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Original poster

Would you be happy with an appointment with a medical student not Doctor ?

121 replies

inkyspells · 22/12/2025 10:49

I have been having issues with breathing and mucus a lot of it
Waking up coughing and gasping for air
Anyway completed a e consult forum
They’ve gave me a appointment with a medical student not a GP
I know everyone has to learn etc but would you be happy with this ?

OP posts:
Radionowhere · 22/12/2025 20:02

No. Mostly because I don't believe they would receive proper support and supervision in my Practice.

Greybeardy · 22/12/2025 20:16

it is worth remembering that it’s not that uncommon for medical students to have had careers in other medical areas before switching….they're not all green 18yr olds…some of them may have exactly the skill set you need (and while they will still be being supervised because they’re medical students they may be really really good at diagnosing/knowing what you need for that problem).

FlipFlopVibe · 22/12/2025 20:37

I think having a trainee probably helped in my experience, she was thorough with her examination and when she couldn’t diagnose something she sent a message on her computer to a senior who came in the room. They discussed my symptoms between them, he asked her opinion, he gave his and then he suggested what further tests I needed. It helped me understand their thinking being able to hear their discussion and that he was honest with her and said he also had no idea what we were dealing with and that it needed scans. He may have done that had she not been there, I don’t know but it felt reassuring at the time!

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Angelil · 22/12/2025 20:39

VanessaSanessa · 22/12/2025 20:00

Why?

A med student is not qualified.

A Physician's Associate might have years of experience.

Show quote history

Med students are supervised heavily (as has already been mentioned many times on this thread). They also never pretend to be what they are not (whereas many PAs seem quite happy to let you believe they are doctors). PAs have SIGNIFICANTLY less training compared to med students. They are meant to act under supervision as well, but often do not. Do you want me to go on?

Flibbertyfloo · 22/12/2025 20:41

Definitely. When I've had them it has been great. They've been really thorough and then it's all been checked by an experienced doctor.

Leopardspota · 22/12/2025 20:43

inkyspells · 22/12/2025 11:07

I called up and she will be unsupervised in the room but at the end of the day a senior GP checks over notes etc

This probably means she’s very close to the end and they trust her.

I’ve had students before where another GP was in the room. I also had one where the senior GP called me back as she wasn’t happy with the trainees advice (it was about nappy rash, so not life threatening, probably why he’d been given the patient) she wanted to add that if anything changed for the worse or it disnt go in 2 weeks I should come back (he obviously forgot to say that).

SleafordSods · 22/12/2025 20:44

We have both Trainee GPs and Medical Students at our practice. Never had a problem with any of them and yes, there is always an element of supervision.

youalright · 22/12/2025 20:47

Id be thrilled they will be up to date with medical changes, they will still be interested and they will be incredibly thorough

RafaistheKingofClay · 22/12/2025 20:57

Leopardspota · 22/12/2025 20:43

This probably means she’s very close to the end and they trust her.

I’ve had students before where another GP was in the room. I also had one where the senior GP called me back as she wasn’t happy with the trainees advice (it was about nappy rash, so not life threatening, probably why he’d been given the patient) she wanted to add that if anything changed for the worse or it disnt go in 2 weeks I should come back (he obviously forgot to say that).

Show quote history

Trainees or students? You’ve used both terms and they are very different. GPST3 would be fine to only be supervised by a chat at the end of a day. They are nearly at the end and have been a doctor for 4 years by this point.

medical students should absolutely not be seeing undifferentiated patients with a level of supervision that low. It’s an unsurprisingly gung ho approach to keeping your registration for the supervising GP I’d imagine.

pteromum · 22/12/2025 20:59

Every appointment here, rural Scotland, is same day, with nurse or student. Anything they are unsure of GPs are down hall.

works well.

Granddama · 22/12/2025 21:02

Appointments with GP's are not easy to get and in fact my last three have been with Senior Nurse Practitioners, so not much difference between them and a GP in training. Very well backed up as all appointments are reviewed with the doctor anyway as I discovered with a follow up telephone call. Don't worry, be glad you have an appointment with anyone instead of having to wait weeks!!!

Askingforafriendtoday · 22/12/2025 22:05

FutureMandosWife · 22/12/2025 10:50

Am happy with a trainee, the medical student will be a qualified doctor doing the GP training.

Not true. Lisa will be a medical student on.placement at GP, supervised. I would have no.problem. GP trainees are doctors often qualified for 2, 3,4 of more years before deciding what specialist training and being accepted onto the programme

Sonolanona · 22/12/2025 22:23

My DD1 is a GP who supervises 5th Yr Med students as well as GP trainees.
Only competent ones are allowed to do consults and if in the slightest doubt she is called in, and also reviews everything.
It's pretty safe!

TwinklySquid · 22/12/2025 23:08

I wouldn’t mind a trainee, as they will have a teacher. I wouldn’t with my child.

I got very annoyed at having a trainee when I took my daughter in when very unwell. She was premature and the student said “ I’m really excited . I’ve not dealt with a premature child.” He was quite rough and bruised my daughter’s mouth as she wouldn’t open her mouth . He also didn’t know what he was doing and said come back if things get worse (like temp).

After getting no actual answers, and several trips back to the same trainee over two days, took her to A and E. She had an infection that could have been dealt with on day one.

I wrote a very angry complaint letter. I explained I wasn’t angry at the student, but the teacher as she shouldn’t be putting the student in this position. I got a call from the teacher apologising . I told her to make sure the student knows I’m not annoyed with him. But he used to not want to make eye contact if he saw me at the practice.

Laurmolonlabe · 22/12/2025 23:20

The only time I have ever been seen by a student instead of a qualified doctor she was excellent far more alert and sensitive to my problem than my doctor- she found a solution to a problem my doctor had failed with for months.

BooneyBeautiful · 23/12/2025 00:23

Slightly off topic, but I had the same as you. Waking up choking in the night and then feeling very chesty in the morning until I had coughed up what I thought was phlegm. Turned out it was acid reflux ( Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease). I was prescribed Lansoprazole which sorted out the problem. Good luck!

Bellaphant · 23/12/2025 07:14

My DD (4) had an appointment with medical students last week. They were really thorough, asked really considered follow up questions and also were clear that the Dr was coming in to check at the end and may want to refer for more tests. The Dr came in at the end, the medical students summarised the issues, the Dr checked they'd done specific things but also asked them a couple of 'teaching' questions. I was really happy.

Thegladstonebag · 23/12/2025 08:17

inkyspells · 22/12/2025 10:49

I have been having issues with breathing and mucus a lot of it
Waking up coughing and gasping for air
Anyway completed a e consult forum
They’ve gave me a appointment with a medical student not a GP
I know everyone has to learn etc but would you be happy with this ?

They tend to be extremely thorough in my experience.

SparkleandFlights · 23/12/2025 08:21

inkyspells · 22/12/2025 10:52

It doesn’t say she will be supervised ,it says we have booked you an appointment with “Lisa medical student “

I had this.

I had a full and much longer than usual appointment with the med student.

Then the actual experienced GP came in and the med student discussed everything with her and the gp did/suggested other stuff and spoke to me before I left.

I got more time and attention than usual

VanessaSanessa · 23/12/2025 08:49

Angelil · 22/12/2025 20:39

Med students are supervised heavily (as has already been mentioned many times on this thread). They also never pretend to be what they are not (whereas many PAs seem quite happy to let you believe they are doctors). PAs have SIGNIFICANTLY less training compared to med students. They are meant to act under supervision as well, but often do not. Do you want me to go on?

Show quote history

I wasn't aware PA's pretend they are qualified doctors.

thereare4lights · 23/12/2025 08:55

If it's a med student (rather than a qualified doctor in GP training), they will be very closely supervised and the GP will be in the room/come in at the end to confirm. At least in my med student daughter's experience.

SleafordSods · 23/12/2025 09:11

The only time I’ve ever had a daft question from a Med Student was at the 6 week check when he asked my how long I’d been BFing for after asking me how old LO was. Well you sort of start feeding your baby on day one otherwise it’s frowned upon…Grin

sunshinestar1986 · 23/12/2025 10:21

inkyspells · 22/12/2025 10:49

I have been having issues with breathing and mucus a lot of it
Waking up coughing and gasping for air
Anyway completed a e consult forum
They’ve gave me a appointment with a medical student not a GP
I know everyone has to learn etc but would you be happy with this ?

At our GP surgery we have doctors but you'll be seen faster by paramedics.
Absolutely love them, they know all the basics, and they're not arrogant, they'll do everything. They will listen, take bloods, and get things sorted for you.
Whereas the GP will send you for a blood test next week!
Like, if the paramedic can do it all, why can't the GP?
Saves time for everyone.
Anyway, unless its a very serious thing, anyone is better than doctors these days, dunno if they're just bored with life or something.
Locums are great too tbh
Just not regular doctors 😅

AgapanthusPink · 23/12/2025 10:34

I had an appointment with a GP who had a med student with them. I’d just found out tge father of my children who I’d been with for 20 years was having an affair with a family friend and a month later diagnosed with breast cancer. I think tge nurse had concerns about my mental health when she saw me as I came across as a bit ‘hyper’. Speaking very quickly and not sleeping so she thought it would be good to see the GP. Had a bit of a chat with the GP who asked if I minded if med student asked me a few questions? First question, ‘Is there anything stressful going going on in your life?’ Me, ‘’You mean in addition to my partner leaving me and being diagnosed with cancer’, Him ‘Oh’ then he went bright red!

But no I would have no problems with a med student as they will be supervised even if the supervisor isn’t in the room. You’ll probably get the gold standard because the student will be mega keen and up to date with the latest information and the supervisor will have the experience and keen to make sure the student is doing everything right.

SleafordSods · 23/12/2025 10:37

AgapanthusPink · 23/12/2025 10:34

I had an appointment with a GP who had a med student with them. I’d just found out tge father of my children who I’d been with for 20 years was having an affair with a family friend and a month later diagnosed with breast cancer. I think tge nurse had concerns about my mental health when she saw me as I came across as a bit ‘hyper’. Speaking very quickly and not sleeping so she thought it would be good to see the GP. Had a bit of a chat with the GP who asked if I minded if med student asked me a few questions? First question, ‘Is there anything stressful going going on in your life?’ Me, ‘’You mean in addition to my partner leaving me and being diagnosed with cancer’, Him ‘Oh’ then he went bright red!

But no I would have no problems with a med student as they will be supervised even if the supervisor isn’t in the room. You’ll probably get the gold standard because the student will be mega keen and up to date with the latest information and the supervisor will have the experience and keen to make sure the student is doing everything right.

I’m so sorry you had to go through those two rather dramatic events and so close together as well Flowers