Faculty Development & Medical Education

Inclusive Language in Medical Education

In this episode, Kim Walker speaks with Vidyut, a fifth-year medical student, and Dr Brawley, a consultant in sexual health and HIV medicine, about the importance of gender-inclusive language in healthcare. They discuss how small changes in communication can improve patient trust and access to care, particularly for LGBTQ+ communities, and why building confidence in inclusive communication is an important part of medical education.

AI in Medical Education

In this episode, we dive into the fast-evolving world of AI and its growing impact on medical education. Join clinical educators and digital leads from the NHS and Aberdeen Medical School as they unpack how AI, from diagnostic tools to ChatGPT, is reshaping teaching, learning, and the future of clinical practice. Whether you're a curious educator, a sceptical clinician, or a digital native student, this conversation sheds light on how AI can enhance, not replace, our roles. From personalized learning and smarter exam prep to ethical concerns and practical guardrails, it’s all about empowering faculty and students to navigate the digital shift with confidence, not fear. - Featuring real-world use cases - Debunking AI myths in medicine - Tips for using generative AI responsibly - Why "trust but verify" is the new mantra in digital education Tune in and discover why AI in medical education isn’t just coming, it’s already here.

Placements and Clinical Experience

In this episode, we go behind the scenes of medical student placements with Kim Walker, Ashley Meldrum, and Moraig Gordon from the University of Aberdeen. From first years finding their feet to senior students embedded in clinical teams, placements are critical—but they can be overwhelming, both for students and for busy NHS staff. Kim, Ashley, and Moraig explain how their team bridges the gap, offering on-the-ground support to students while working closely with clinical educators to keep placements running smoothly. It’s all about relationships, problem-solving, and making sure students—and staff—feel supported, informed, and ready for real-world healthcare environments. Featuring: - How the team supports 300+ medical students on placement - What clinicians need to know when supervising students - Why uniforms, lanyards, and visibility matter - Top tips for making teaching feel less daunting in busy clinical settings

Years 4 to 5 of the MBChB Curriculum

What does it take to turn medical students into doctors? In this episode, Dr Kim Walker is joined by Dr Craig Brown (Deputy Year 5 Lead and Simulation Lead) and Dr Owen Dempsey (Year 5 Lead and CBL Lead) to unpack what learning looks like in the final stages of Aberdeen’s MBChB programme. They discuss the role of year 5 as a true "apprenticeship year," how simulation helps develop clinical reasoning, and how NHS clinicians—new or experienced—can support students in becoming confident, capable, and safe doctors. Key Topics: - Year 5 as an experiential, apprenticeship-style year - Using simulation to build confidence and clinical reasoning - Feedback, inclusion, and the culture of team-based learning - How clinicians can support and get involved—from OSCEs to electives

Years 1 to 3 of the MBChB Curriculum

What does the journey from first-year lectures to third-year clinical placements look like - and what role do clinical educators play along the way? In this episode, Dr Kim Walker speaks with Dr Alison Jack (Year 1 Lead), Dr Pietro Marini (Year 2 Lead), and Dr Jerry Morse (Year 3 Lead and Simulation Educator) to unpack how the early years of Aberdeen’s MBChB programme prepare students for senior clinical work. They explore how teaching evolves across the first three years, how placements are structured, and why getting students engaged early is key to developing confident, capable doctors. Key Topics: - The structure of learning across Years 1–3 - What clinicians should expect from junior students - How to support students who are still building confidence - Why engagement, enthusiasm, and access matter