Positive steps to better educate medical students about thyroid conditions

[Buddy195]

Yesterday I took part in an online meeting with medical students from Hull/ York University (following a request for thyroid volunteers posted on the forum in May). I spoke via Teams with 6 medical students, supported by a medical Fellow, who was their tutor.

It was a great experience for all and I just wanted to share this. I really hope all student medics get the opportunity to talk with patients with diagnosed conditions about their experiences and how they have been supported.

Their tutor agreed with me that it was a good idea for students to read responses on patient forums and understand difficulties that patients experience accessing specialists, testing and support.

Let’s hope that many more students get the opportunity to listen first hand.

Interesting to note that the Fellow/ tutor had not heard of some of the symptoms I discussed, had never considered that those with an under active thyroid could get TED, nor had heard of the importance of selenium. However, it was refreshing to hear that he Googled some things I mentioned during the talk and said he had also learned something!

[NIKEGIRL]

Well there is hope Buddy195. You did a good job. Well done u 🥇👍

[Cavapoochonowner]

So glad to hear of your experience. I have graves disease and would love to have taken part.However when I phoned to put myself forward they said they had been overwhelmed with people wanting to take part.Hopefully this will show the medical profession of the future how important thyroid issues are and how important it is to be optimally treated or you can become very unwell with a diminished quality of life. Hooray for you.

[crimple]

That is really great news that the actually learned something from you. Lets hope the chats continue. Patient Participation forum at GP would be a good place to start.

[RedApple Administrator]

Thank you Buddy195 for doing this and for reporting back here on the forum.

'the Fellow/ tutor had not heard of some of the symptoms I discussed, had never considered that those with an under active thyroid could get TED,'

I was categorically told at the Oxford Eye Clinic (John Radcliffe Hospital) that I couldn't possibly have TED and hypOthyroidism. TED could only happen with hypERthyroidism.

That was around fifteen years ago. How is it, that even in this online era, when so much research and information is at everyone's fingertips, medical students are still being fed outdated information that results in their patients being scoffed at, dismissed and left to suffer needlessly!

Hopefully the tutor and students that you interacted with will not forget this valuable experience and will also pass it on to others.

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

Thank you for volunteering - which helps all of us.

I'd like to award many points to Hull/York for arranging this.

Many, many years ago I attended a medical student lecture (I can't remember the circumstances except I definitely should not have been there). The topic was Parkinsonism and they had a couple of patients who demonstrated some of their difficulties. But even then, there was no discussion with the patients (which might have been difficult, I do appreciate).

The students were obviously appreciative and gave a very warm round of applause.

[Buddy195 Administrator]

I know many other forum members took part in the talks, as there were meetings planned throughout the day. It would be useful to know how others found the experience. I hope it was positive for all!

[Nanny1086]

hi , me again , 😀 i to took part in something similar when i was a patient in Stoke Hospital (pneumonia ) the nurse had told them i also took medication for under active thyroid , i found it interesting ,