Medical student needs advice!
Hi! I'm a second year medical student (second year starting in September) studying in London.
In my first year, I struggled to write essays within medical topics. I was wondering if there was a guide on the internet on how to write essays for medical topics? One of my essay questions I was allocated as part of my coursework last year was: Describe how socioeconomic factors contribute to the development type 2 diabetes mellitus. When researching and writing my essay, I would try and make my paragraphs in the structure of PEEL (Point, Evidence, Explain, Link - we got taught this in secondary school). When explaining my evidence, I would try to use my own ideas, only to realise that it was mentioned in the discussion section of the journal article, so I had to reference it. In my feedback, a comment was made that I lacked some original ideas and thoughts, and I was wondering what I could put down. Is it more like a critical appraisal where I have to say the pros and cons of the data I used?
Also, I've read this guide on UK portfolios for specialty training : https://thesavvyimg.co.uk/img-guide-uk-portfolio-training-job/ I was wondering if there was guidelines & requirements for the portfolio for each specialty? And where I can find this? What activities, projects, publications can I start to do to help build a portfolio?
Finally, (sorry this is a lot!) I was wondering on what the difference is, in format and writing, (in the medical world) between different publications such as essays, journal articles, audits, case reports, etc.? And how can I start my journey in having publications?
Thank you so much! And sorry for the many questions! 😅 I really appreciate the time you've taken to read all of this 😊
In my first year, I struggled to write essays within medical topics. I was wondering if there was a guide on the internet on how to write essays for medical topics? One of my essay questions I was allocated as part of my coursework last year was: Describe how socioeconomic factors contribute to the development type 2 diabetes mellitus. When researching and writing my essay, I would try and make my paragraphs in the structure of PEEL (Point, Evidence, Explain, Link - we got taught this in secondary school). When explaining my evidence, I would try to use my own ideas, only to realise that it was mentioned in the discussion section of the journal article, so I had to reference it. In my feedback, a comment was made that I lacked some original ideas and thoughts, and I was wondering what I could put down. Is it more like a critical appraisal where I have to say the pros and cons of the data I used?
Also, I've read this guide on UK portfolios for specialty training : https://thesavvyimg.co.uk/img-guide-uk-portfolio-training-job/ I was wondering if there was guidelines & requirements for the portfolio for each specialty? And where I can find this? What activities, projects, publications can I start to do to help build a portfolio?
Finally, (sorry this is a lot!) I was wondering on what the difference is, in format and writing, (in the medical world) between different publications such as essays, journal articles, audits, case reports, etc.? And how can I start my journey in having publications?
Thank you so much! And sorry for the many questions! 😅 I really appreciate the time you've taken to read all of this 😊
Reply 1
Disclaimer - I am not a medical student or doctor. I am a healthcare field graduate (First).
Have you read (and followed) the markers' feedback on all of the work you've done? If so, and you've seen little/ no improvement in marks, have you asked for further support from your tutors as to how you can better structure your work? I would also encourage you to make full use of your university's library services, where they will have academic skills support on hand for things like this. So many people forget about the brilliant academic librarians, they are woefully undervalued. You can usually find the link on the library page of the university intranet. All the best.
Have you read (and followed) the markers' feedback on all of the work you've done? If so, and you've seen little/ no improvement in marks, have you asked for further support from your tutors as to how you can better structure your work? I would also encourage you to make full use of your university's library services, where they will have academic skills support on hand for things like this. So many people forget about the brilliant academic librarians, they are woefully undervalued. You can usually find the link on the library page of the university intranet. All the best.
(edited 2 months ago)
Reply 2
Great questions, lots of med students struggle with this so you’re not alone. At uni they usually want more critical engagement than PEEL, so try comparing studies, pointing out limitations, and linking evidence back to wider health issues. For portfolios, check the royal colleges’ websites since each specialty has its own guidance, and starting with small things like case reports or posters is a good way in. Essays show critical thinking, journal articles present new research, audits compare practice to standards, and case reports describe unusual cases. It might feel overwhelming now, but with practice you’ll notice real progress.
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