Advising in Clinical Disciplines Special Interest Group

Students studying in clinical disciplines (e.g., medicine, nursing, midwifery, veterinary science, dentistry, physiotherapy, etc) face a unique set of challenges, from high cognitive load, significant mental health issues (anxiety, depression, and burnout), and spending substantial time away from the university on clinical placement. Those who advise them must be cognisant of these challenges. Providing guidance and support to these students is often more complicated than for other programmes due to multiple advisors being involved, both within and outside the university, some of whom are not familiar with the higher education institution's academic requirements or support mechanisms.

This Special Interest Group (SIG) focuses specifically on advising students in clinical disciplines. If you work and advise students in a clinically related discipline, this Special Interest Group is for you and will allow you to share your experiences and the challenges and issues you and your students face with other practitioners from clinical subject areas.

Audience

This group is open to all UKAT members who deliver or administer student advising/personal tutoring in clinical disciplines. 

Aims

1. Create a Collaborative Community
   Foster a supportive network of academic advisors working across clinical disciplines to share experiences, insights, and best practices.
2. Enhance Understanding of Clinical Student Needs
   Deepen awareness of the unique academic, emotional, and logistical challenges faced by students in clinical programmes, including high cognitive load, mental health concerns, and extended time on placements.
3. Improve Advising Practices
   Develop and disseminate effective advising strategies tailored to the complexities of clinical education, including navigating multiple advising relationships and bridging gaps between university and placement environments.
4. Promote Student Wellbeing and Success
   Advocate for holistic support systems that prioritise student wellbeing, emotional agility, and resilience, contributing to improved academic and clinical outcomes.
5. Facilitate Cross-Institutional Dialogue
   Encourage dialogue between advisors within universities and those in clinical settings to align expectations, clarify academic requirements, and strengthen student support mechanisms.
6. Support Professional Development
   Provide opportunities for advisors to engage in professional development, reflective practice, and research related to advising in clinical education contexts.
7. Influence Policy and Practice
   Serve as a consultative body to inform institutional policies and practices that impact advising and student support in clinical disciplines.