The role of students in healthcare settings has always been a contentious one. Allowing adequate exposure for students to engage and learn in a meaningful way, while respecting and protecting patients, is a balancing act. At Flinders University there has always being clinical immersion for medical students: from the very first few weeks we are guided into the wards of the hospital under supervision to begin honing our clinical skills. This is an exercise not only for our own benefit as budding clinicians, but for the communities we will serve.

COVID-19 challenged this.

It questioned our position in the healthcare setting and more than ever how we label medical students, essential or non-essential. It was initially really challenging for students who often feel out of place in large tertiary hospitals. Supervisors were worried about students exposing patients, and also about students own unique health needs. Students were concerned about their progression through the year, and their electives many had planned for over a year in the lead up.

While our overseas electives may be cancelled and MedBall postponed, we have continued on placement. There were challenges, with some clinical environments considered unsafe for students in the height of the pandemic, but we adapted and moved students into alternative placements.

Removing students during pandemics, to me, seems oxymoronic. Doctors need to be adaptable, critical thinking and empathetic clinicians, all qualities necessary to respond to a pandemic. So why not train our students during them?

There has been widespread support from the College of Medicine and Public Health and the local health networks. Further, there has been sincere inquiry and support of student wellbeing during times of large uncertainty.

The Flinders Medical Student Society has been integral for the advocacy of our student body. The College has listened and responded appropriately and it has been a real victory for the relationship between the student body and the University.

While COVID-19 has been difficult for everyone involved, it has had some positives.

It has highlighted the role that all students occupy, and their value in forming our evolving educated and dynamic workforce.

Further, while social distancing may have separated us, the challenge that COVID-19 presented has strengthened ties between students and University which I believe will reap many benefits for years to come. I have been very proud to be a student of Flinders University and work together to continue to enhance student learning during COVID-19.

Liam Ramsey, MD4 Student and Flinders Medical Student Society President