Over the past year I've undertaken a mix of different SSCs including the'Wellness and Self Care Course', 'Crash Course in Diagnosis in Primary Care' and 'Whole Person Approaches'. These sessions also aid as a break in your week from the content heavy lectures and revision. As every SSC is different, you won't be assessed on the content covered, so it is a good opportunity to enjoy the sessions without any pressure.
The SSCs sessions I have attended have taught me so many valuable skills and knowledge valuable for my future. For example, my 'Whole Person Approaches' SSC revealed the world of social prescribing and how important holistic approaches are in providing the best possible care. While my wellbeing SSC helped me to acknowledge what I can do in my life to aid both my mental and physical health, which is extremely important as a medical student and future doctor. Finally, my 'Crash course in diagnosis in primary care' SSC was absolutely amazing and really helped me gain an understanding of common conditions that present in primary care and the treatments of them. It also helped me to develop my history taking skills and methods of narrowing down differential diagnoses.
At the end of all your SSC sessions, you will be asked to construct an oral presentation on a topic related to the SSC of your choice. Personally, I have found this a great opportunity to develop my presenting skills and confidence talking in front of a group of people. Furthermore, it is an opportunity to delve deeper into a specific area of interest. This is not only very interesting but also a great talking point in conversations.
As all SSCs are different, everyone will take something different away and so I asked my friends what they value most about SSCs and this is what they said:
"My SSC: the Body through Drawing, was an opportunity to relax from academic stress, whilst refining our anatomical knowledge, and fine-motor and observation skills. It also provided the opportunity for group work and collaboration, which I think was beneficial and interesting." – Ari
“It was a valuable learning experience, and I gained insights into learning about different health conditions. The resources provided, such as real-life case studies and different pathology, were very engaging. The teaching sessions were interactive, and the feedback on assessments was detailed and constructive. I really enjoyed the SSC, a bit different from the traditional lecture.” - Fatema
“I find SSCs helpful in expanding my knowledge on a variety of topics that may not be covered in the general BSMS curriculum. It has allowed me to research a specific topic I find interesting and then share my findings with my fellow students.” - Maddie
“So this year I did The Body Through Art. I really enjoyed it: it complemented my learning in the main course both through being a mindfulness exercise, and providing a new way to learn. I thought that the presentation style went well with the SSC, and I like that we're getting opportunities to practice presenting through our time at medical school.” – Fleur