Oxford Medicine Online Summer Course

Course Description: Oxford Medicine Online Summer Course

Live Online Learning from Oxford

Our online programmes deliver an academically rigorous curriculum led by tutors from leading universities. We provide a structured, live learning environment where students can interact in real-time with their peers and tutors. Families can feel confident in a trusted organisation known for high teaching standards, small class sizes (maximum 15 students), and a supportive digital community.

Passionate about medicine? Curious about life as a doctor? The Online Medicine Academy offers the perfect opportunity to explore key concepts in medical science and healthcare from anywhere in the world.

Through live, interactive tutorials (not pre-recorded), you will discover the inner workings of the human body, meet real patients, and explore the future of medicine. Guided by expert tutors from leading universities such as Oxford and Cambridge, you will learn to take a patient history, understand diagnostic processes, and develop the clinical reasoning skills used by medical professionals.

Course Content & Learning Objectives

1. Introduction to the Course: The Human Body

• Get to know your international cohort and tutor, set course norms and values, and understand the overall task for the course.

• Medical Fundamentals: Explore medicine as a field of study and a career path. Gain an introduction to human anatomy and basic medical concepts.

2. The Cardiovascular System

• Learn the structure and function of the heart and blood vessels, and understand the mechanics of the circulatory system.

• Identify common cardiovascular diseases and use clinical reasoning to dissect a patient case while exploring proactive ways to maintain heart health.

3. The Respiratory System

• Outline the anatomy of the lungs and the process of respiration, identifying common respiratory diseases.

• Discuss a specific patient case and explore the preventative measures and proactive habits that promote long-term respiratory health.

4. The Digestive System

• Identify and describe the main organs and their functions in the digestive process.

• Explore common digestive disorders and discuss lifestyle choices and proactive measures to maintain a healthy digestive system.

5. Surgery and Clinical Skills

• Apply your anatomical knowledge to the field of surgery and explore the role of clinical skills in a hospital setting.

• Applied Learning: Take part in a role-play scenario as both patient and doctor to practice your diagnostic approach and come up with a differential diagnosis.

6. Psychiatry

• Gain an understanding of the field of psychiatry and the importance of mental healthcare within the medical profession.

• Discuss a specific psychiatric case study and participate in a "Kahoot" refresher covering the clinical knowledge gained throughout the first week.

7. The Ethics of Medicine

• Take part in an ethical debate, discussing common dilemmas within medicine and the importance of maintaining integrity in clinical practice.

• Explore complex scenarios where medical law and ethics intersect, considering how doctors make difficult decisions.

8. History Taking and Diagnosis

• Discuss the vital aspects of patient communication and get familiar with the Socratic method of taking a medical history.

• Learn how to ask the right questions to build a clear picture of a patient's health and symptoms.

9. The Future of Medicine

• Research and present a developing topic in medical sciences, exploring the evolution of medicine in the age of Artificial Intelligence.

• Discuss these developments in groups, considering how they may change medical science and the ethical considerations surrounding them.

10. Final Challenge: Patient Consultation

• Take part in a full patient consultation, performing a clinical interview as it would happen in a hospital or clinic.

• Receive feedback from the patient, tutor, and your peers on your history-taking skills and your discussion of differential diagnoses.

Meet Your Tutor 👩‍🏫

Dr Kathryn Woodward BMedSci, MD, MSc (Oxon), DPhil (Oxon) (Candidate)

Kathryn is a Rhodes Scholar and DPhil candidate in Primary Health Care at the University of Oxford. She holds a Bachelor of Medical Sciences and a Doctor of Medicine with Distinction from Griffith University, where she was awarded the University Medal of Excellence. She also holds an MSc in Applied Digital Health with Distinction from the University of Oxford. Her current research focuses on health service experiences, and she serves as the Deputy Chair of Canteen, Australia’s leading youth cancer charity.

Please note, our faculty members may be subject to change.

Develop Your Medical Skills

Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of medicine by tackling real-world challenges, participating in masterclasses, and learning from an inspirational tutor.

Master Fundamental Medical Concepts

• Master key concepts such as anatomy and physiology, differential diagnosis, and clinical skills – all under the guidance of our expert tutors from leading universities like Oxford and Cambridge.

Be Mentored by an Expert Academic

• Work closely with an academic mentor on real-world medical challenges. Whether diagnosing conditions, taking a medical history, or discussing a patient case, you’ll gain invaluable experience by working through problems just like the experts.

Connect with Future Medical Professionals

• Join our weekly video socials to meet fellow students from around the world. These casual, fun events feature games, quizzes, and group activities, offering a chance to unwind, socialise, and make lasting connections with others passionate about medicine.

Hear From a Graduate 💬

Alisa Bhojani - Online Medicine Course

“The online Medicine course helped me learn more about the field that I am passionate about. It was incredibly informative and such an exciting opportunity. My favourite part was evaluating a real patient!”

Practical Information

• Format: Live tutorials (Zoom or similar platform)

• Timings: Tutorials take place from 1pm – 3pm UK Time

• Dates: June – August (1 or 2-week programmes available)

• Class Size: Maximum 15 students to ensure personalised attention

• Requirements: Ages 12-14; Laptop with camera/mic; English level B2/C1

What’s Included in Your Tuition Fee

Academics

• 20 Hours of live teaching (over two weeks)

• 4 Hours of Masterclass sessions

• Preparatory reading list & independent study assignments

• Detailed, personalised feedback on your medical work

Graduation & Beyond

• Formal Online Graduation Ceremony

• Personalised Letter of Recommendation from your tutor

• Official Certificate of Achievement

• Invitation to the Ambassador Programme

• Ongoing academic advice and support