Gaming the Mind is pleased to offer a non-clinical elective programme for UK medical students in their penultimate or final year, tailored to their interests in mental health and gaming. You can complete this form to state your interest.

An elective placement is regarded by many medical students as a highlight of their medical education. It provides the opportunity to experience new environments, to focus on elements of medicine of particular interest, and to test out career options.

Many medical schools allow students to complete their elective period in a non-medical setting, such as conducting research, or placements with a health charity, like Gaming the Mind, or NGOs related to health/medicine.

An elective placement with Gaming the Mind can be tailored to your interests and experience requirements, but generally involve assisting in our existing activities, or if suitable, planning and undertaking a new activity of your own.

Gaming the Mind hosted Dr Lakshya Gopal, a former Imperial Medical School student, who completed her Elective with us. Here’s what she had to say about it:

Elective experience

“My elective with Gaming the Mind was an amazing experience where I felt able to combine my clinical training with creativity in a meaningful way. During the elective, I worked on writing articles and producing content that explored how gaming can intersect with mental health, covering topics of stigma, coping and connection. Writing for a public-facing platform challenged me to translate clinical ideas into language that felt accessible, a communication skill I’ve realised is just as important as clinical knowledge. I had two mentors guiding me through different aspects of my elective who provided excellent support and structure. 

“One of the most meaningful aspects of my elective was helping to initiate “consoles for wards” quality improvement projects by reaching out to Mental Health Trusts to arrange video game console donations through the charity. I had the opportunity to design a booklet explaining the project and it made me reflect on the hospital environment and how alienating it can feel for patients. Thinking about how small, thoughtful interventions could restore a sense of normality, autonomy and joy helped me see mental health care beyond diagnosis and treatment.

“The experience has stayed with me because it showed me impactful mental health work doesn’t always look clinical. I really enjoyed being able to develop my skills in medical humanities, my creativity, and further my experience in mental health advocacy through this elective which was unique, fun and something I’ll take with me throughout my career.”

How to apply

Medical students are typically responsible for planning their own electives. Please ensure your medical school approves of you undertaking a placement with Gaming the Mind.

If you are interested in completing a non-clinical elective with Gaming the Mind, please complete this form to state your interest. A member of our team will be in touch to discuss further.

Please note, Gaming the Mind is able to offer elective placements for UK-based medical students only.