Medical Student Life

SMMSN Student Support Lead

The SMMSN Student Support Lead is always available to students should they have any worries about their life in Aberdeen. The Student Support Lead has a wealth of experience in dealing with students' problems, ranging from worries about leaving home, family difficulties, financial issues, to problems with health and poor performance at university. If the Student Support Lead cannot help solve the problem, they will source the appropriate help and if necessary, initiate the first contact. New students meet the Student Support Lead during allocated lectures with details of how to get in touch with them should the need arise. The shared email address is smmsn.support@abdn.ac.uk

A senior member of academic staff is the School’s Lead for student support.

Regent Scheme

The University operates a Personal Tutor system (see http://www.abdn.ac.uk/staffnet/teaching/personaltutors). The School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition separates the functions of the Personal Tutors into pastoral and academic as decreed by the GMC. The academic support roles are provided by the Year Lead teams. In addition to this the School operates a long-standing pastoral support system known as the Regent Scheme.

Every medical student is assigned to a senior member of staff, their Regent, who meets with his or her students regularly. The Regent is available to provide support and guidance on any personal problem that a student may have throughout the course. In addition, the Regent acts as a mentor to help with the student's professional development, e.g. identifying strengths and weaknesses, career advice and preparing a CV. Students will first meet with their Regent during Fresher's Week or shortly thereafter. The Regents are supported in their role by the Student Support Lead and deputies.

MBChB Support Service

The MB ChB student support service is provided by a senior member of academic staff and deputies and an NHS Grampian Consultant Psychiatrist. This service aims

• to support the student in coming to a fuller understanding of the difficulties facing them;
• to help the student understand the potential treatment options available to them;
• to facilitate referral to secondary care mental health services where required;
• and to support the student while they work through their difficulties.

Student Pairing Scheme

The Student Pairing Scheme involves a pairing of every first year student with a "mum & dad" - second year students, who can provide help and support and advice based upon their own experiences.

Course Lecturers and Tutors

If students experience difficulties with the content of the material, they should approach members of staff. In the first instance, many problems can be best resolved by talking to the member of staff teaching that particular component of the curriculum. Students can also discuss the matter with their tutors or any other staff member they feel appropriate.

Phase Coordinators

Dr Alison Jack is the Year 1 Co-ordinator and as such has overall responsibility for the teaching in this year. She also personally delivers much of the teaching. The remaining Year Co-ordinators likewise are keen to offer help to students with difficulties.

Online Self-Assessment of Progress

These exercises are issued every few weeks in Year 1 and are designed to give students feedback on their understanding of the teaching material.

Advisory Interviews

Should students not have performed well in any of the formative assessments, they will be invited to attend an Advisory Interview when the matter can be discussed and help and advice given.

Student Learning Service

Students can obtain further help by making an appointment to see an advisor, or by access to: http://www.abdn.ac.uk/sls/

Student Advice and Support Office

The University provides access to a wide range of sources of advice and support for students. Included under the umbrella of Student Support are:

• The Student Advice & Support Office, which provides advice and information on three broad areas - disabilities, international student matters and general advice and support (including personal and financial difficulties).
• The University Counselling Service, which is a free, confidential and professional service for students who have personal, social, emotional or educational concerns.
• The Community Liaison Officer and SRAs, who are responsible for the creation of a positive community in University managed Halls of Residence.

For more information on Student Support Services please visit www.abdn.ac.uk/student-support

Career Advice

The University Careers and Employability Service provides career planning advisory services; access to a wide range of resources; advice on job applications and details of the latest graduate jobs, placements and internships. The Head of the Careers and Employability Service is also the University Career Adviser for Medicine. Find out more on the Careers website.

Within the MBChB programme Dr Mustafa Osman has a specific remit to ensure that Aberdeen medical students have clear advice and guidance to inform their career choices. 

Students’ Association Advice Centre

The Info and Advice Centre is a useful support service for students. As part of the Students' Association, it is tucked away on the first floor of the Hub. Students can find out more information and contact details on the AUSA website.

Freshers' Week Events

There are now various events to help students meet the rest of their year group during Freshers' week, in addition to the usual Freshers' arrangements. These activities are designed to help students make friends and not feel so lost at the beginning of their studies.

All the above information will be given to students when they first arrive to study Medicine at Aberdeen. This information will be given in talks by members of staff, as well as within the Student Handbooks for each year of the curriculum.

The important thing to remember, is that there is always someone willing to listen, advise and help, all students need to do is ask!