From its castles and royal legacy to lively pubs and passionate football culture, the United Kingdom offers far more than sightseeing for medical students. For those at St. Georgeโs University (SGU) School of Medicine, it provides an immersive environment to sharpen clinical skills through clinical rotations in the UK.
SGUโs program allows students from the US, Canada, and around the world to complete part or all of their clinical training in the UK. This experience combines rigorous clinical education with invaluable international exposure, preparing graduates for success in residency and beyond.
A 40+ Year History of SGU in the UK
SGUโs presence in the United Kingdom stretches back decades. In fact, SGU students first began completing clinical training at UK hospitals in 1979. From there, the Universityโs connection to the country continued to expand.
During their Basic Sciences years, SGU students can take part in the St. Georgeโs University of Grenada School of Medicine/Northumbria University Four-Year MD Program. This collaboration allows students to complete their first year of medical school at Northumbria University in Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
As students progress into their clinical years, SGU offers the option to complete some or possibly all of their clinical rotations in the UK. With placements available at 14 clinical sites across the UK, students train in hospitals that are part of the National Health Service (NHS). Altogether, SGU maintains more than 85 affiliated hospitals and health systems across the US, Canada, and the UK.
How SGU students benefit from clinical rotations in the UK
For SGU students, choosing to complete clinical rotations in the UK comes with significant advantages, both academically and personally. From training within the National Health Service (NHS) to building strong academic foundations and exploring a new culture, UK clinical training offers students a unique opportunity to grow as future physicians while broadening their global perspective.
Clinical education in the UK: Same standards, new perspective
According to Dr. David Stoker, associate dean of clinical studies in the UK, the curriculum for clinical rotations in the UK is identical to what SGU students experience in the US. This is to ensure consistency no matter where you choose to train. Students participate in outpatient clinical teaching, ward rounds, theatre time, and structured study periods.
Regular clinical presentations are a core component, sharpening both medical knowledge and communication skills. Particular emphasis is placed on the art of taking focused patient histories and providing empathetic, patient-centered care.
These clinical experiences build upon the skills acquired in Grenada and directly prepare students for the NBME exams, which all SGU students must pass to graduate.
Guidance and resources for UK clinical students
Support is a cornerstone of SGUโs UK program. Academic guidance is available to all students, led by UK associate and assistant deans, associate chairs, and hospital directors of medical education. SGUโs administrative head office in Winchester provides further assistance, with trained staff available to help with placements, housing, and other logistics.
Students are also encouraged to attend the โIntroduction to Clinical Practice & NBME Workshopโ upon arrival in the UK. This workshop is a valuable introduction to each core specialty and addresses the all-important NBME exams, emphasizing how to practice for, and pass the exam.
Making the most of your time in the UK
While the primary focus remains on academics and patient care, SGU encourages students to explore the United Kingdom during their rotations. With its rich history, cultural landmarks, and vibrant cities, the UK offers endless opportunities for discovery. From ancient castles and iconic theaters to countryside escapes and lively pubs, thereโs something for every interest.
Students also benefit from the UKโs proximity to continental Europe. Major airports and ports provide quick access to dozens of countries, making weekend trips a realistic option. Although time is limited, the experience of studying and traveling in the UK adds another layer of personal growth to SGUโs global medical education.
Can US students do clinical rotations in the UK?
Clinical rotations in the UK are open to students from the US and beyond, offering future physicians a chance to broaden their education while experiencing a new healthcare system.
โWe have a fair number of US students coming over, so not just international students. It is good for US students to experience another healthcare system in their fourth year,โ explains Dr. Stoker.
This exposure allows students to learn medicine through a global lens. Smaller student groups, often just two to four per rotation, mean more individualized attention, frequent patient interaction, and easier access to preceptors and junior doctors. SGU also benefits from the expertise of more than 170 consultants, many of whom have been teaching SGU students for decades.
โStudents who come to the UK will be able to learn medicine and enhance their knowledge of other cultures, which will ultimately enrich their medical careers,โ says Dr. Stoker. โMedical schoolsโ curricula are increasingly focusing on culture and ethnicity to produce doctors who are adequately trained for the global world in which we now live.โ
Do UK clinical rotations affect US residency applications?
A common question for SGU students is how completing clinical rotations in the UK may impact US residency applications. According to Dr. Stoker, the answer is reassuring:
โThe most common question we get is: How will this affect my application for US residency? The answer is, for the most part, it should not. We do recommend that you get exposure to your preferred specialty during your fourth year by choosing it as an elective in the US.โ
There are many options open to SGU students depending on which country they decide to work in. Many students apply for the US Match and succeed, while other students go on to practice elsewhere. Some stay in the UK and take the Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) test, which is equivalent to the USMLE, then continue in the UK for advanced training.
Discover how UK clinical rotations can elevate your career
Clinical rotations in the UK give SGU students the chance to strengthen their skills, gain cultural awareness, and train within one of the worldโs leading healthcare systems. This global experience enriches education and can open doors to diverse career opportunities.
Learn how clinical rotations in the UK can shape your journey as a physician. Apply to SGUโs School of Medicine and unlock access to clinical training across the US, Canada, and the UK.
