An intercalation year is a break from medical studies to pursue a different field, often leading to an additional qualification like a bachelor's or master's degree.
With the removal of the points system for foundation programme applications, many medical students are asking, "What's the point of intercalating?" and "Why waste an extra year to graduate?"
In reality, intercalation is an incredible, often overlooked opportunity that can offer immense personal, academic, and professional growth.
As healthcare evolves, future doctors can benefit from a broader perspective - one that encompasses not just clinical knowledge, but an understanding of healthcare systems, leadership, ethics, and more.
Intercalating was one of the best decisions I made in medical school, giving me invaluable experiences that have shaped me both as a person and a future doctor.
What factors to consider
- Think about where your true interests lie. Intercalation is a unique chance to delve into a subject you're curious about and meet passionate students, researchers and experts.
- Although early, your intercalation year can help you explore a particular specialty and build foundational knowledge to support future career paths.
- What type of work excites you? Intercalation projects vary widely, from lab research and data analysis to systematic reviews and dissertations.
- It's also important to consider work-life balance and the demands of each subject. Some areas are more intensive and structured, while some offer more flexibility and independent work. This could be a valuable time to explore interests outside of academia (especially after the rigorous preclinical years).
What I did during my intercalation year
I wanted a course that would be different to medicine, but with a blend of science and humanities, so I chose psychology! I'm also interested in neurology as a speciality, so I thought psychology would complement this well.
It involved a lot more abstract thinking and theoretical exploration, which was definitely a shift from memorising hundreds of flash cards. It was fascinating to discuss topics with world-class researchers, and work with other psychology students and discuss their experiences and ambitions.
I took part in a research project looking at how fear affects learning in OCD, using virtual reality. This experience opened my eyes to how virtual reality could potentially be used as a tool in clinical practice for therapies and diagnosis. We published this paper and I was able to present it at a conference in Cambridge. This was a great experience to meet some amazing researchers and boost my presentation skills.
Psychology was also very flexible and had significantly fewer contact hours in comparison to medicine. This gave me the chance to join multiple sports societies, perform at a dance show, and organise events for our college medsoc!
Improving skills and growth
One of the most exciting parts of intercalation is the chance to work on a research project as an undergrad. Independently managing project plans, setting timeframes and presenting research provides a host of transferable skills for clinical medicine.
The critical evaluation and analysis skills gained from all intercalation projects, be it a lab project or dissertation, are invaluable not only for future research projects but also for interpreting clinical research and guidelines effectively throughout a medical career. Projects often connect you with researchers and experts, which can lead to future collaborative research and mentorship opportunities.
Taking a year out of the medical curriculum also allows for growth both academically and personally. Exploring another subject can broaden your thinking, perhaps even creatively if you choose a humanities degree!
Boost future career prospects
An intercalation year, regardless of the subject, helps develop transferable skills such as critical analysis, analytical thinking and effective communication, all of which provide a solid foundation to support your medical career. These skills also help you stand out when applying for competitive training programmes.
You'll build valuable interdisciplinary connections that could open doors to future career opportunities, and with a more flexible schedule, you'll have time to attend medical conferences and join student societies or specialty interest groups, allowing you to dive deeper into areas that interest you.
Ultimately, an intercalation year much more than an academic break. It's a chance to explore your interests, sharpen critical thinking skills, and build a network that could support your career in unexpected ways.
You never know, it might just be the best year of your university life!
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Intercalating? Let us know
If you're intercalating, make sure to let us know so we can update your membership. Email membership@themdu.com with your name and membership number and the year you will qualify.
This page was correct at publication on 25/11/2024. Any guidance is intended as general guidance for members only. If you are a member and need specific advice relating to your own circumstances, please contact one of our advisers.
by Srinidhi Krishnan
Srinidhi is a fourth-year medical student at the University of Cambridge, with interests in paediatrics and neurosciences. She aims to pursue research alongside clinical practice in these fields. She organises events for the Cambridge Women in Surgery Society and enjoys sports, music, and hiking with her dog in her free time.