Changing Elective Plans

It is sometimes inevitable that plans for Electives need to change. This may because of problems with contact from host supervisors, issues of cost or access, or changes in personal circumstances for instance. This sort of change may result in a change of local supervisor too. If you wish to make changes for whatever reason the following course of action is required.

• The MBChB Office must be contacted by email at diane.gerrie@abdn.ac.uk, and informed about the changes and the reasons for them. Verbal notification will not suffice! This is particularly important where there has been a change in location. The immigration rules laid down by the UK Border Agency are clear that the University must know the whereabouts of ALL our students during matriculated term time including whilst on elective and will do spot checks so ensure students are where they are expected to be. It is the students’ personal responsibility to ensure the University can carry out this function by providing up to date and accurate information. The University takes it very seriously if students change their elective plans/location without notifying the MBChB office and may take action against any student who does not adhere to these regulations.
• The local supervisor must also be contacted who will have been involved in the setting up of the project in its original form.
• You should contact the original host supervisor who may not know otherwise that you are no longer planning to undertake a project in his or her institution.
• The host institution which may have reserved a place or accommodation for you should be notified if you are no longer coming.
• If applicable, any funding bodies should be contacted to inform them of any changes. Many bursaries are allocated based on the project undertaken or the location so you may be asked to reimburse the organisation if the new project is not eligible.

Occassionally elective plans may fall through once you have arrived in your host institute. Normally these can be resolved at the host institute e.g. a change of project or supervisor. Again, please ensure you notify Diane Gerrie of the change in plans. If the project cannot be redeemed by the host institute you must contact Diane Gerrie urgently. If necessary, a project could be arranged  in Aberdeen to ensure  you can still achieve the objectives of the elective block. 

If your elective falls through due to an emergency and you can no longer do your project, you will be asked to complete a reflective piece of writing.

The GMC’s Medical Students: Professional Values and Fitness to Practise guidelines are clear. Concerns could be raised about a student’s Fitness to Practise if they display inappropriate and unprofessional attitudes or behaviour. This includes all aspects of dealing with the University and the host institute. Being responsible for these arrangements and communicating information in a timely and polite manner is an attribute relevant to professional development and is thus an expectation of students.