Outstanding clinical training attracts ANU medical students to the San
Before arriving for their clinical placement at the Sydney Adventist Hospital (also known as the San), fourth year Doctor of Medicine and Surgery students, Ms Natasha Dehghani and Ms Samantha Ross had heard about the outstanding reputation that the hospital has for clinical training.
They arrived at the San with high expectations, and they weren’t disappointed, spending time in Acute Care (which includes anaesthetics, ICU, and emergency departments), and Women’s Health and Newborn Care.
Their experience was so superb that after completing their initial placements both students elected to remain at Sydney Adventist Hospital to undertake their pre-intern block (the final placement block before graduating), participating in additional placements in emergency and general medicine.
“The learning and teaching culture is quite unique. There is great enthusiasm from all clinicians – doctors, nurses, midwives and other allied health professionals – to include students in the clinical experience,” said Ms Dehghani.
Ms Ross added, “The quality of teaching is outstanding. It is a very organised program and the education staff go out of their way to help you gain knowledge and develop competence. My experience in the Women’s Health and Newborn Care unit, led by Nancy Parsons, is something I’ll remember for a long time.”
The private hospital offers students insight and access to state of the art facilities and a robust approach to investigation and intervention for medical issues, providing an appreciation for how the private health care system operates.
“There may be less patient diversity in a private setting, however, there is more time for teaching. Consultants spend ample time helping students to learn and safely perform procedures, developing confidence and competence,” enthuses Ms Ross.
“The emergency department offers clinical diversity. Being able to observe cutting edge technologies in surgery was special,” Ms Dehghani observed.
The recent lock-down restrictions in NSW did not stop the students from actively participating in every aspect of patient care.
“We donned our personal protective equipment to ensure the safety of staff and patients, but then it was business as usual,” said Ms Dehghani.
“Lockdown didn’t seem to interfere with my placement. I found everyone willing to have me as part of the team, more so than any other placement I have had,” explained Ms Ross.
With such outstanding reviews it is likely that the San will quickly become a popular destination for ANU medical students.
“There are so many positives to a placement at the San, including the administration team who provide ongoing support for the students. The friendly environment, the outstanding learning opportunities and the smaller cohorts allow for active participation and engagement with patients and teams. I highly recommend it,” Ms Dehghani remarked.
The ANU team at the San (Nancy Parsons, Natasha Easson, and Annie Williams) welcome enquiries from current students regarding placements and the teaching program. Please contact Natasha.Easson@anu.edu.au