Medical Students

Examination Practice Clinics

What will happen during the appointment?

Your appointment may involve a medical student practising their clinical examination skills in preparation for university and professional exams.

The session usually involves:

• The medical student introducing themselves and explaining the process.
• The student asking questions about your symptoms, medical history, medications, and general health (this is called “taking a history”).
• A qualified doctor being present in the room to supervise and observe throughout the consultation.
• The student performing a physical examination relevant to your condition or symptoms.
• The supervising doctor may occasionally ask questions, provide guidance, or repeat parts of the examination if needed.

Do I have to take part?

No. Taking part is entirely voluntary.

• You can decline to participate at any time.
• You may stop the consultation or examination whenever you wish.
• Your medical care will not be affected in any way if you choose not to take part.

Confidentiality

Everything discussed during the consultation is confidential.

Medical students are bound by the same professional standards of confidentiality as qualified doctors.

What examinations might be performed?

Depending on the teaching session, the student may perform one of the following examinations.

Gastrointestinal (Abdominal) Examination

This examination looks at the abdomen (“tummy”) and digestive system.

The student may:

• Ask questions about abdominal pain, bowel habits, appetite, or digestion.
• Ask you to lie on an examination couch.
• Examine your abdomen by:
  • Looking at the abdomen
  • Gently pressing on different areas
  • Listening with a stethoscope

You may be asked to loosen or lift some clothing to allow access to the abdomen. Your dignity will be maintained at all times.

Cardiovascular Examination

This examination assesses the heart and circulation.

The student may:

• Ask questions about related to your condition.
• Listen to your heart with a stethoscope.
• Feel your pulse at the wrist or neck.
• Feel for your heart beat on your chest
• Measure your blood pressure.
• Look at your hands, ankles, and neck veins for signs related to circulation.

You may be asked to remove or loosen clothing from the upper body. A gown or covering can be provided if needed.

Respiratory Examination

This examination looks at the lungs and breathing.

The student may:

• Ask questions about cough, wheeze, breathlessness, or smoking history.
• Listen to your breathing with a stethoscope on the front and back of the chest.
• Observe your breathing pattern.
• Ask you to take deep breaths through your mouth.

You may need to remove or loosen clothing from the upper body to allow examination of the chest.

Neurological (Nervous System) Examination

This examination checks how the brain, nerves, muscles, and coordination are working.

The student may:

• Ask questions about weakness, numbness, balance, headaches, or memory.
• Check muscle strength by asking you to push or pull against their hands.
• Test reflexes using a small reflex hammer.
• Assess sensation using light touch.
• Ask you to perform simple movements such as walking, balancing, or following a finger with your eyes.

Some parts of the examination may require removal of shoes, socks, or outer clothing.

Will anything painful happen?

These examinations are non-invasive and should not be painful, although some areas may occasionally feel slightly uncomfortable if they are already tender.

Please tell the student or supervising doctor immediately if you feel uncomfortable at any stage.

Chaperones

If you would like a chaperone present during the examination, please let a member of staff know.

Thank You

We greatly appreciate your help in training the next generation of doctors. Your involvement plays an important role in medical education and improving future patient care.