19-Feb-2014 Source: London’s Air Ambulance
The Institute of Pre-Hospital Care at London’s Air Ambulance (“The Institute”), and Queen Mary University of London’s Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry (“QMUL”) have partnered to create the UK’s first Intercalated BSc degree in Pre-Hospital Medicine. Pre-hospital medicine is an innovative and growing field that is now recognised as a sub-specialty by the General Medical Council. Open to eligible medical students in the UK, the course will provide a strong foundation in the science and practical skills required for a successful career in pre-hospital medicine.
Taught modules will cover Applied Sciences, Resuscitation Science and Trauma Science as related to pre-hospital medicine, as well as Integrated Topics regarding the fundamental principles for operating safely and effectively as part of a team in a pre-hospital environment. A Clinical Applications module will enable students to learn through placements with pre-hospital medicine experts, and by otherwise engaging with clinicians and professionals concerned with the management and prevention of critical injury and illness. Finally, each student will undertake a substantial, supervised Research Project on a relevant science or social science topic.
The Intercalated BSc in Pre-Hospital Medicine is a one-year course jointly developed and delivered by The Institute and QMUL. Faculty will be made up of professionals from both The Institute/London’s Air Ambulance and QMUL. Teaching will also be given by other experts in pre-hospital medicine and related disciplines.
For twenty-five years, London’s Air Ambulance has been a leader in the development and practice of pre-hospital care in the UK and abroad. Through its research, innovation and education activities, as well as the professional affiliations and publications of its clinical leadership, it has influenced clinical guidelines, governance standards, and the practice of other air ambulances in the UK, Europe and Australia. The Institute of Pre-Hospital Care at London’s Air Ambulance was founded in 2013 to expand on this influence.
Dr. Gareth Grier, Clinical Director of The Institute, and Consultant at London’s Air Ambulance and Barts Health NHS Trust/The Royal London Hospital, comments: “Medical Students will now have a formal way of studying the scientific basis of this ever-expanding and innovative field of medicine. The BSc curriculum is extremely patient-focused, and packed with clinical case studies, so the course offers an exciting insight into this fascinating specialty for doctors of the future.”
Queen Mary University of London is one of 24 leading UK universities represented by the Russell Group. Queen Mary’s Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry offers international levels of excellence in research and teaching, while serving a population of unrivalled diversity in a stimulating clinical environment. It is ranked as one of the UK’s top five, research-led medical and dental schools in the most recent Research Assessment Exercise.
Professor Stephen Greenwald, Head of The Intercalated Degree Programme at QMUL, comments: “I have followed the development of this new course with interest and look forward to welcoming the first cohort of students onto what I believe is an exciting development in our intercalated degree programme. The course will offer a unique opportunity for students to engage in an in-depth study of this recently recognised speciality. It is a most welcome addition to the programme.”
