Electives in undergraduate medical education: AMEE Guide No. 88

Abstract

This Guide outlines the scope and potential roles an elective can contribute to undergraduate medical training and identifies ways to maximize learning opportunities, including within global health. The types of educational activity available for electives range from meeting individual educational need through to exploration of potential career pathways, with many factors influencing choice. Key areas of organization underpinning a successful elective before, during and after the placement include developing clarity of the intended educational outcomes as well as addressing practicalities such as travel and accommodation. Risk management including the implications for the participating schools as well as the student and their elective supervisors is crucial. This Guide would not be complete without some discussion around ethics and professional conduct during an elective, with consideration of the impact of elective placements, particularly in low-middle income countries.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no declarations of interest.

Notes on contributors

ANDREW LUMB MBBS, FRCA, is a Consultant Anaesthetist in Leeds and involved in medical education through all phases of undergraduate and post-graduate training. He was the electives coordinator for the University of Leeds for 10 years, involving both day-to-day management and academic development of the medical elective. [email protected]

DEBORAH MURDOCH-EATON, MBBS, MD, FRCPCH, is the Dean of Medical Education, at The Medical School, University of Sheffield, UK. Her academic interests focus on Global Health, developing students’ potential and individuality, embedding Social Accountability within medical education, and the role of feedback in the development of learning skills.