Demystified: planning your dream elective
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Why electives matter
Electives are a transformative opportunity for medical students. They allow you to tailor your education by choosing a specialty that resonates with your interests, explore diverse clinical (and non-clinical) environments, and gain invaluable insights into different patient populations and healthcare systems. These experiences are crucial in shaping a well-rounded physician, but planning them can feel overwhelming.
Your journey starts here
Having faced the daunting task of planning my own elective, I understand the hurdles you might encounter. After a year of research and preparation, I successfully completed nine weeks of electives across three states in the USA—without breaking the bank. I tapped into university partnerships, leveraged alumni networks, and secured scholarships and bursaries to make it all possible.
What you’ll learn
In this guide, you’ll find what I wish I knew when planning my elective including:
- Elective Notion planner: A clear roadmap to help you navigate the elective process from start to finish.
- Funding tracker and opportunities: Tips and examples of scholarships, bursaries, and budget-friendly options to make your dream elective a reality.
- Real-life applications: My medical and “corporate” CVs, personal statement, funding application and email templates for LORs and enquiring about placements.
- Worldwide database of medical electives
Who this is for
Whether you’re a first-year student unsure where to begin or a final-year student grappling with logistics and funding, this guide is for you. Everyone deserves an amazing elective experience, and with the right planning, it’s totally achievable!
Don’t let uncertainty hold you back from the elective of your dreams. Equip yourself with the knowledge and resources to create an unforgettable experience.