Make a list of interesting subjects, thinking as widely as possible about previous experiences and influential people and events. Subjects that have only briefly been encountered or possibly only figured in reading or the media but that trigger imagination or questions can usefully be considered too. The only limits to what might be considered are common sense - practicality as to what is possible in the time available and funding.
You should discuss your ideas with peers; final year students; foundation doctors who will have had recent elective experience; more senior trainees; and consultants or GPs. Speaking with several people is recommended to provide a feel for the range of subjects, types of project and venues that are feasible. There are also a number of elective advisers who may be able to discuss your ideas and help focus an idea or refine thinking towards a more practical or achievable project. The adviser may agree to be your local supervisor or may suggest a colleague whom you could approach.
Once you have a clear idea of the topic you should start approaching staff with knowledge and experience of your chosen topic to ask if they would be willing to act as your local supervisor.
A project involving patient based research, whatever its nature will, in many countries including the UK require ethical scrutiny and approval. This is usually a time consuming process (often 3-6 months) and you should discuss this with local and host institution supervisors early in the planning to ensure time to gain approval if it is required (See ethics approval section).
Although you can select virtually any topic we would advise caution if considering a project based around weather related injuries such as snowboarding in the Highlands. You will have no way of controlling the weather, and expecting alot of snow and related injuries may not happen if there is a mild season. It can be a similar situation for any sporting injuries, as what happens one season may not be the same the following year. If you do decide to do a project like these it may be worth having a back-up in place....just in case.