Relevant
To be a successful doctor who can meet the
diverse healthcare demands of the 21st century,
you need thorough, in-depth knowledge of all the
relevant sciences. But you also need a sensitive
understanding of people and of society, effective
communication and teamworking skills, and the
ability to manage and optimise resources.
Integrated
The HYMS curriculum is integrated. This means
that each new topic is explored through a range
of themes and disciplines, instead of dealing with
one issue at a time in isolation. For instance, in
learning about the anatomy and physiology of the
musculoskeletal and nervous systems, you may also
learn about how to relate sensitively to someone
newly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis; about the
social effects of disability; and about the support
services available in the community.
Patient-centred
From the start of the course, you’ll spend time each
week on clinical placement. You’ll meet and observe
real patients with problems related to the system
you are currently studying, and learn directly from
practising doctors. Half of this placement time
is spent in a hospital setting and half in general
practice or other community settings, allowing you
to gain understanding of healthcare problems in
different contexts.
Problem-based
For the first years of the course, you start work on
each week’s topics within a small problem-based
learning group, with a facilitator who guides
you in your learning.
The varied aspects of the curriculum are delivered
by a combination of clinicians, biomedical and social
scientists and healthcare professionals, together
providing you with the diverse skills required of
tomorrow’s doctors.