Student doctors from the University of Sheffield make a positive impact on people’s lives long before they graduate, connecting with and learning from the communities they will eventually be a part of.
The Pakistan Muslim Centre (PMC) is one of many local community-based organisations that work closely with student doctors from the University to help support their communities and help educate the next generation of doctors.
Since the University’s Social Accountability Placements programme launched in 2015, a cohort of student doctors have volunteered at the Centre and hundreds of other local organisations and charities for four weeks every year.
The programme, designed to give students practical learning experience away from clinical settings while serving the local community, has seen over 2,600 students work with local organisations since its inception. It is also designed to empower students to develop a deeper understanding of the social determinants of health and the diverse ways health inequalities impact different communities.
David Thomas, a third year medical student, said his month with the PMC this year was ‘one of the most valuable experiences’ in his studies so far.
Alongside four other student doctors, David supported health checks at the Centre, created public health leaflets for community distribution, led diabetes information workshops, delivered mental health talks and even appeared on the PMC’s in-house radio station, reaching tens of thousands in Sheffield and beyond.
“You are truly immersed in the community, which is fantastic,” said David.
“In everything we did we were able to speak to and interact with people, and build our understanding of the issues they face, whether it’s medical, social or anything else. We were there, in the community, really helping people.
At the end of the day it’s the interactions you have with people that really shape the doctor you will become. As well as being a break from study you get time to develop your softer skills and learn a great deal about a different community. It really is one of the most valuable experiences.
David Thomas
Medicine MBChB, third year student
The programme is very much a two-way street, with many benefits to the PMC community.
“We’ve had the privilege of watching the project grow over the years and we’re proud to have been a part of it since the beginning,” said Dr Abdul Rob, CEO of the Pakistan Muslim Centre.
It’s very much a mutually beneficial relationship. The students develop their experience and understanding of our community and the challenges we face, and we see a profound impact on the lives of the many people we support."
The students who work with us each year also leave a genuine legacy through the learning in the community that stays with people long after the placements are completed.
Dr Abdul Rob
CEO of the Pakistan Muslim Centre
Dr Rob explains that members of the PMC community can sometimes be reluctant to engage with the NHS which can exacerbate existing health inequalities, particularly on issues such as mental health.
“There can be a stigma around certain issues in the South Asian community, with mental health being a good example,” said Dr Rob.
“It is sometimes treated as a spiritual rather than medical issue and, as such, people can be reluctant to seek help. The way the community interacts with students is very informal and it can feel like more of a safe space to have those discussions.”
Irfan Khan, PMC Chairman, added: “We find that some members of our community are more willing to engage with students than the NHS, who are able to build relationships, share advice and signpost people to the appropriate services.”
Dr Joanne Thompson, the academic lead for University of Sheffield community placements for student doctors, said: “Our social accountability programme not only gives our students essential real-world experience of working with community organisations and the people they serve, it also provides a unique opportunity for local people to be involved in the education of future doctors.
“It is fantastic to hear that our student doctors have made such an impact and gained so much from their experience at the PMC. The mutually beneficial relationship exemplifies what we want to achieve with the programme and we look forward to continuing to work closely with the PMC community in the years to come.”
You can find out more about the University’s social accountability placement programme and the impact it has across the region here. Find out more about the University’s Medicine MBChB programme, and how to apply, by visiting our online prospectus.