Medical electives—not necessarily unethical and full of opportunity

Abstract

First do no harm; everything else is a bonus—few of us have much confidence when we first start out. Indeed, when on medical elective there is not much students can offer in terms of self directed and useful clinical practice, and so equally little they can do to detract from the work of the host institution. This is in part why electives are not only ethically justified, but also constitute an intrinsic rite of passage, because they can offer a great opportunity for personal development, not only clinically but also socially and culturally. I am about to embark on a 10 week elective—provided I pass finals—and, having already undertaken a two week placement in obstetrics and gynaecology in Mahamodara Hospital, Sri Lanka, I have a better idea of what to pack (fewer gloves), and what to expect from a foreign healthcare system. However, this practical awareness is of far less consequence than the unexpected insight I gained into the differences between the United Kingdom’s health …