education is a two-way process and even the best teacher will not turn the most unmotivated unwilling student. So, I propose a deal, a two-sided bargain... one for the teachers and one for us students.
What should you, the teacher, do?
Don't ignore us -- no-one likes to be ignored. We're here to learn, we want to learn. Ignoring us doesn't make us go away, it just makes us completely uninterested in your subject. Medical students are generally very easy to please in the clinical environment; show some interest in our education and we'll likely love you forever.
Remember who we're going to be -- doctors. That means, however many years down the line, we're going to be your house-officers, your registrars. It's in your interest to teach us and contribute to our elevation from ignorance/ incompetency.
Remember who we currently are -- students. We want to learn. About lots of different things. And our educational requirements differ from your reg/ juniors. Whilst it's good to appreciate the common things are common, it's fun (and useful) to learn about the rarer stuff occasionally too. Some of the best clinics I've been to have been where the doctor in charge would pick out the useful stuff for me to see or do e.g. take histories rather than just sit in or leave the main clinic to see a particularly interesting case in the side-room.
Challenge us -- ask us questions to get us thinking. It helps us to identify the important things to learn. It also may spark a lasting interest in that specialty...
But, hey, this is a two-way bargain. What can we, the students, offer in return?
What should we, the students, do?
Mind our manners -- we'll be prompt in order to not delay your clinic; we'll be appropriately attired; we'll be keen (or act it if we have a hangover) and we'll try to ask questions appropriately (i.e. not in the middle of a tricky procedure or interrupting patient contact). We will appreciate the fact that you have given time out of your busy schedule for us.
We'll make use of your efforts -- if you have put in the effort to find us tasks to do or patients to see, we will also, even if it means coming in slightly earlier or leaving slightly later, put the effort in to complete them. If I'm going to be taught by someone who I know will ask me questions and challenge me, I will certainly try to do some reading beforehand so I understand more of what you're teaching. In short, it is only right that we reciprocate the interest you have taken in our education with an interest in improving our own.
Give feedback -- if you have taught me well, I will make try to show my appreciation by thanking you when I leave clinic or telling the course organisers. But, the best feedback we can give you...
Be excellent doctors -- being taught well by a good doctor has two benefits. The first being the imparting of medical wisdom. The second being the setting of a role model; a good doctor, explaining things as they go along, engaging with me as well as their work, always inspires me to do that same. Learn more, try harder.
Simple, really... so, do we have a deal?
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