Transition to Internship

Medical Deans is committed to a culture where it is safe for students and graduates to discuss their individual physical or mental health needs and any caring or other responsibilities when transitioning to practice. A significant barrier to providing the right support at transition to internship is that some students or graduates fear they will be stigmatised if they ask for additional support. Employers, too, may have concerns about their capacity to provide support.  

An effective transition to internship depends on creating a de-stigmatised culture where those medical students or graduates seeking support feel safe to do so, while those health services providing support recognise the institutional, individual and community benefits of a healthy workplace environment.   

Pre-Internship

Usually occurring after all the final exams have been completed, a specifically designed and focused preparation for internship (PRINT) term is an important aspect of medical programs, and helps expose students to the capabilities and responsibilities required of them in their upcoming role.  Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) medical students undertake a defined Trainee Intern (TI) year in the sixth and final year of their medical degree, during which students are immersed in clinical care as part of healthcare teams. 

The value of this preparation, and work to share examples of good practice and initiatives between schools, is strengthening and building on opportunities to better align and connect students’ and junior doctors’ learning and their journey to independent practice.