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 GPWhere 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 jobsSurviving hospital jobs

Educational Supervisor

GP TrainerWill oversee entire processGo-to-person for most issuesSource of information

Relevance towards end goal of nMRCGPAnnual NHS Appraisals

Vocational Training Scheme

Designed so you can mix ST1s, ST2s and ST3s.

Can be daunting as an ST1Managing UncertaintyMixture of primary care and secondary

care experiencesMixture 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 experiencedSmall and Large groups

Good to get involved in whatever way possible

Sources of Information

BooksThe Condensed Curriculum Guide

Riley, Haynes and FieldDoctor’s Communication Handbook

TateThe Inner… Series

Neighbour

Sources of Information

Journals and MagazinesBMJ, BJGP, Clinical Evidence, DTBGP, (Registrar section)Update,Prescriber,Doctor

Sources of Information

Study CoursesNB 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.ukWarwick Study course: Practice exams,

intensive but good reports, high success rate

Sources of information

Websiteswww.rcgp.org.uk Curriculum and links to

resourceswww.gpnotebook.com including GEMSwww.cks.nhs.uk (Prodigy) Guidelines &

evidencewww.patient.co.uk Patient Info Leafletswww.doctors.net www.onmedica.comwww.nice.org.uk National clinical guidelines

Looking for jobs

Experience in a training practiceWill be different to non-training practicesGO INTO IT THINKING IT IS A 6 MONTH

JOB INTERVIEWNetworking, Make yourself memorable…

PCTMight not be the right time, ensure you are

the right person

Surviving Hospital Jobs

Gather experience- Knowledge & skillsAdjusting to changes, working patterns,

specialties and colleagues. Flexibility!Keep in mind what will be relevant to

future practice in primary careKeep in touch with Clinical and

Educational Supervisors

Appraisal & Revalidation

GMC’s Good Medical Practice (2006)MandatoryDuring VTS, by Educational SupervisorAfter VTS, by GP AppraiserProposed 5 Appraisals to RevalidateStructure of Curriculum in VTS helps

Optional extras

Further exams, get back into habit of revising, perhaps less relevant

DRCOGDFFP- Theory and PracticalDCHDiplomas e.g. DiabetesMasters in Medical Education

nMRCGP Preparation

Applied Knowledge TestMCQ, EMQ, SBA questionsBooks, PEP CDs, Learning Groups

Clinical Skills AssessmentGet to 10 minute consulting for at least 4

weeksLearning 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 questionsKnow the answer, answer it, move on

Type II questionsNo idea, answer best guess, move on

Type III questionsLittle idea, worth spending time to think over

when Type I & II all answered

Finishing off

Ensure OOH sessions completedAll 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 effortDEFINITELY worth itLast chance for peer group similar

agesTake social opportunities, away from

MedicineLasting connections, come in handy

5 Things I wish I’d known…

Sources of InformationHelpful books & websites

Good coursesOptional extrasLooking for jobsSurviving hospital jobs