1. Successful Applications For Foundation Training 2012
Careers Consultants University of Manchester &
Dr Ella Checkley – Foundation School Careers Lead
September 2011
Explain that although we are not clinicians we are experienced consultants with many years of graduate recruitment experience between us.
Have selected candidates via application forms and speak with 100s of recruiters about their application experience.
Principles of completing blank box/competency based forms are the same.
Attend UKFPO conferences to keep us updated including one on Monday 12thth Sept and are part of a national network of medical careers advisers who meet to discuss and review support for medical students.
Involved in preparing students for this process over the last 5 years.
Work closely with the Deanery to put together this workshop based on up to date knowledge of the process. Advice we give is based on experience of where previous years students have needed help.

2. Admin Copies of these OHPs are available on the Cs website .
If they wish to break for a tea/coffee suggest they do so during the exercise
Toilets
Fire
Mobile phones

3. Helping you to apply for your Foundation Year posts – 3 step process
Workshops to prepare for the Application Process
and Careers Forums
STEP 3
North West Deanery Foundation Application Fair
STEP 2
This is the third stage in terms of help and support the medical school, careers service and NW deanery are providing you with.
Dr Braidman’s sessions in June, the Fair in July and these sessions in September
Using your portfolio to prepare for Foundation Year Application and Careers Forum
STEP 1

4. Programme Introduction Know the process
What to do before you start your application form
Application form in detail
Checklist and Golden rules
Further sources of help available
Exercise
F2 doctors presentations plus Q & A panel
Will cover the process briefly as lots all the information is already on the UKFPO website and we have Jacqui Baines from the NW Deanery to answer questions at the end of this session – so save up your questions and concerns until the end
Taking you through some example answers – your opinion.
We will be showing you some real answers to last years questions and helping you to work out for yourself what a scorer might have been looking for. Remember these are real answers submitted by real students and are as good as they could do at the time. They are all of a good standard but there is room for improvement. Going to help you to identify possible improvements.

5. Foundation Application Process
Foundation Programme
2 year training programme
At National Level
National timeline
UK-wide single online application system –UK Foundation Programme Office (UKFPO)
Fair and open competitive process
National scoring guidance & national person specification
Applications scored by panel from your first choice Foundation
Allocation to Foundation School
At Local Level
Selection of programme preferences
Allocation to a programme within a school
Pre employment checks
You are applying for your first job – but not like any other sector where you are selected – this is an allocation exercise – you will all get jobs ( at least for 1 year)
Must rank all 24 Foundation schools in order of preference
Points for academic ranking and for application form
Applications will have a maximum score of 100 points and will consist of two components:
Important to remember that at first stage this is an allocation exercise rather than a selection exercise
Academic Ranking - 40 points (maximum) (available from mid September)
Your academic ranking is calculated by your medical school, who will divide your year group into four quartiles based on academic performance
If you are in the first quartile (the top 25% of your year), you will receive a score of 40; if you are in the second quartile, your score will be 38; the third quartile 36 and fourth quartile 34
You will be able to see your academic ranking on your account once you have enrolled online.
Application questions - 60 points (maximum)
There are six questions. Each answer can score a maximum 10 points and a maximum word limit of 200 per answer. Each question will be scored individually by a panel of two people. The scorers will not know the applicant’s identity, their academic ranking or scores they received for other questions
The application website is secure. Many rigorous security checks have been put in place

6. Changes to the process for FP 2012
Applicants are required to upload documentation to support information given for educational achievement points
Educational achievements will be machine-marked. The uploaded evidence will be verified during a national verification day and the scores confirmed (note fewer than 50% of students score points)
If, as expected, there are more fully eligible applicants than vacancies, applications from individuals who cannot provide evidence of their right to work and remain in the UK will not be considered
Applicants will be allocated to foundation schools in score order. If their first choice is not available, the system will look at their second choice, and so on down their list of preferences until a space is available
Where applicants have the same score, the system will randomly select the order for allocation of applicants with that score
System is more likely to be fairer this year – possibly not so many get first choice but more likely to get second or third choice rather than 8th or 9th or worse under preference first and then score as in previous years. Advice is not to second guess most popular but to put in preference order.
PART A – Additional postgraduate degrees (max. 5 points)
Additional degrees include Bachelors, Masters and Doctorates, regardless of the subject
Score given for one additional degree only.
If applicants have an MA and a PhD, they should enter details of the PhD as it attracts the highest number of points
More points awarded for better class degrees
A 1st class BSc degree will attract more points than a 3rd class degree, for example
A copy of the degree certificate needs to be uploaded
A letter from the dean/registrar confirming a pass result is acceptable if the certificate has not been issued
PART B: Publications, prizes and presentations (max. 5 points)
Up to two points in each category for:
Publications (must have a PubMed ID)
Oral or poster presentations at national (or international) events
Educational prizes at a national level (this must be a 1st prize)
5 points are available in total, with a maximum of 2 points from each category

7. FP 2012 – What’s new? PRE – Situational Judgement Test (SJT)
Applicants are expected to complete the FPAS application form PLUS a one hour invigilated SJT
SJTs will:
take place at UK medical schools on either 11 Nov, 28 Nov, 9 Dec or 9 Jan. Schools will provide details of date, time and venue
give you the opportunity to practice SJT questions, which are being used for selection in an increasing number of specialties
NOT have any bearing on your FPAS score, nor on your allocation to foundation school or programme
You will be provided with your score in relation to all other students who have taken the test
The UKFPO will provide information to non-UK applicants regarding where they can attend an SJT
All students will be asked to participate in a parallel recruitment exercise as a “dry run” for the planned rollout of the new selection methods for FP 2013.
IMPORTANT!
The outcomes of the Parallel Recruitment Exercise will help determine whether the new selection methods will be used for FP 2013 and beyond, so it is important to participate

8. FP 2012 – What’s new? PRE – Educational Performance Measure (EPM)
Medical schools will be producing an EPM score for each student as part of the PRE
The UKFPO will provide the EPM score for non-UK applicants
The EPM score will:
be calculated by your medical school using the methods they are planning to use for FP2013
be used confidentially for the purposes of analysis
NOT have any bearing on your FPAS application score, nor will the information be used to determine your allocation to foundation school or match to programme
The EPM will be worth up to 50 points and will consist of three parts:
1) Medical school performance, providing a decile score rather than a quartile score. Applicants will score between 34 – 43 points.
2) Additional degrees (Bachelors, Masters and Doctorates) – maximum of 5 points.
3) Publications, presentations and prizes – maximum of 2 points.
The three scores will be added together to form the EPM score.
Students will receive their EPM score in April 2012.
Schools will have to publish what assessments have been used to calculate each candidate’s score. Students will then have the chance to discuss this with their school and raise any concerns they have in terms of which assessments will be used.
This will be phased in to make sure it does not disadvantage students who did not know their early year scores would count towards their FP application.

9. What happened last year?
100% of UK grads were placed in programmes
Over 90% got there first choice of Foundation School
97% of applicants from the NW got their first choice of Foundation School
All Manchester students who put NW as 1st choice Foundation School got it
Approx 60% of applicants from the NW got their first choice of programme
CHECK WITH DEANERY IF LOCAL STATS STILL ACCURATE
Careers Service & Deanery delivered sessions in four teaching hospitals across North West
For the last 5 years, all Manchester students who have put the NW as their first choice of Deanery have got it. It is an importing school and a big one – anticipate same should happen again this year
97% of applicants from the NW got their first choice foundation school which was marginally higher than the national success rate.(90%)
The current recommendation is that not much is likely to change this year but plans for a major shake up in 2013.
However, the downside is, that if they don't get their first choice of school, they can slide down their preferences rather dramatically and only get something like their 12th choice. This is why a strategic approach to the first choice (and second) is essential, eg no point in putting 4 London schools as first four choices as if you don't get in the first you wont get in the other 3. (Linked applications also possible – see handbook)
Think strategically about your choice of foundation schools. Check out competition ratios in the Applicants handbook ( hold it up to show them)
Around 60% in NW got first choice of training programme
Less success at programme matching because suspect that majority will still put the big teaching hospitals as their first choice even though unlikely they will get in “just in case”. System and how people apply it works differently in matching to programmes

10. Timeline
Step 1
Deadline for submission of requests for pre allocation due to special circumstances
29 September 2011
Step 2
View all programmes on FPAS
3 October 2011
Step 3
Enrol
3-10 October 2011
Step 4
Complete online application form
10-21 October 12 noon
Step 5
Applications scored
31 0ct-18 Nov 2011
Step 6
Primary list allocation
8 December 2011
Step 7
Reserve list batch allocations
March – July 2012
Step 8
Pre-employment checks
April- July 2012
Registration
You must enrol online before you can apply. Go to: to register from 3 October – don’t leave it to last min.Dont use hotmail – use doctorsnet or nhsnet
Once you have registered, an authentication code will be ed to you. Enter the code to activate your account, and then enrol
Ensure you type your details exactly as you supplied them to your deanery/medical school
Eligible candidates will have their information pre-loaded onto the system and it will need to exactly match what has been pre-loaded. The system will check to ensure you are eligible before letting you proceed to the application form
You have 11 days between seeing the form and submitting it – draw up an action plan especially if there are gaps in your experience or knowledge you need to address
Don’t leave it to the last minute to apply in case of technical problems – late applications will not be accepted
Foundation Applicants handbook with more info about filling in the form available.
Programme matching and pre employment checks are done at a local level by the Foundation School
Applicants matched to programme based on their score first, then preference ( highest scoring applicants get 1st pick)
Pre employment information
The employer (hospital or trust), not the foundation school, will offer you an employment contract, subject to pre-employment checks
Pre-employment checks include Criminal Records Bureau checks, occupational health checks and may, in some cases, include a structured interview
Both of your references must be submitted before you are offered a contract
Your employer is responsible for all contractual issues – location, pay, banding, etc

11. How does it all work? Application form divided into 8 sections
Personal
Name and address
Qualifications
educational
Clinical skills
self assessment of your own practical and clinical skills
Other (equality & diversity)
will be used by employers to build a demographic profile of their workforce
Key questions (this is the only part the panel will see)
6 questions which will be scored
References
Your references (x2) must be clinicians
Preferences
You must rank 24 foundation schools( check Applicants handbook for competition ratios from last year)
Submit
Confirm application is completed and all information is correct and your own work
You will be able to save your application at any time and come back to it at a later date during the application timeframe
Cover slide quickly
Declaration at foot of form – important:
Remember applicants handbook available to download will give you guidance on how to complete the form - Marked horizontally.
References will not be used in the scoring process. Must contact them prior to including their details in your af. They must be senior doctors practising consultants or GPs ( read out section from Applicants handbook)
Equality and Diversity- not seen by scorers – used by employers to build a profile on make up of their work force eg sex, nationality, age

12. What we do know: What we don’t know:
Broad areas questions will focus on
(Note: questions are likely to be very similar to last year – no major changes until 2013)
Types of things scorers are looking for
What we don’t know:
Marking criteria/mark scheme
Questions based around academic achievements, GMC, person specification – as last year.
We don’t know the mark scheme/marking criteria but we do know the types of things that the scorers are looking for – our background & knowledge.
Also likely to be more scenario based questions as plan in future is to scrap this form and introduce a situational Judgement Test – as used successfully for years for GP recruitment.
Why are we delivering the session before the form comes out?
- Gives you more time to reflect on your achievements
- Gives you time to do more things to fill in any gaps
- Plagiarism – it is up to you to carefully manage the advice you are given along the way to ensure that the form remains all your own work.
Must not copy answers you have seen in workshops like this!

13. Understand the background
“Foundation programmes are designed to give basic competence in professional skills like communication, teamwork and the use of evidence and data. You will be expected to demonstrate increasingly sophisticated skills in these areas throughout the foundation programme.”
“You will be responsible for your own learning.”
“You should consider every activity a chance to learn something new.”
Rough Guide to the Foundation Programme, Ch 1.
Whether you agree with the use of the form or not, you will stand a better chance if you understand why the form is being used and what the scorers are looking for.
The application form reflects the principles of the foundation programmes – it makes sense in this context.
Every student is expected to graduate from medical school with sufficient academic skills to succeed. What differentiates those that will make the better doctors are how they approach their work and training. This is why a larger proportion of marks are available for the evidence you have provided of your skills on the application form.

14. Person Specification for 2012
Check everyone has seen this – questions will reflect this – no major surprises.
When you apply for a job – any job – your suitability for that job will be assessed against how closely you match the requirements of the person specification. The person spec is essential as it details what employers want in terms of skills and qualities in their Foundation doctors
Draw attention to the 2 publications listed. They will be expected to have read these and understand how the principles relate to foundation training and reflect this understanding back in their answers to their af questions
Language and communication skills – your af is a prime example of you demonstrating these in practice!
Proberty – integrity, honesty and confidentiality.

15. Person Specification for 2012
Commitment to learning and self awareness are new
This is the key page where most of the questions are based around these attributes

16. Foundation Application 2011
6 Questions
Educational achievements
Impact of team working on quality of patient care.
Clinical situation with opportunistic learning experience
FY1 Prioritising tasks scenario
Communicating with patients - clinical situation involving challenging cultural, social or family circumstances
Two personal achievements demonstrating ability to deal with pressure and prioritise
Soft skills-
Easy to overlook – automatic
Hard to avoid in this process!!
Shows how closely the 6 scored questions match person spec.
More emphasis last year than in previous year of using clinical or medical education examples than more general
There should be no major surprises because you will be asked questions that relate to the skills and qualities on the person spec

17. Preparation well in advance
Start thinking about your application now
Think self-promotion…this is your chance to sell yourself
Read and understand the requirements of the National Person Specification (UKFPO web site) and Good Medical Practice
Identify any gaps in your skills and abilities – action plan!
Be proactive – seek out opps to practice/improve existing skills
- Seek out opps to shadow/ expand skills and experiences
Network – meet and talk to current Foundation doctors
Document and reflect on best practice/significant learning/critical incidents – evidence from portfolio
Focus on achievements and results – develop a profile of your skills particularly relevant to Foundation Training
Practice answering last year’s questions
Identify referees and seek permission to use them
Get yourself in the right frame of mind. Think about the form now if you haven’t already started. It will take time to think of your best examples.
Check if all have a current CV they can draw from?
Understand exactly how you match the National Person Specification and be prepared to demonstrate this through your application form.
Read all documentation including the person specification (on website)
Collect dates and titles of relevant qualifications, publications, research, audits, presentations and posters
Use your portfolio. Brainstorm and reflect on your key achievements. Make a match with the person specification (before the questions are revealed on the 11th October). Then tailor your evidence to what the question is asking for.

18. What about Referees?
You will need to provide names and contact details of two referees
One reference must be from a practising hospital consultant, GP or associate specialist who is able to give an opinion of your clinical skills.
One reference must be from your medical school. This might be a professor, senior lecturer, lecturer, reader, director of clinical studies or a person holding an honorary medical school contract as advised by your medical school.
You may use referees outside of the UK as long as the referee is able to comment on your performance.
References and their content are not used in the scoring process, nor are they taken into account when allocating you to a foundation school or a specific foundation programme. They are collected on behalf of the employer as part of their pre-employment checks and have no bearing on your application.
For Manchester students the best person to use will possibly be their portfolio tutor

19. Why Portfolio matters As an ideas generator
Which example will enable widest coverage of all aspects of the question?
Make it verifiable
Engagement with personal reflection is a valuable skill for your future CPD…
and may influence career direction
If you are asked to verify any of your answers your portfolio becomes invaluable if you have documented evidence

20. Documents needed to Ace the Application
The New Doctor (2009)
Good Medical Practice (2006)
Medical students: professional behaviour and fitness to practise
Person Specification
Foundation Applicants Handbook 2012
Make sure you read these prior to filling in the form because they will help you to understand why the form is being used and what scorers will be hoping to see in good answers
The questions on your Foundation application will focus on these issues.
Familiarity with all of the above will be hugely reassuring when the questions are revealed.
These documents provide the context and rationale from the person spec. You will need to read these if you are going to put some meat on the bones. E.g. What does it look like when a doctor is working effectively with colleagues, what standards of care can be expected in a pressured situation.

21. Application forms – the basics
Give yourself plenty of time
Read through the whole form before starting
Draft your answers in rough in word
Cut and paste but proof read
Complete all the sections – don’t cross ref
Grammar and spelling...check!
Tone - upbeat , positive and focused
Short, sharp sentences – no long prose passages
Complete and comprehensible sentences
Must be your own work
Submit in good time
keep a copy of your form!
Can take hours to complete the form
We appreciate that this is new to you and you may well be feeling very anxious about this whole process. We are here to help and support you so if there is anything you are unclear of please ask
Don’t expect to complete the whole application form in one sitting, book at least three sessions in your diary. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time and don’t leave it until the last minute
Best to do a bit, save it and come back to it a fresh to edit
Don’t worry about word limits in first drafts in rough – put it all down and then edit
Avoid put downs like I was only…although I don’t have that experience, we were not very successful, the experience was useless
Short, sharp sentences will ease word count constraint anxiety. Draft expansively – then edit down – come back to it afresh
Focus on what they want , not what you want to say – if not relevant, leave out
Some Foundation schools run pre employment interviews where they will ask you to bring along a copy of your af to go through ( currently, NW Deanery does not do this)

22. Application forms – evidence based/blank box questions
Select recent, relevant examples
Quantify and be specific – analyse the event
Describe your behaviour, not us, we and the team, what did you contribute?
How and why? – personal insight and reflection
Focus on results – what difference did you make? What was the outcome?
What did you achieve/learn/insights gained?
Structure your answers…think CAR:
Context – Action – Result
Points likely to be awarded for a clear description.
This can also apply to things that didn’t go as you planned – still learning and insight from these experiences in terms of how you might do things differently in future.
Choose examples which:
Are recent
Are relevant
Showcase your best performance
Go beyond what would be expected of you
Selectors believe that past performance is the best indicator of future success ie if you have been a proactive student who gets involved in lots of activities and makes the most of opps to learn, chances are you will continue to bring these qualities to medicine and be an excellent doctor

23. How is your form scored?
Questions 2-6 marked horizontally by panels of 2 initially from 1st choice Foundation School. Max 10 points.200 words
Scorers know your applicant number and the answer to one question only
A nationally agreed mark scheme is used
Whole form marked by at least 10 people
Marked by another panel if can’t agree
Random sample benchmarked with another Foundation School
Verification letter/meeting if concerns
The scoring panels will only be provided with the answers to your questions and your applicant number. All other information is held on a secure database and passed to employers for pre-employment checks once an offer of a training place has been made. Scorers sign confidentiality agreement
Process is robust, piloting marking of sample answers and benchmarking scores at national level takes place before the application process begins
Anti plagiarism software is used when forms submitted
Panels comprise a consultant and a lay person
Panels will score answers to a particular question only (e.g. all question 3 or all question 4)
Panels will not see your entire form unless there are concerns or verification issues
Panels score an answer independently and then agree a final score if they differ
If they cannot agree, the answer is re scored by another panel
If there are concerns you will receive an or letter asking you to verify your answer
Robust scoring system – academic questions machine marked but the remaining 5 answers marked by a panel of two before being passed to four other panels = 10 people in total will have had to agree on your score.
You may be asked to verify the answers provided on the application form by supplying evidence.
Anti-plagiarism software will be used which will pick up local and national instances of plagiarism.
Some deaneries do use interviews at the pre-employment stage and may seek to verify your answers then.
Plagiarism is a probity issue – consequences for GMC registration.
More about verification later
6 key questions you will be scored on – anonymous – 200 word limit and maximum score of 10 points

24. Example verification request
Please note that you would not have to provide all evidence listed, but just a selection.
Some applicants will be asked to verify the answers they provide on their application form.
If you are selected for verification, you will receive either an or a letter asking you to supply proof to verify your answers.
Some schools will list exactly the information they require, others will ask to you to submit evidence of all your answers in whatever way you see fit.
If you are unable to verify your answers, the foundation school director may require you to attend an interview to discuss your answers.
Applicants unable to verify the veracity of their answers to the satisfaction of their foundation school will be removed from the recruitment round and referred to the GMC.
You will never be asked to breach patient confidentiality.
Confirmation of being at a certain place on a certain day or a team leaders name is usually ok
Please note that foundation schools will have their own local process for verification.

25. Teamwork Example Possible plus points Possible Minus points
Appropriate example
Detailed explanation
Shared team goal
Collaboration
Motivates others
Aware of own skills & limitations and the skills of others
Compromises
Neglects others’ views
Own agenda
No collaboration
Dominates team
Failure to share responsibilities according to skills
Failure to recognise team contribution
We do not know what the mark scheme will be but the scorers will be looking for good and bad points for awarding points . For a team work based example we could look at “Good Medical Practice” as our guide and anticipate such quality indicators might look something like this – stress very clearly that this is not a mark scheme but guidance on the sorts of things the markers may be looking for based on professional standards documents

26. Effective team working can have a significant impact on the quality of the patient experience. Describe a clinical case you have observed where there has been a multi-disciplinary approach to discharge planning. Describe how the interactions between the multi-disciplinary team impacted on the quality of the patient’s care. What have you learned from this experience about effective multi-disciplinary team working and how will you put this into practice as a foundation doctor?
A 64-year-old man presented with ascites resulting from chronic liver failure, requiring recurrent drainage. While in hospital he became malnourished, after several failed NG-feed attempts. He wished to be discharged, believing his appetite would increase once at home. However, his wife felt unable to cope with his care. A meeting was called to discuss how to optimise patient care after discharge.
The nurse presented relevant patient information. The social worker was then able to co-ordinate care between the occupational therapist and community dietician, who organised a bed and commode for the ground floor at home and monitored the nutritional status, ensuring a safe living environment. The patient, carer and each MDT member were involved and made aware of their roles and the care to be provided.
The organised and consultative approach alleviated the patient and carer’s anxieties.
In a multi-disciplinary team, a leader is essential to manage and communicate effectively between all specialists involved to ensure optimal care, with the patient’s health, safety, and comfort being of paramount concern.
As a foundation doctor I recognise limitations in my professional competence and will respectfully utilise healthcare professionals to provide well communicated, tailored support for discharge planning; addressing patient and carers concerns.
(200words)
Muminas example from 2010 – I think this is a good answer but that’s just my opinion.
Analyse it in detail
Answers all parts of the question ?
IS relevent and recent ?
Can be verified ?
Addresses context/action/results ?
Right allocation of words to description and reflection ? ( 126 for description and 74 for reflection)
Points for improvement – possibly cut down description in first paragraph and talk more about respecting different expertise all members bring to the team – seeking all views, clear goals and aim of team
Note each part of the question – there will be points available for each part. It clearly addresses the different parts of the question and balances the different sections well
(about half of the answer to describe the scenario and half to reflect on it).
 The interaction between team members is clearly highlighted and described.
 The example is specific enough without being too detailed, meaning that most of the answer is
focused on the team work that took place during the scenario and not on irrelevant detail (such as
the history gained from the patient).
 The answer addresses different aspects of teamwork from communication to flexibility, involving
team members from different backgrounds (two doctors, a nurse and a lab scientist).
 It is described from a very personal point of view, with good reflection on the scenario itself and
personal learning points in the final two paragraphs.

27. You are the only foundation doctor on a busy surgical ward, and you feel under pressure to complete the tasks expected of you. A foundation doctor from another surgical team asks if you will hold their bleep for the second time this week as they want to go to theatre to observe an operation. What would your initial response be to your colleague? What factors would influence this response? If you had to hold the bleep, how would you prioritise the tasks? What additional learning needs does this situation highlight for you?
My initial response would be that I regret that I cannot take the bleep, as I am already under pressure and I feel the additional responsibilities would jeopardise patient care and safety.
Factors that will influence my response involve how many patients I am caring for already, the stability of their condition, my workload and the urgency of the doctor’s request. I recognise supporting colleagues is important but providing quality care is ultimately my priority.
If I have to hold the bleep, I would attempt to negotiate a compromise, asking for the theatre number, so my colleague can be contacted if I require help. A clear concise hand over will be essential to differentiate stable from unstable patients. I would prioritise tasks in terms of urgency, monitoring the acutely ill more closely, utilising other appropriate healthcare professionals, to maximise work efficiency.
This situation highlights the need to have good management skills. It is necessary to use initiative to prioritise tasks but also recognise when to seek additional help, to provide the best standard of care . As a foundation doctor I will also need to proactively advance my own learning by attending theatre, clinics and being involved in audits and research.
(200 words)
An example of an answer to last years situational judgement question
Is it a good answer?
Does it answer all parts of the question?
Is it a relevant example
How could it be improved?
Whether you say yes or no to taking the bleep is largely irrelevant as long as you can justify your reasons in your answer and demonstrate how you would deal with the consequences of your decision

28. What makes a good answer?
Answer each part of the question clearly and fully.
Choose an appropriate example that demonstrates what the question is looking for.
Use facts & figures to set the scene – help scorer appreciate significance to you
Describe specific actions and outline results
Explain how – demonstrate your approach (more than just listing what you did)
Assess the impact of your (others if observation) contribution
Demonstrate skills which are directly relevant to foundation training
Show an awareness of principles of Good Medical Practice
Show a positive attitude – willing to learn from experience/mistakes
Show
- analysis
- reflection
- insight/learning
Its about not just doing the bare minimum – its about wanting to go the extra mile and do your best
Clarity, relevance, impact, TOP behaviour.

29. Mind your language - Use action verbs wherever possible…
Achieved
Advised
Audited
Co-ordinated
Managed
Organised
Tested
Taught
Led
Conducted
Initiated
Developed
Prioritised
Liaised
Negotiated
Analysed
Avoid passive words like helped, took part in. Effective choice of language can add impact and help write more concisely
From planned to evaluated – don’t for get the outcome. (eg. Clinical audit – closing the loop to say how results informed future delivery).

30. For example…
“ A group of colleagues and I took part in an audit project into outpatient waiting times. After looking at the data we found a number of weaknesses in the booking process and subsequently made changes that improved efficiency and significantly reduced waiting times” OR
“I volunteered to coordinate an audit of outpatient waiting times. I was responsible for leading a team of three colleagues . After analysing the data, we identified significant weaknesses and implemented changes that resulted in an average reduction in waiting time of two weeks”
(Both 43 words)
Both 43 words – say the same thing but version 2 has more impact and more use of facts and figures gives it a more professional tone
Version 2 is more specific, has figures and facts and impact words but essentially says the same as version 1
The easier you can make it for a scorer to read your form, the easier it will be for them to see where you have picked up points. They don’t have time to hunt for points.

31. Help available after form released
Successful Applications For Foundation Training – Slides available from NW Deanery & Careers Service website from 26th September 2011
Online Careers forums
Friday 14th October from 6.00pm-8.00pm
Monday 17th October from 6.00pm – 8.00pm
Details of how to access the careers forums will be announced on MedLea.
Planning Your Medical Career: A practical guide
NHS Medical Careers Support Website
Manchester Medical Students’ Careers Blog
‘Foundation applications for medical students, careers forums’ are timely opportunities to join a live discussion with a university (medical) Careers Consultant and other students. You will be able to raise concerns, discuss tactics (how to tackle rather than what to write!), use as a sounding board, find out what others are thinking, but ultimately be reassured you are not alone in facing this challenge.
Although the forums will only be open for the two hour evening slots on the Friday and Monday of ‘applications time’ don’t worry if you are not available to join the discussion. Each session will be archived.
We will let you know how to access the forums via an announcement on Medlea.

33. How to think laterally about
And Next An Exercise
How to think laterally about
your answers

34. Question A
Describe a clinical consultation that you have observed where the specific cultural, social or family circumstances of the patient posed additional challenges. Identify the techniques used within this consultation that contributed to this patient’s experience. What other approaches could have been used in this situation? What did you learn from this which you can apply to your future clinical practice?

35. Answer to Question A
At a diabetic ante-natal clinic, a woman at 24-weeks gestation with a history of poor diabetes management came for her routine check-up. The doctor listened empathically to her social difficulties in managing responsibilities at work as well as caring for her three children. Her busy lifestyle resulted in haphazard snacking on fast convenient foods, which led to her uncontrolled diabetes. The patient felt listened to in a non-judgemental manner as she was allowed to express her difficulties freely. The doctor re-iterated the dangers of uncontrolled diabetes and the importance of treatment. He checked her understanding. Subsequently, the patient agreed to pre-plan her weekly meals to avoid unhealthy choices and lower her blood glucose.
A list of low glycaemic foods could have been given. Input from a dietician would have been useful, as well as a leaflet to refer back to regarding the patients condition.
I learnt that it is important to illicit and address the patients concern and involve the patient in their treatment plan. This ensures greater adherence, leading to effective care. I will provide information using various resources such as leaflets and dieticians, which can empower the patient to take responsibility to maintain their own health. (198words)
All part answered
Tone
Improvements

36. Question B
Describe two different personal achievements to demonstrate that you possess both of these qualities, relating each achievement to a single attribute. For each attribute, give one specific example of how your achievement can contribute towards improving your performance as a foundation doctor.

37. Answer to Question B
During the course of my Masters, I was under pressure to complete multiple assignments for the same deadline. I produced a timetable to organise my time. I clearly marked days for research, planning content, writing and allowed days for unexpected delays. I stayed calm and focused on each task at hand, completing my work punctually. This technique eases the overall sense of pressure, enabling me to deliver effective patient care. I can use it in acute presentations such as asthma attacks, where I will break down and focus my attention on each aspect of care. I will immediately provide oxygen, organise blood gases, and once stable, take a thorough history and organise subsequent management.
Winning the community basketball competition illustrates my ability to prioritise. Initially, I focused on my individual passing and shooting skill but when my team were four points down and the captain injured, I stepped up to take the role. Boosting morale became my new priority, which consequently led to effective teamwork. This can help when I am on-call as a foundation doctor. I will manage the most acutely unwell, followed by the unwell and then address non-urgent jobs, constantly adapting my priorities to the changing situation. (200words)
All part answered
Tone
Improvements

38. Think Laterally What would you do if .......?
What element(s) of the person specification is covered?
What if it were another element?
What else would you include then?
The applicant must demonstrate:
understanding of the importance of the patient as the central focus of care
ability to prioritise tasks and information
understanding of the importance of working with others
ability to communicate effectively
initiative and the ability to deal with pressure and/or challenge
understanding of equality and diversity
appropriate professional behaviour,
an understanding of the major principles of Good Medical Practice