1. Things I wish I’d known when I was a trainee… A Self-help guide Jamie Hynes VTS Survivor Aug 2003-Feb 2007

2. Priorities for trainees Qualify as a GP Where on earth to find all that information Which books, journals and magazines? Which internet sites? What to do, and What if I don’t know??? How to look for jobs Surviving hospital jobs

3. Educational Supervisor GP Trainer Will oversee entire process Go-to-person for most issues Source of information Relevance towards end goal of nMRCGP Annual NHS Appraisals

4. Vocational Training Scheme Designed so you can mix ST1s, ST2s and ST3s. Can be daunting as an ST1 Managing Uncertainty Mixture of primary care and secondary care experiences Mixture of backgrounds in life and career prior to VTS

5. VTS Afternoons Various topics relevant to statements and domains of the nMRCGP Opportunity for inexperienced trainees to mix with more experienced Small and Large groups Good to get involved in whatever way possible

6. Sources of Information Books The Condensed Curriculum Guide Riley, Haynes and Field Doctor’s Communication Handbook Tate The Inner… Series Neighbour

7. Journals and Magazines BMJ, BJGP, Clinical Evidence, DTB GP, (Registrar section) Update, Prescriber, Doctor

8. Sources of Information Study Courses NB Medical: Twice a year, most major cities. Summarises major journal evidence so you don’t have to. Ideal preparation for exams. Expensive but worth it. www.nbmedical.co.uk Warwick Study course: Practice exams, intensive but good reports, high success rate

9. Sources of information Websites www.rcgp.org.uk Curriculum and links to resources www.rcgp.org.uk www.gpnotebook.com including GEMS www.gpnotebook.com www.cks.nhs.uk (Prodigy) Guidelines & evidence www.cks.nhs.uk www.patient.co.uk Patient Info Leaflets www.patient.co.uk www.doctors.netwww.onmedica.com www.doctors.netwww.onmedica.com www.nice.org.uk National clinical guidelines www.nice.org.uk

10. Looking for jobs Experience in a training practice Will be different to non-training practices GO INTO IT THINKING IT IS A 6 MONTH JOB INTERVIEW Networking, Make yourself memorable… PCT Might not be the right time, ensure you are the right person

11. Surviving Hospital Jobs Gather experience- Knowledge & skills Adjusting to changes, working patterns, specialties and colleagues. Flexibility! Keep in mind what will be relevant to future practice in primary care Keep in touch with Clinical and Educational Supervisors

12. Appraisal & Revalidation GMC’s Good Medical Practice (2006) Mandatory During VTS, by Educational Supervisor After VTS, by GP Appraiser Proposed 5 Appraisals to Revalidate Structure of Curriculum in VTS helps

13. Optional extras Further exams, get back into habit of revising, perhaps less relevant DRCOG DFFP- Theory and Practical DCH Diplomas e.g. Diabetes Masters in Medical Education

14. nMRCGP Preparation Applied Knowledge Test MCQ, EMQ, SBA questions Books, PEP CDs, Learning Groups Clinical Skills Assessment Get to 10 minute consulting for at least 4 weeks Learning Groups, mock OSCE and video WorkPlace Based Assessment

15. nMRCGP Preparation Keep organised regarding OOH sessions Changing requirements, 12 sessions p.a, 4 hour, 6 hour, telephone triage, primary care centre and visiting Keep a week of study leave free for exam week.

16. nMRCGP Preparation Type I questions Know the answer, answer it, move on Type II questions No idea, answer best guess, move on Type III questions Little idea, worth spending time to think over when Type I & II all answered

17. Finishing off Ensure OOH sessions completed All forms etc and assessments up to date prior to Certificate of Completion of Training nMRCGP Ceremony

18. Royal College Membership Ceremony

19. Overall Experience A lot of work, a lot of effort DEFINITELY worth it Last chance for peer group similar ages Take social opportunities, away from Medicine Lasting connections, come in handy

20. 5 Things I wish I’d known… Sources of Information Helpful books & websites Good courses Optional extras Looking for jobs Surviving hospital jobs