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