Everyone has a different view on when healthcare students should start experiencing the real, practical work. Is it better to start from the 1st year or wait till students gain more knowledge, holistic healthcare education and maturity?
What are your opinions on it?
MBH/PS
Early clinical exposure in the first year helps connecting the theory we study with real-life cases, while building communication skills. Delaying clinical exposure until gaining more knowledge in the second or third year allows students to engage more deeply, having more maturity and medical knowledge.
I believe the ideal approach is a balance: introducing limited early exposure to basic clinical skills and then do advanced procedures as students gain knowledge and confidence.
I think a balanced approach works best. Early exposure to practical works even from the 1st year. It will helps students connect theory with real-life applications and develop essential communication and empathy skills.
Gradual exposure to practical work from the very start of the course shapes better healthcare professionals.
Until we put the theory to practical use, we won’t learn…
Gaining early clinical exposure while building a solid foundation of theoretical knowledge is key to becoming a well-rounded healthcare professional.
This is a thoughtful question and really important for healthcare education. I feel early exposure from the 1st year can build confidence and help students connect theory with practice. Even simple tasks like observing or assisting can teach a lot. But deep clinical work needs proper knowledge and maturity, which comes later. So, a balanced approach is best start small in the beginning and increase responsibility step by step.
That’s a very thoughtful question! Early exposure from the 1st year can help students connect theory with practice and build confidence, while later clinical experience ensures they approach patients with enough knowledge and maturity. Ideally, a gradual integration starting with observation in early years and moving to hands on practice later gives the best balance
I belive Students from first year should be allowed to watch and follow the senior doctors. But only after they gain sufficient knowledge and exposure they should be allowed to participate in minor practice.
Skill work more in every field compared to theoretical knowledge , Consider have a wide knowledge but not able to apply in real world it would be waste . Practical exposure bridges this gap helping the student apply what they have learned into patient care , critical thinking , and problem solving it builds confidence and connect theory with practice balanced growth
1 year is about building base in theory and making learning a habit.
I think starting clinical postings from 2 year is better
Starting clinical postings in 1 year gives the adrenaline rush of finally getting to see clinical side and i guess that stops a student from reading much and focusing on practical more.
Early clinical exposure builds confidence and bridges theory with practice, while delayed exposure allows stronger knowledge consolidation before hands-on application. Striking a balance ensures students gain both solid foundations and practical skills for safe, effective patient care.
Early clinical exposure helps students link theory with practice, build confidence, and develop patient interaction skills from the start. In contrast, delayed exposure allows stronger theoretical grounding before handling real cases. An ideal balance combines both—solid knowledge with timely practical experience.
Now I am in my internship, I am thinking that this practice should start from atleast 2nd year on wards.