Western Isles GP Practices praised for clinical placement learning

NHS Western Isles wishes to congratulate both South Harris Medical Practice and North Uist Medical Practice who were nominated to receive a letter of Commendation for Excellent Teaching and Support provided to Year 5 University of Aberdeen students over the last academic year.

Awarded in recognition of their excellent contribution to clinical placement learning, NHS Education for Scotland holds an annual review meeting of undergraduate medical education. Following this meeting, specialty teaching leads are asked to nominate staff or practice teams who have provided high quality teaching experiences to undergraduate medical students in the previous academic year.

Fiona Parker, University of Aberdeen’s FRCGP and Diploma Clinical Education/Senior Clinical Lecturer GP CME Team, said: “The two Western Isles GP practices were nominated because Year 5 medical students from the University of Aberdeen provided anonymised written feedback, reporting excellent teaching skills and positive learning experiences during their 7-week GP placements."

The GP Community Medical Education team at the University of Aberdeen stated how much they appreciated practices at NHS Western Isles providing GP clinical placements for senior medical students. 

Dr. Andrew Naylor, South Harris Medical Practice, said: “I am delighted to accept the letter of commendation on behalf of the South Harris Medical Practice.  Medical student training has been an important part of the life of the Practice since 2000, and is a very rewarding aspect of my work."

Dr. Gerry Wheeler, North Uist Medical Practice, said “The Practice is very happy to have been nominated and accepting of the nomination.  We believe this reflects well on our whole Practice team's efforts to look after students who undertake their placements with us."    

In addition, both practices stated that it is greatly encouraging to receive such positive feedback from students, and wished them all the best in their future careers.

NHS Education for Scotland has since sent a letter of commendation to the GP practices, thanking them for their excellent contribution to clinical placement learning for medical students.

Fiona added: “Both practices should be very proud of this achievement.”