St. George’s University

  • Select A School
  • Login to Portal
  • School of Medicine

    School of Veterinary Medicine

    School of Arts & Sciences

    School of Graduate Studies

    School of Medicine

    School of Veterinary Medicine

    School of Arts & Sciences

    School of Graduate Studies

    Clinical Experience During Med School: Why It’s Important

    The importance of clinical experience

    Medical students who successfully demonstrate academic proficiency during their first two years of medical school are ready to move on to clinical rotations at St. George’s University School of Medicine.

    There are many elements that go into clinical training: we have provided tips and resources to help students prepare. This resource gives insight on what to expect while you complete clinical training during your third and fourth year of medical school.

    Why clinical rotations are important during medical school

    During the clinical portion of medical school training, students receive the hands-on experience they need to ultimately be successful in patient care. SGU’s med students can complete their training at one of more than 75 hospital sites and clinical centers in the United States, United Kingdom, or Canada.

    “This is an exciting time for students. They have finally completed their prerequisite training and are able to put on their white coats and venture into the hospital wards,” says Dr. Robert Grant, senior associate dean of clinical studies at St. George’s University School of Medicine.

    Students are encouraged to use the time during clinical rotations to continue building their skills and confidence to practice medicine. In addition, SGU School of Medicine encourages students to experience the most they can while enjoying the challenge of clinical rotations—it will make them a better doctor.

    “Importantly, each of the core rotations and the elective rotations should be seen as an opportunity to broaden your professional relationships with faculty, colleagues, and peers because medicine today is practiced in a team environment,” Dr. Grant adds.

    Tips to succeed in SGU’s clinical rotations

    A few additional tips that will help students succeed during their clinical experience for medical school, according to Dr. Grant:

    “This is a different kind of learning now,” says Dr. Grant. “You’re going to need a different set of competencies than what helped you through the basic science years. Now you will have to make use of your skill sets in humanism, interpersonal relations, and, in terms of team building, being able to assess and treat a patient together with other doctors and hospital personnel.”

    SGU’s School of Medicine provides resources to help clinical students succeed and stay on track toward graduation and the all-important Residency Match. This will ultimately prepare students to address the global healthcare needs of today.

    “Healthcare is increasingly complex these days, but I can tell you there is nothing more satisfying than to finally be able to make a difference in the care in the life of your fellow human beings,” Dr. Grant said.

    We have assembled some articles that can help you gain a better understanding of what is expected of you during clinical rotations, how to prepare for your clinical experience, and how to be successful during SGU clinical rotations.

    USMLE 2

    MSPE

    Residency: What to expect

    Completing medical school and earning your MD is a huge accomplishment that any student should be proud of. But the training does not stop there for physicians. Obtaining a residency position is the final piece of the student-to-physician puzzle.

    Curious to learn more about residency? Read our article, “How to Land the Medical Residency You Want: 7 Criteria You’ll Be Evaluated On.

    *This article was originally published in January 2022. It has since been updated to include information relevant to 2024.

    Related Articles

    From Dr.eam To Doctor

    Learn more about our MD program and tracks

    Every aspect of our MD program and tracks are intentionally designed to support you on your path to becoming a physician.

    Flexible Start Dates: Choose from multiple entry terms in August, January, or April to begin your medical education at your convenience.

    Program and Track Highlights

    • Global Recognition: SGU’s School of Medicine has been continuously accredited for decades, enabling our students to be eligible to practice in the US.
    • Clinical Training: 85+ hospitals and health systems in the US, UK, and Canada offer clinical and ambulatory training and support.
    • Legacy of Excellence: Join the network of over 23K+ graduates* who have impacted healthcare worldwide.
    SGU Graduates Collage

    Connect With Us.

    • Learn more about our MD program and tracks
    • Receive priority invitations to our prospective student events


























    April term is for School of Medicine Only.






    At SGU we respect your privacy and will never sell your information to a third party. I understand and agree, that SGU may show me additional educational opportunities available at SGU, programs and services relevant to my request for information. I acknowledge that my data will be collected and shared with selected SGU affiliated partners to improve educational services, marketing, and analytics. You may withdraw consent at any time. These details are also included in our Privacy Policy.
    SGU would like to communicate with you via text at the phone number provided. Please note: Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP at any time to opt-out. Reply HELP for help. View our Privacy Policy . Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages.
    By clicking SUBMIT, I understand and agree that St George's University (SGU) will use my personal data for the purpose of processing my request for information. Please see our Privacy Policy for further details.


    We will be in touch soon, but if you have questions now, email us at admissions@sgu.edu