One of the things I looked forward to most was scheduling electives during SC2. After completing my SC1 exams, I seized the opportunity to spend three months in the United States and one in Canada, undertaking clinical electives ranging from internal medicine and gastroenterology/hepatology to primary care.

These rotations gave me the opportunity to explore the North American healthcare system and learn from some of the most knowledgeable physicians in the field.

From the outset, I had full autonomy over my own learning. Each elective allowed me to build and manage my own patient panel, simulating the workload and responsibilities of an intern. I rotated across a diverse range of settings – from community-based primary care clinics to quaternary academic centres – where I encountered everything from common cases such as atrial fibrillation, gastrointestinal bleeds and strokes, to rare and complex conditions including genetic liver disorders and refractory autoimmune diseases.

These experiences solidified my early interest in internal medicine and gastroenterology/hepatology. The intellectual challenge, collaborative environments and patient variety kept me engaged each day. I learned to think critically and holistically, to coordinate multidisciplinary care and to communicate effectively with patients and teams alike. Most importantly, I saw firsthand what excellent teaching and mentorship looked like, which left a lasting impact.

If you are considering clinical electives in North America, here are three pieces of advice I would give:

• Plan early – Applications open well in advance and slots at top hospitals fill quickly. Consider which specialty you want more exposure to and be strategic with your choices.
• Talk to upper years – Their insights on specific programmes and preceptors can be invaluable. They will also give you an honest perspective on what to expect.
• Seek opportunities – As someone who sees research as integral to excellent clinical care, use these electives to find out what projects are being done in the department and try to get involved, especially if you have not previously participated in research.

These electives are incredibly hands-on and rewarding. They push you, shape you and introduce you to mentors who can become lifelong guides in your career. To this day, I still keep in touch with all my preceptors and I am grateful for every patient, challenge and conversation that shaped my journey.