Medical Internship and Shadowing

Updated 19th September 2024

This internship brought to you by Lite Regal Education and Lite Regal International School is not a simulated internship as advertised by others. It is a real Internship and Shadowing program that students will intern with a real working Doctor and learn first hand how they treat and diagnose patients in clinics or hospitals in London. Students will learn about the duties, skills and gain knowledge needed in being a working Doctor. This medical Internship is highly specialized and the experience can be tailored to the student’s needs and the needs of specialism required in the medical field. Highly motivated students and young student doctors in the UK or abroad who would like to learn and gain better “hands-on clinical skills”  are advised to apply. Places are highly limited and students will be served on a first come first served basis dependent on their suitability for this highly specialized Internship and Shadowing Medical Internship Program.

This medical internship and shadowing program is for a 1 week / 2 week / 3 week / 4 week periods only and for the dates as shown. The Doctor shadowing / internship course is open to all nationalities and is done in a partnership with the Clinic / Hospital and Doctor concerned.
Doctor shadowing and medical internship in hospitals is vital and necessary for any students aged 17+ wishing to apply to Medical School or for students who are already studying medicine (MBBS or BSc) or Equivalent – abroad or in the UK and would like to gain Clinical Experience in a Clinic or Hospital. It is especially suited for Medical students seeking clinical experience in London UK. International and UK students are welcome to apply.

The Doctor Shadowing course is available in London (Central London) and residential students will stay in the UOL Garden Halls University of London (or other similar University Accommodation as availability prevails) Student Campus for their period of Shadowing.

This internship and medical shadowing experience is ideal for student aged 17 and 18 who have yet to enter medical school. Students will intern and shadow with a real working doctors and gain the motivation, skills and importantly references of the internship from the doctors that can be used in their application to medical university. Most universities when assessing a student’s suitability for their courses would expect that students have shadowed and interned in a clinic and hospital.  Lite Regal internship and shadowing program deals with and place our students with doctor that work in private clinics and hospitals but also work in the NHS sector.

We particularly welcome applications from students years 1-6 already on an MBBS course and medical school in the UK or abroad.

If you would like to engage in a short Internship and gain clinical skills in London UK and get some international experience and clinical skills and further your medicine we would welcome an application. Our doctors particularly like internship applications from year 1-6 students because of their maturity and knowledge they already possess, It would be an amazing cultural and educational experience and London is a great place to live and learn. Students  will have fun and make friends from all over the world. The internship experience of graduate medical students will be more in-depth and challenging and involve a commitment of 9:30am to 5pm Monday to Friday and 35 hours per week of internship commitment.

Our internships should also be considered by all Graduate Medical Students looking for a clinical vocational experience abroad . Our Internship and Shadowing experience are accepted by many Medical Universities around the world. Students will generally have to intern for the full 4 weeks and gain a minimum of 120 hours of internship and clinical skills in our Program.

Please see click on the link to see a typical clinical vocational experience aim sheet to show the range of experiences that will be be observed in our program:

1. Exposure to World-Class Healthcare Practices: London is home to internationally renowned hospitals and clinics known for their cutting-edge medical practices. Medical students attending internships in these institutions gain exposure to the latest technologies, treatment modalities, and clinical procedures, providing invaluable insights into the forefront of healthcare innovation.
2. Diverse Clinical Specialties: London’s healthcare system encompasses a broad range of medical specialties. Medical students have the opportunity to shadow professionals in various fields, including cardiology, neurology, oncology, and more. This exposure helps students explore diverse career paths and gain a comprehensive understanding of different medical disciplines.
3. Networking with Experienced Professionals: Internships and shadowing experiences provide medical students with the chance to network with seasoned healthcare professionals. Building connections with doctors, specialists, and researchers can lead to mentorship opportunities, valuable advice, and potential collaborations, setting the foundation for a robust professional network.
4. Hands-On Learning and Skill Development: Actively participating in patient care, diagnostic processes, and treatment plans during an internship in a London hospital allows medical students to develop hands-on clinical skills. This practical experience is crucial for honing clinical competencies, decision-making abilities, and fostering a deeper understanding of the responsibilities associated with patient care.
5. Enhanced Communication and Bedside Manner: Interacting with patients and healthcare teams during shadowing experiences helps medical students develop effective communication skills and a compassionate bedside manner. Learning to communicate with empathy and clarity is essential for building patient trust and establishing positive doctor-patient relationships.
6. Cultural Competence in a Global City: London’s diverse population offers a unique environment for medical students to develop cultural competence. Exposure to patients from various backgrounds enhances their ability to provide culturally sensitive and patient-centered care. This skill becomes increasingly important in a globalized healthcare landscape.
7. Career Guidance and Insight into Healthcare Systems: Internships provide medical students with insights into the functioning of the UK healthcare system. Understanding different healthcare models, administrative processes, and the role of public and private healthcare sectors contributes to a well-rounded education. Additionally, exposure to the British healthcare system can be beneficial for students considering international medical careers.
8. Strengthening Medical School Applications: Experience gained through internships and shadowing in prestigious London hospitals enhances a medical student’s resume and medical school application. Admissions committees recognize the value of practical experience, and having exposure in a renowned healthcare setting can distinguish applicants during the admissions process.

In summary, attending a medical internship and shadowing experience in London provides medical students with a unique and enriching educational opportunity. From exposure to advanced medical practices to building professional networks and developing essential clinical skills, the benefits gained in a London hospital or clinic contribute significantly to a medical student’s overall education and future career success.

1/ Unique clinical – hands on / observing / shadowing in the way doctors treat patients in a UK  Hospital / Clinic. This will help all student doctors become better doctors in the future. The doctor and our student will form a bond and the future junior doctor will gain a mentor and help that can be utilised for years to come. Help the Student get into their preferred medical school or for students already in Medicine School on an MBBS – help them decide which specialism they prefer and also get hands on clinical  skills often lacking in Medicine School.

2/ A reference letter from the hospital  that will be invaluable for the young future doctor.

3/ This reference letter  can  be used in any application through UCAS or similar entry system to help the student get into their medical school of choice in the UK or abroad.
4/ This Program will help you become a better doctor in the future by exposure to Medicine in different setting and improve your doctor skills.

We can generally place our students depending on their area of interest in medicine to intern and shadow in a variety of departments and medical specialisation. When payment has been made all students will have an interview and be asked in which departments and doctors and areas of specialism they would like.

The advantages of Medical Internship are numerous. Students who decide to go on this programme will have an educational and cultural experience of a lifetime. They will learn and see how a fully qualified doctor (minimum of a MBBS title) works with patients in a full working environment. Importantly students will learn from the doctor Anamnesis (assessment of history of the patient) or how the doctor or others ask specific questions from the patient in order to obtain useful information to formulate a diagnosis.

We find that students mature, become more confident during the shadowing / internship  program with us. Students will:

• have an educational and cultural experience
• get vital and important hands-on experience with a qualified Doctor and see how they interact with their patients
• enhance and update their CV with the Medical Internship / Doctor Shadowing Programme in London
• in the spare time – relax and have fun and explore all that the multi-cultural and heritage rich city of London has to offer

The Medical Internship / Doctor Shadowing Programme is suitable for all young future Doctors, Dentists, Nurses, Veterinary Science students, Physiotherapists, Paramedics or any future healthcare person.

It is useful for all High School students (Y11 /Y12 / Y13) seeking to get a shadowing programme as well as for students on an MBBS Course or  Foundation Year  (junior  doctors FY1, FY2) from abroad seeking an educational, clinical and cultural experience in the UK.

Internships are only London based! Due to the convenience and students demands the shadowing program is based in London.

The internships  and shadowing programmes will normally be in one of the following:

Internships will normally be within one of the London NHS hospitals or London clinics. We will find placement normally within one of the large teaching hospitals to give students an ideal volunteering role as well as insight into working within large teaching hospital or Doctors clinic.

The Internship program can be taken on its own or as part of a Medical Preparation Course. The price of the Internship program alone – not taken in conjunction with any medical course is as follows:

RESIDENTIAL PRICES (FULL BOARDING IN UNIVERSITY OF LONDON)

NON RESIDENTIAL (NO BOARDING)

LITE Regal will provide and sort out all the paper work between the student and Doctor. LITE Regal will find and source the clinic and Doctor for the student to intern with. All necessary Visa paperwork if required and all internship paperwork will be provided by LITE Regal Education.

Included in the price:

Please Note that should students wish to Observe Surgeries this is Possible but this option is for MBBS Students (years 1-6) only. Because of the Necessary Theatre Preparation and Training Needed in Surgery Operations there is an Optional Surcharge per week should students with to include this in their Shadowing Experience. Please Choose this on the Check – Out Page.

Observing operations and surgeries as part of medical shadowing can offer numerous benefits for MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) students. Here are some key advantages:

1. Clinical Exposure:
   • Provides firsthand exposure to clinical environments, allowing students to witness medical procedures in real-time.
2. Enhanced Surgical Knowledge:
   • Offers a deep understanding of surgical techniques, instruments, and procedures, complementing theoretical knowledge gained in classrooms.
3. Application of Theoretical Learning:
   • Bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and its practical application, reinforcing concepts learned in lectures and textbooks.
4. Skill Development:
   • Helps develop critical observational and analytical skills necessary for a medical professional, including attention to detail and the ability to interpret complex medical procedures.
5. Understanding Surgical Decision-Making:
   • Allows students to observe how surgeons make decisions during surgeries, considering factors such as patient conditions, surgical risks, and unexpected challenges.
6. Exposure to Different Specialties:
   • Offers exposure to various surgical specialties, helping students explore and determine potential areas of interest for specialization in their future careers.
7. Teamwork and Collaboration:
   • Fosters an understanding of the collaborative nature of healthcare, highlighting the importance of effective communication and teamwork in surgical settings.
8. Professionalism and Ethical Considerations:
   • Provides insights into the ethical considerations and professionalism required in surgical practice, including patient consent, confidentiality, and maintaining a sterile environment.
9. Clinical Decision-Making Skills:
   • Allows students to observe the process of clinical decision-making under pressure, helping them develop their own skills in making quick and informed decisions.
10. Patient Interaction Skills:
    • Enhances communication skills with patients, as students observe how surgeons explain procedures, address patient concerns, and provide post-operative care instructions.
11. Networking Opportunities:
    • Offers the chance to network with experienced healthcare professionals, including surgeons and surgical teams, potentially opening doors for mentorship and future collaborations.
12. Increased Confidence:
    • Boosts the confidence of students by exposing them to the realities of the medical profession, preparing them for their future roles as physicians.
13. Professional Development:
    • Contributes to the holistic development of medical students, aiding in their transition from students to competent medical professionals.
14. Motivation and Career Clarity:
    • Acts as a source of motivation by allowing students to witness the impact of medical interventions, helping them clarify their career goals and aspirations.
15. Preparation for Residency and Beyond:
    • Offers valuable insights and experiences that can be beneficial as students progress to residency and beyond, providing a foundation for their future careers in medicine.

In summary, observing operations and surgeries during medical shadowing is a crucial component of medical education, providing MBBS students with a rich and immersive learning experience that significantly contributes to their professional development.

This is a generic timetable for Medical Internship and Doctor Shadowing students. The Medical Internship will be tailored according to the experience and level of the student, i.e. experience received by a 17-year-old student who is considering an application to Medical School will be different from the experience of a 2nd or 3rd-year junior doctor student. The internships will be in small or one-to-one groups with the doctor. The internships are individually tailored to each student based on their age, knowledge, experience, and department they wish to intern for.

Medical Internship dates can be found on the left top side of this page. Medical Internships are available throughout the whole year. Students can choose from 1 week up to 4 weeks of medical internship. For periods longer than 4 weeks please send an email to us stating your intended internship and shadowing period.

All students will get a Full Certificate of Attendance from LITE Regal Education and also a certificate and letter from the Doctor and Clinic the student was shadowing that will state all the areas that they covered and learned.

Students will in essence receive a Letter of Recommendation from the Doctor outlining what the student covered during the internship program that the student will find useful in the future.

1. Minimum Year 12 or over or must be 17+ at the time of the Internship Date
2. All UK and International Students may apply for the Lite Regal Shadowing and Internship Program.
3. All nationalities with a good level of English. For all Non EU nationals our placement team will help students obtain the necessary Visa and UK entry clearance papers necessary to attend the internship.
4. Students must be highly motivated and be thinking seriously of applying to Medical School for Medicine,Dentistry, Nursing, Psychology, Veterinary Science OR Already be in Medical School – 5th year Medical Year Student already on an MBBS Course looking for a clinical Internship in London UK are especially welcome.
5. Students must command a good level of English: minimum– IELTS 5-6, TOEFL iBT 35-59, TOEIC 526-750, Cambridge FCE. If you are unsure of your English level please contact us. All overseas students at International Schools or Universities whom have studied their courses in English are exempt and may apply for this course.

The Medical Internships and Shadowing Programmes are extremely popular and oversubscribed – early application is highly advisable. Please apply as soon as you are sure this is the internship program for you. You will be required to pay a deposit of 15% of the total Medical Internship Fees or Full Fees upon Registration. Although there is no closing date for applications of the Medical Internship Program – students will be placed on a first come first served basis – and our Internship team typically expects applications to be made at least 8 weeks before the intended start date to get all the necessary paperwork sorted.

In order for the Doctors to tailor your Internship and security, we need the following information from you :

1. Updated CV – We will send you an example
2. Photo (headshot) – for security card – (can be taken from passport if needed)
3. Statement of purpose (cover letter) (max 500 words) – we will send you an example
4. Copy of Passport or Travel Document
5. Proof of admission. or letter of enrolment from your current School / University
6. DUE TO THE CORONA VIRUS SCARE (COVID-19) AND HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDANCE LRE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LATEST GOVERNMENT advice AND OUR HOSPITAL / CLINIC DOCTORS ADMIN TEAM HAVE REQUESTED WE WIL NEED A CLEAN BILL OF HEALTH DOCUMENT FROM STUDENTS. Lateral Flow Tests are acceptable and all tests should not be more than 72 hours old. All Medical  Internees and Shadowing students will be tested on the First Monday 9am during orientation at Lite Regal College Mayfair School anyway with a school lateral flow test before they start their Internship at 9.30am.

It is important to manage your expectations during this Medical Placement experience. The depth and type of experience will depend upon the Hospital or Clinic that the student is placed with and the Doctors that the student will shadow during their placement. Students will shadow doctors and Hospital administrators during the work placement and they will give them the range and breadth of experience-dependent upon their interests in Medicine.

Due to Health and Safety in the UK, students on placements should expect the following when they make an application:

• Placements cannot be for more than 4 weeks. Students should be 17 years old at the time of the shadowing / internship program.

Students will typically shadow doctors / physicians / mentors and any experience students can get around doctors, patients, the elderly or handicapped is invaluable in any Medical School application. Depending on the age of the students – students will typically be able to get an insight into the working of a hospital and its departments – Cardiology, Radiology,  Haematology, A&E, Intensive Care Unit, General Surgery, Anesthesia, Dermatology and ENT, Radiology.