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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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. Warwick Study course: Practice exams, intensive but good reports, high success rate

Sources of information Websites Curriculum and links to resources including GEMS (Prodigy) Guidelines & evidence Patient Info Leaflets National clinical guidelines

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

Royal College Membership Ceremony

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

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