

For the purposes of learning clinical skills students practice non-intimate examinations on each other.  You may therefore also wish to pack some sports wear, such as shorts (+/- leggings) and a t-shirt; or an acceptable suitable equivalent.

Examples of clinical dress code are:-

You will need these documents when you are in St Andrews:

• passport
• driving license
  or an alternative formal piece of identification with your address
  (a bank statement is a good example)
• birth certificate (not a copy)

Please remember to bring copies of any documentation related to your past vaccination.  Students are encouraged to keep this record to prove their immunisation history through their studies and working life.  If you have missed any scheduled immunisations and your situation allows please catch up with these prior to starting at St Andrews.  In addition, students are strongly recommended to demonstrate evidence of or take vaccination for BCG, Hepatitis B, Varicella, Influenza and Covid

Guidance is that all healthcare workers, which includes medical students, should be up to date with their routine immunisations, eg tetanus, diphtheria, polio and MMR. The MMR vaccine is especially important in the context of the ability of healthcare workers/medical students to transmit measles or rubella infections to vulnerable groups. While healthcare workers/medical students may need MMR vaccination for their own benefit, they should also be immune to measles and rubella in order to assist in protecting patients. Satisfactory evidence of protection would include documentation of having received two doses of MMR or having had positive antibody tests for measles and rubella.

At the time of entry to Medical School students will be screened for tuberculosis, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV infection and any necessary immunisations and antibody tests will be performed. All entrants are strongly recommended to complete a course of immunisation against hepatitis B virus. If you have been infected with hepatitis B, hepatitis C or HIV this does not mean that you cannot train to be a doctor but it is important to consider at this stage whether or not this is the career option that you wish to pursue. Any entrant student who is found to be a carrier of hepatitis B, hepatitis C or HIV will require special counselling, as such a situation may place restrictions on the student’s clinical training and limit his or her medical practice following qualification. If you have had an infection of this nature and wish to discuss this further before making a decision, we would be happy to put you in touch with our Occupational Health Services who will be able to advise you of current policy. If you are infected with any of these diseases you should consider your position carefully. If you wish to discuss this with an Occupational Health advisor, please contact the admissions team and we can arrange this for you. Further advice can be found in the Medical Schools Council publication Medical and dental students: Health clearance for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV and Tuberculosis

During your time as a medical student you will need to be competent with the Microsoft products Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Teams. Although many of you will have been taught these skills at school there may be a number of you that would benefit from more formal training.

The University offers some IT training resources.

What happens on Monday of Orientation Week?

The School of Medicine orientation begins at 9.00am on Monday of Orientation week with a welcome from the Dean of Medicine, the Director of Teaching and 1st year Module Controllers in the Booth Lecture Theatre.  We will also explain all the events that are planned for Orientation Week in an Introduction to Orientation Week video which will be linked to Flying Start and Galen (curriculum management system) in August. The full programme can be found on this page in the medhandbook, linked under ‘Orientation Week Programme’

What about improving my study skills?

The University Orientation Week Programme includes guidance on study skills which may help you in the transition from school to University. One of the great differences between school and university is that although we are committed to supporting you during your medical studies, we are unable to provide individual help on a daily basis. The Medical School provides many resources to help you monitor your own progress, and the University provides study skills sessions via CEED for those requiring additional help, but you ultimately have to take charge of your own studies

Are there any classes in Orientation Week?

Yes. During Orientation Week there will be a full programme of introductory classes specifically organised by the School of Medicine for new medical students. These will be delivered in person fand you should make every effort to join these as they will help you to find your feet in the early stages of your medical course, The full programme can be found on this page in the medhandbook, linked under ‘Orientation Week Programme’

Current students have provided the following information on what they would have liked to have known to help them transition into life at medical school

1. You are coming into an environment where everyone is extremely talented, the best of the best, and deserving of being here so don’t be disheartened if you’re grades are average or feel you are struggling
2. Be prepared to change your study technique! Look into evidence-based study techniques such as spaced repetition and active recall before starting university (it’s also okay to change during and in between semesters)
3. Help each other as you’re all going through the same experience and are in the same boat
4. Try not to compare yourself to other students! Everyone has their own unique skill set and moves at a different pace
5. Remember to take breaks and have a life out with medical school e.g. hobbies and socials
6. The importance of organisation and being able to adapt to different and unfamiliar situations
7. Try and relate what your are learning in the lectures to that in clinical skills, dissection, communication skills, and placement – remember the bigger picture
8. Remember a career in medicine is a life of continued learned, the foundations are important and the spiral curriculum
9. Don’t be afraid to ask for help in any aspect of university life – there are so many areas of support out there
10. Remember to have fun and enjoy your time as a medical student