Elective term
The elective term in Stage 3 provides an opportunity for students to undertake supervised clinical work, or to do research, within Australia or overseas. It is an opportunity for students to prepare for a particular career or to enhance skills in various clinical areas.
At least 8 weeks (usually between mid-December and the end of February) should be allocated to the Elective program. The prime objective of the Elective is to provide students with experience in specific areas of medicine of their own choice (see Flexible study arrangements for international students).
Students usually organise and fund their own elective terms but numerous scholarships are also available. For advice or assistance in organising an elective, students can contact the Associate Deans of their Clinical Schools or the Academic Elective Co-ordinator in the Office of Medical Education.
Applications for electives must be approved by an Associate Dean or designate who has the role of advising, counselling and directing students in their applications. Applications are assessed on:
- clearly outlined and appropriate learning objectives;
- achievable learning objectives, i.e.: that research can be concluded within the short period of time available to students;
- safety (particularly for overseas trips);
- the work being appropriate for the level of training and experience.
On completion of an elective, students submit a confidential term report and a confidential supervisor assessment.
Publication and presentation of work done during the elective term is encouraged but is not a part of the formal assessment.
Students who are thinking of undertaking an international Elective Term should consider the political stability of any candidate country. If there is doubt, look for alternative Elective term where your health and wellbeing will not be compromised.
The University's Risk Management Department takes out an insurance policy covering enrolled medical students who are on work experience/placements. As the Elective Term is a course requirement of the Medical degree, medical students are covered for Public Liability Insurance, Professional Indemnity and Personal Accident Insurance.