Hi Everyone. Had a Call this afternoon from Hospital asking whether it will be ok with me if 'Medical Students' sit in at the Consultant's Appointment tomorrow about the Surgery I am due to have soon. I said yes. Now, I am thinking 'What have I done'? As if I wasn't nervous enough 
Just needed to Post!!!
Medical Students: Hi Everyone. Had a... - British Heart Fou...
Medical Students
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87 Replies
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Spoke to would be student doctors a fortnight ago when I was in hospital after a scare I actually really enjoyed the chat as it was so nice to meet such eloquent and kind seventeen year olds
• in reply to12345bob
Oh brilliant and thank you. They have to learn don't they?
Think it's great you've agreed. You're helping to train the generations of medics. My sister did the same after she'd had her baby (many moons ago) the students had never heard a heart murmur before so they asked if they could examine her, she said yes. Xx
• in reply toLezzers
Oh thank you Lezzers. How can you say 'No' to it really anyway? I just won't sleep all night lol. PS: I'm not laughing really...!
Lezzers• in reply to
Try not to think about it or, if you must think about it just keep telling yourself why you're doing it. I always find thst once these things are over you wonder what there was to worry about. Good luck with your appt tomorrow xx
• in reply toLezzers
I am trying to keep myself busy Lezzers. That's the only way I'm going to cope tonight I think. You are more than likely right but it's telling my Brain that at the moment you know? Thank you so much as well. Will keep you updated 
I had students at all my pre natal, post natal appointments and one looked after me all the time I was in the delivery room having my first child 44 years ago. They may be students but they are professional and willing to help you and learn. It can be an advantage because the consultant explains to the student what’s happening.
• in reply toMaisie2014
That's wonderful. I've never had them before!
Dolphin14• in reply to
Remember they are just sitting in. They could be more frightened than you, depending on what year student they are.
If you are really anxious you can always say no tomorrow.
They are eager to learn. It's nice to see that.
• in reply toDolphin14
Maybe. I could never say no now though. I just couldn't do that you know.
Dolphin14• in reply to
Sometimes for me when I get nervous I just like knowing I can change my mind. That's all I meant by it
• in reply toDolphin14
I realised what you meant. It's ok. My Son just phoned me, he's working away to wish me the best and said Whatever you do Mam, don't have a change of Heart!! He knows what I'm like
My wife had some once and she was asked to wait until they had discussed her case among themselves in another room. Where we were waiting was through the wall from them and we could hear their discussion. It was very interesting.
Yes, I agree my husband had students when he was in the hospital. It was fascinating.
I'm all for it. Didn't mean my post to come across negative at all.
I'm a nurse.. lol.. I needed that learning time too. I'm grateful for the patients that allowed it.
Glasgowgirl1947• in reply to
I remember when I was pregnant 50 years ago a student examined me and was asked by the consultant what he'd found, during the exam, he decided I was expecting twins, I corrected him and he passed the interrogation with flying colours, he'd felt my son's head and bum! They all have to learn. I had a similar experience at my GP's surgery when a student examined me after my mastectomy and got it completely wrong. My doctor used to ask me to come in if she had student GPs I was trying to help this poor young man out, but he was so wrapped up he didn't notice my head shakes LOL x
They are our future experts - I would say the cardiologist will want to show their expertise in front of the students - so will raise his/her game!!!! Good luck
• in reply toGail1967
Probably. Feeling quite emotional at the moment. So many very kind people on here
Trust you lol.....
Lezzers• in reply to
Gunsmoke123 has loads of students at all his appts for exactly that reason!!
• in reply toLezzers
Guess what Lezzers? I even did some Ironing tonight. Yes the dreaded ironing!!! Not a lot, but quite a good few things. Anything to take my mind off tomorrow. What shape they are though I really don't know lol
Lezzers• in reply to
If you need to occupy your mind further I've got some ironing here you can do...itll be easy ironing, it's mainly all last years summer holiday clothes!!!
• in reply toLezzers
Ha ha. Great. That has tickled me pink. Laughing at that now but I wouldn't go that far Lezzers.....😊😊😊 Made my day!!
Lezzers• in reply to
I'll re-wash them if it'll help!!
• in reply toLezzers
No - you're alright lol. 😊😊
Gunsmoke. Off now to do some Work and keep my Mind occupied. Will be back after so I need a laugh ok 😊😊
Last year I was a year 2 medical students ‘project ‘. They were polite intelligent and probably very scared of me! (Yes Gunsmoke I am a scary person- prone to growling!!). If you really feel uncomfortable then you can always say no. But as others have said they are the future generation and the consultant will wish to be thorough so a win win situation. But if you feel uncomfortable then say no. Good luck with the consultation and your upcoming surgery. Zena xx
• in reply toZena166
Thank you so much Zena. In fact, all of you. Very appreciated x
Lol 😊😊
Yeah. I'm a soft touch anyway
I'll have to get used to it anyway. I'll be going to Cardiff (University of Wales/Heath Hospital) for the Surgery and that's a Teaching Hospital. Crammed with Students. Local Hospital tomorrow.
When I saw the consultant in April, he asked if it was OK for a student to sit in - yep no problem.
Then he explained that the latest Echo was still showing a low EF, and that I had heart failure, and that I may suffer an abnormal heart rhythm sometime in the future which could cause a cardiac arrest so therefore asked me to consider having an ICD. By this time I'm not exactly jumping for joy and this poor girl also looked a bit pale to be honest. But she's got to see every aspect of cardiology - the good "you're doing great see you in a year" the could be better,we need to do something - my review, and the other extreme "there's nothing we can do"
I'm just so impressed that these kids want to follow this path as a career, it's something I would have never had the guts to do
• in reply toSpiritoftheFloyd
I am too. I don't think I could ever do it. All this is through when I had 'Scarlet Fever' when I was about 7, and that is a long time ago I can tell you!! What I can remember the last Consultant saying, (He's retired now), is that it left me with rheumatic mixed aortic valve disease plus moderate to severe stenosis, something about mitral stenosis and MR and LV functioning. I was just gobsmacked!! They said years ago they might have to operate but I have always been Okish with it. Now the time has come I am pretty scared and that's putting it mildly!! There was something they said about a Musical Murmur as well. I hold my Hat out to these Students who want to learn all about this kind of stuff. Watching it on Tele is enough for me!! PS: As for the Student being pale, I would just faint more than likely!!
Whilst I was in hospital in Edinburgh, I had several post graduate drs listen to my murmur as practice for their fellowship exams. I was told I was lucky that the medical students were on holiday as I would have been very popular.
On discharge I was asked if if I would be interested in being part of a scheme, volunteering to be a "live patient" at cardiology teaching sessions and also as a case study at medical student and advanced practitioner nursing exams. An easy and enjoyable way to give back. I have always found the students, their examiners or lectures both very polite and grateful.
• in reply toMary_Janet
Really? Good to hear. I have been told that I have a very interesting case, maybe that's why they phoned me regarding the Students. I really don't know though.
I was diagnosed with my bicuspid valve and "murmur" as a child, which was thought quite unusual then, so whenever I was in hospital for a check-up always used to have a line of student doctors queuing up to listen! Personally never had a problem with it - nice to be made a fuss of and they have to learn somewhere/somehow. But you can always change your mind if it'll stress you out. Good luck again. Nic x
• in reply toNic25
Thanks Nic. No, I won't change my Mind now. I know what you are saying though
Good luck for tomorrow 😀 . Don’t be nervous if you can help it.
When I was being discharged from cardiac ward 3 years ago a very handsome tall Japanese student came rushing in and asked me if he could look at my feet. I was surprised as my problem had been my heart not my feet but I agreed and spent the next 30 mins grinning lol ...... best heart medicine going 😀
Hi, I've just caught up with all the messages this morning, they made me smile. Well the day has come for you, try and de-stress a little before your appointment. Good luck Greenlady. X Sheena
You did the right thing because how else do students learn. To help yourself write down any questions you have and keep a note of any answers that way you will be able to zone out the students. Good luck
I had one in an EP consultation once. She just sat quietly in the corner and the EP explained a few technical issues to her as an aside a few times. I barely knew she was there.
You will learn more & the doctor will do a very thorough check up - they will explain everything clearly - DH had sepsis (he is fine now ) & because he had had a valve replacement he was in hospital for 6 weeks on iv antibiotics after the first week he was feeling quite well & bored out of his mind - he was more than happy to have students entertain him
I am always happy to have medical students sit in after all they are the cardiologists for tomorrow and any help they can get is always worthwhile
Good luck Greenlady, I am a patient at The Heath too. I'm sure you'll be treated like Royalty!
• in reply to
Really?? Wow, treated like Royalty, great stuff 😊😊😊
Hi
I totally agree with Gail
You will probably benefit from the experience. I worked in hospital with legal and ethical issues, and to be honest it has always happened the hospital is now under obligation to tell you and I feel it’s very professional of them to tell in you in advance. Sounds like a good team
Good luck and take care
• in reply toCober
The Consultant is brilliant. I've had nothing but excellent care with him and really 'down to earth'. That's suits me fine and thank you
Good for you. We all have to start somewhere.
I saw a poster in gp surgery asking for volunteers to help train doctors in speaking to/questioning/listening to patients. They are all medical students at St. Andrews Uni. Involves as much or as little time as you want to give. Only criteria is you have to have “a condition”
Given the dire state of GP numbers at present I’m going to volunteer when uni starts in September.
Hope your appointment goes/went well and everyone explains everything clearly!
That's brilliant, they're our next generation of medics, who knows one of them may even be looking after you in the future. You might even get preferential treatment for appts!!
I love having students look at me ...i show them false symptoms and see if they track down the real cause...much better than a consultant who has been "going by the book" for years
I have had the tutors tell me off for giving pointers too
Hope all goes well today - get yourself a treat for later.
• in reply toCalliope153
Oh we did, that is, my Friend and me. We went to Weatherspoon's and did some shopping after. Didn't get in until half 5!!!
Calliope153• in reply to
That;s the way to do it! Enjoy everything.
• in reply toCalliope153
Well that's what we thought as well. We're only here once :)
They all have to learn and just think you are helping to train the cardiologists of tomorrow x
I was in hospital for 3 weeks waiting for my surgery, apparently my heart murmur was really clear so the doctors were keen to have trainees have a listen. In total I had 5 trainees run through a practice examination of me prior to an upcoming assessment. Then I had two doctors training to use the ultrasound have a play around on me as well. I felt like by being open to helping these young doctors I was giving a little back for all the support and care I had received. I have no regrets about it at all. You might find that when you're in hospital trainees will accompany the specialist as they do rounds. It was nice to see young people in those roles for me being relatively young myself.
Don't worry U and they will be fine.
I said yes myself.
Did not regret it, it helps them learn.
I had a super loud heart murmur😮
From severe leaking Mitral valve and very severe regurgitation
So was ideal for students to hear and easily identify!!!
They also watched my echocardiogram
As complex jet even consultants hadn't seen one so complex!
I even agreed to take part in heart research project so was Bombarded with every test possible 😂(before and after surgery)
They even took biopsys of heart muscles at my surgery 😷
Not about students this time but In 2011 I applied to get on to a trial for a new hypertension treatment at Imperial College. It involved a morning of tests and at the end I was told that my blood pressure was not consistently high enough to qualify but that I had aortic stenosis and my valve was 75% closed and I needed surgery within a year.
I always say yes to such requests as they need the experience. They are usually thrilled to listen to my heart or look at my funny feet I've also left my body to medical research.
• in reply toseasider18
Consultant wants a (TOE) Test. I couldn't resist this and said there's nothing wrong with my toes Doctor, apart from a Bunion, he just laughed. Thank God! It's a Transoesophageal Echocardiogram! I had to write that one down lol....!!
Our GP trains doctors at our surgery and I must say they have been brilliant. At one appointment they "sat in" and the GP asked me if they could examine me. It was fine. Over the last two years my husband has had follow-up appointments with young trainees and I would recommend accepting appointments with trainees. The two we have seen have been really keen, seem to know a lot about up-to-date practice/medication, and they then report back to the GP to check their diagnosis/treatment plan is correct. Plus, if no-one lets them "sit in", carry out consultations, how will they learn?
• in reply toHullensian
Exactly!!
Thank you for agreeing. My daughter was a medical student, now qualified. She was always grateful to people like you. She said it was the best way to learn. She really enjoyed engaging with the patients. Those students will be really nervous!
• in reply toHectorandBoris
They were lovely that's all I can say. There were three. One Young Man was scratching his head and looking at the Consultant as though he was 'God'!!!. Suppose he is to them. I just smiled at him. He examined me afterwards as well.
• in reply toHectorandBoris
That's brilliant 😊
• in reply toHectorandBoris
You're very welcome 😊
If they dont sit in how will they learn.
Dont worry the student will be there for a week or two i would think..
Absolutely no problem, they have to learn and mostly they are very quiet and attentive to gain all the knowledge they can. The ones to watch out for are the young and enthusiastic newly qualified, who are let loose on the wards to try out their bedside skills carrying out blood sampling and other relatively safe procedures. When I was in the Brompton last year two such bright young things came to take my bloods. The lad said "Ooh there is a nice fat juicy vein and with glee got stuck in with his needle. The young lady with him nearly fainted, must have been her first day and task! I was trying not to laugh and really appreciated such youngsters getting on with their continuing learning. I bet that young man develops a great bedside manner and will go far!
I think it’s great I had a student nurse help deliver my 1st baby. I think I scared her more than anything 😂😂 good luck for your surgery ❤️
• in reply toAmz1987
Thank you but Consultant wants more Tests now first. So, here we go again.....!
Do they have a program for future spouse trainees? The Medical Community could be into something no one ever thought about😂
• in reply tonot2worry
I really don't know, sorry.
I have a nephew who is a doctor and I know as students they really appreciate being allowed in. I too was nervous the first time it was requested of me but it proved invaluable as they had a complete new view and offered alternatives.
Good luck.
Students generally just sit and listen. I wouldn't worry. Students need to learn so they can carry on from the current generation. However, if it really bothers you then just politely decline.
• in reply tosos007
Actually I really enjoyed it but thank you anyway.
Hi Greenlady13, how did it go today? X
• in reply toLezzers
Oh it was an excellent experience Lezzers. Students were absolutely lovely and so grateful. They couldn't thank me enough so I am very glad I did it. They were running late when we got there but that's the way it goes I suppose. Bad part is I have to have further Tests. Consultant wants to dot all the I's and cross the T's (his words exactly). So the bad part is I have just have to wait again now!! x
Don't you mean difficult cases, rather than difficult patients !!!!
Although this reply is too late for your appointment, I just wanted to say that I hope it well. Our local hospitals are all linked to University Training Hospitals so many appointments are undertaken with medical students in attendance but you are always allowed to say if you prefer not to have a student in the room, and this has no relation to the treatment you receive. I like to think that by allowing students in, we (the patients) are assisting in their experience of seeing various cases that perhaps they would not usually get to see, get to examine, etc. And as a previous person commented, sometimes the students are more nervous that you, the patient !!!
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