Internet Explorer is no longer supported by Microsoft. To browse the NIHR site please use a modern, secure browser like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Microsoft Edge.

#Covid19ResearchVoices: Our experience as Covid-19 Medical Student Volunteers

Published: 31 July 2020

Eight medical student volunteers at Heartlands Hospital, part of University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Trust write about their experiences delivering essential COVID-19 clinical research as staff were deployed to the NHS frontline. Their blog is part of our COVID-19 Research Voices series.

As medical students, we were unsure how we could help with the unfolding COVID-19 crisis. So upon receiving an invitation to support crucial research into COVID-19 in late March, we jumped at the opportunity. We are eight keen student volunteers, among the first to respond to help researchers and the NIHR Clinical Research Network West Midlands (NIHR CRN WM) to deliver essential COVID-19 clinical research, as staff were redeployed to the NHS frontline.

Led by Dr Chris Green, a Consultant in Infectious Diseases at the University of Birmingham, and coordinated by the newly established COVID-19 Student Volunteering Admin Team, we took part in a new programme to rapidly incorporate medical student volunteers directly into research teams. This required the close cooperation of clinicians, nurses and CRN WM staff, and created an exciting new role for us.

Our first task was to complete the Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training course followed by a hospital induction. We became the first cohort of medical students to be allocated roles at Birmingham Heartlands Hospital. We researched observational data for COVID-19 positive patients and completed the Case Report Form for the ISARIC study which aims to answer a number of urgent questions about COVID-19.

Without any previous experience of clinical research during our studies at medical school, we were excited to receive the chance to participate in a research role. Although we came in with varied expectations, it has been a great learning experience for everybody, giving us a unique perspective and insight into COVID-19 research.

With support and training from research and development staff, we were rapidly incorporated into the team, and quickly improved our understanding of the often complex COVID-19 cases.

We have really enjoyed the opportunity to contribute to clinical research at this unprecedented time. Speaking to the Principal Investigator on a daily basis allowed us to appreciate the wide-ranging implications and value of the work we were carrying out.

Tamsin says: “It has been great to be included in the daily briefing meetings, as we get a real-time update on the COVID-19 crisis as it develops”

The volunteer role has also provided the opportunity to develop our clinical skills and knowledge. Through case discussions with doctors, gaining a better understanding of trials and familiarising ourselves with the ward setting, we have been able to gain confidence in the clinical environment and learnt to work as part of the healthcare team.

“I have really enjoyed the introduction to infectious disease, and the chance to see the wards from a clinical perspective. I have also been able to get a better sense of patient journeys while in hospital,” says Max.

The volunteer team is balanced with both undergraduate and graduate-entry students, which provides an interesting mix of experiences and expertise.

For a first-year undergraduate student, getting involved in research to combat a global crisis was eye-opening. For all of us, taking an active role to support a national research effort has been fascinating.

“Having a taste of research has been very rewarding, especially when I hear a mention of the trials we have contributed to on the TV and radio!” adds Victoria.

Taking part in this programme has ultimately sparked new questions:

  • how can we apply the lessons learnt from this programme for future initiatives?
  • how can medical students positively influence research around them?
  • moving forward, how can we gain closer links between clinical research and medical student training?

We would also like to see more opportunities for clinical and lab research placements during our time at medical school and would also appreciate the introduction of basic research training, including GCP training, portfolio management and explanations of research staff roles.

Alastair says: “My research experience has definitely made me consider a career in academia, and it’s a shame this opportunity isn’t available to students during medical school.”

By Max Mulligan, Tamsin McKinnon, Liam Richards, Scarlet-Daisy Prior, Victoria Gresty, Alastair Watson, Holly West and Patrick Huntley, medical student volunteers at Heartlands Hospital, part of University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Trust


The NIHR has recently developed a ‘Framework for restart’, which is a guidance document to support local decision-making that will enable trusts to determine which paused NIHR research studies may be able to restart.

Read more blogs in our COVID-19 Research Voices series.

NIHR blog