LONGITUDINAL integrated clerkship is a medical education model used in some medical schools and institutions as an alternative to the traditional block rotation system commonly used in clinical clerkships.
Rather than rotating through various medical specialities in short blocks, medical students in a longitudinal integrated clerkship are immersed in a continuous and comprehensive clinical experience, typically over an extended period of time, such as several months or even a full year.
With a strong presence in Malaysia for over a decade, Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia (NUMed) is an international branch campus that draws on the legacy of Newcastle University in the UK, which was established in 1834 as a medical school.
The university has always been at the forefront of research and teaching, with its reputation externally confirmed to be of the highest international quality. Its Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) is a hands-on integrated programme that develops clinical skills from the outset.
In the first and second semesters of their fourth year, MBBS students undergo supervised longitudinal integrated clinical placements in medical and surgical specialities and primary care, known as Advanced Clinical Experience.
During this time, the medical students will follow a panel of patients throughout their medical care journey. This will be followed by an eight-week block in Acute & Critical Care in the second semester.
“Our students will subsequently undergo a four-week block of clinical decision-making. The subjects in Semesters 1 and 2 will cover all of the clinical sciences with a particular focus on investigative medicine,” said NUMed associate professor and consultant physician Dr Edmund Ong.
Year four concludes with an eight-week elective, during which students are given the opportunity to experience medicine almost anywhere in the world, including the UK. For many of them, this is the highlight of their medical studies.
“We introduce students to clinical research methods and study topics of their own choice during the course. Our students will develop communication skills, information handling, reflective practice, decision-making, and attitudes required for medical practice,” explained Dr Ong.
Longitudinal integrated clerkships expose students to a variety of medical conditions and specialities over time rather than in discrete blocks. This allows students to see how different medical disciplines interact and collaborate in patient care.
Therefore, the MBBS curriculum at NUMed adopts a holistic approach that enables students to work with academic and research teams to gain direct knowledge of working in clinical and hospital settings – giving them the opportunity to obtain invaluable practical skills and knowledge.
“Additionally, longitudinal integrated clerkships foster collaboration and teamwork among medical students and healthcare providers of various specialities, reflecting the real-world healthcare environment,” continued Dr Ong.
Another benefit of longitudinal integrated clerkships is that it encourages students to gain a more comprehensive understanding of their patients’ medical histories, preferences, and individual needs.
Dr Ong believes that successful medical students must be able to integrate and comprehend a broad knowledge base before applying it in a clinical situation. “They must be compassionate, as well as have good communication and organisational skills,” he explained.
NUMed aims to provide a prestigious medical education for those aspiring to lead and transform healthcare for the better.
For further details on its MBBS programme or other programmes, email admissions@newcastle.edu.my, call +607-555 3800, WhatsApp +6011-1231 5411/+6012-784 9456, or visit https://www.ncl.ac.uk/numed/Subscribe now to our Premium Plan for an ad-free and unlimited reading experience!
TAGS / KEYWORDS:Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia , NUMed , MBBS , Education , Medical Education , Healthcare , Longitudinal Integrated Clerkship , UK , Malaysia
