About 130 trainee doctors from the institution, which took its first intake of students last September, are now working in the community on placements.

The students will become an increasingly familiar sight at health centres across Devon and Cornwall over the coming months.

It is hoped that by training them in the South West, they will be more likely to stay in the region.

Placements do not replace the classroom

Students have not only been on placement in big hospitals.

Medical student Liam Swains said: "We've been quite lucky.

"The curriculum at the medical school allows students to get into the community from the first week.

"Most students have already been out on placement with midwives, GPs and hospitals."

Traditionally, trainee doctors have been taught away from the South West, but now patients will find consultants arriving at their bedside accompanied by locally-trained students.

Students are also attending classes during placements.

Consultant anaesthetist Dr Tony Davies has been given a room within the hospital for some theory lessons.

"Certainly what I've been impressed with from the students that I've seen is the differing ages and experience that they bring with them," he said.

"One of those in my group was a paramedic before starting his training, and I think that bringing in this range of skills and experiences is important and can only be profitable to the NHS in general."