
"Success is where preparation and opportunity meet." – Bobby Unser
Teach at RBH
Teaching at Royal Bolton Hospital, including the Wednesday sessions (1-5pm), is an excellent opportunity for junior doctors to enhance their communication, leadership, and teaching skills—key attributes for specialty applications and career progression. It allows doctors to deepen their understanding of medical concepts, contribute to peer learning, and develop confidence in presenting and explaining clinical topics. Supported by senior staff, these sessions provide a collaborative environment to grow professionally while positively impacting the medical community and patient care.
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F3 Opportunities?
Locum Work
Pros:
Flexibility in choosing shifts and locations.
Higher pay rates compared to standard training posts.
Opportunity to explore different specialties or settings.
Cons:
Lack of structured career progression or mentorship.
No access to training opportunities or study leave.
Can feel isolating without a consistent team.
Advice:
Consider keeping a portfolio of cases and experiences to demonstrate progression during your F3 year.
Plan your finances and shifts carefully to avoid burnout.
How to Organise:
Register with NHS Trusts or private locum agencies.
Obtain references and ensure your compliance documents (e.g., DBS check, mandatory training) are up to date.
How to Find More Information:
Explore locum agency websites.
Speak with colleagues already working as locums for insights.
Trust-Grade/Non-Training Posts
Pros:
Fixed-term contracts offer job stability and consistent pay.
Opportunities to gain experience in a chosen specialty.
Some posts may include access to CPD activities.
Cons:
Does not contribute directly to specialty training progression.
May involve repetitive work without portfolio-building opportunities.
Advice:
Look for posts that align with your career goals, such as those offering experience in your desired specialty.
Use this time to work on audits, QI projects, or teaching to enhance your portfolio.
How to Organise:
Regularly search NHS Jobs for trust-grade opportunities in your desired specialty or location.
Apply with a tailored CV highlighting relevant skills and experiences.
Contact Medical HR departments directly to inquire about upcoming vacancies.
How to Find More Information:
Visit NHS Jobs: https://www.jobs.nhs.uk/.
Speak to the Medical HR department at local hospitals.
Clinical Fellowships
Pros:
Often include dedicated time for education, research, or QI projects.
Great for building portfolios for specialty applications.
Structured contracts with opportunities for development.
Cons:
May be competitive, especially in academic settings.
Focused roles might not expose you to varied clinical experience.
Advice:
Choose a fellowship that aligns with your long-term goals (e.g., teaching, research, or clinical specialty).
Network with senior colleagues to find hidden opportunities.
How to Organise:
Research fellowship programmes in your area of interest.
Approach hospitals or academic departments directly to inquire about opportunities.
Prepare a strong application showcasing your achievements and career aspirations.
How to Find More Information:
Explore fellowship opportunities: BMJ Careers.
Check deanery websites for locally available roles.
Research Posts
Pros:
Develops research skills and builds academic portfolios.
Can lead to publications and presentations, boosting specialty applications.
Cons:
Less clinical exposure, which may not suit those wanting hands-on practice.
Competitive and often require prior research experience.
Advice:
Focus on securing a post in a field relevant to your specialty aspirations.
Aim for publications or conference presentations to maximise the benefits of your research role.
How to Organise:
Speak to academic leads or consultants with active research projects in your hospital of intrest.
Consider applying for grants.
Join research networks like NIHR or university-affiliated research groups.
How to Find More Information:
Look for posts on NIHR Academic Careers.
Speak to consultants or supervisors about local research opportunities.
International Work
Pros:
Opportunity to experience healthcare systems abroad.
Can be financially rewarding and personally enriching.
Valuable for specialties with a global health focus.
Cons:
May require additional registration or exams (e.g., USMLE for the US).
Adjusting to new systems and cultures can be challenging.
Advice:
Research visa, licensing, and examination requirements early to avoid delays.
Connect with doctors who have worked in your target country for advice and insights.
How to Organise:
Contact licensing boards for registration requirements in your desired country.
Network with international medical organisations or recruitment agencies.
Plan finances, logistics, and required exams well in advance
How to Find More Information:
Explore international medical opportunities: BMJ Careers International.
Check requirements on official medical licensing boards (e.g., AMC for Australia).
Teaching and Education Roles
Pros:
Allows development of teaching skills and formal qualifications like PGCert.
Opportunities to work with students, organise sessions, and build educational portfolios.
Cons:
Limited clinical exposure during the role.
May not directly contribute to specialty-specific skills.
Advice:
Take advantage of opportunities to gain feedback on your teaching.
Use this time to complete a PGCert in Medical Education, which is highly valued in many specialties.
How to Organise:
Apply for teaching fellowships through university partnerships or hospital roles.
Approach local medical schools or deaneries to inquire about teaching opportunities.
Prepare a teaching-focused CV with evidence of prior experience.
How to Find More Information:
Look for teaching fellowships on BMJ Careers.
Check with local medical schools/Trusts for available teaching posts.
Other…
Foundation doctors can explore opportunities outside of traditional clinical roles, such as working in medical law, pharmaceuticals or policy-making. These fields leverage medical expertise in innovative ways, offering roles in clinical advising, regulatory affairs, or legal consulting. Such experiences broaden skills, enhance leadership, and provide unique perspectives on healthcare systems. This allows doctors to diversify their careers while maintaining a connection to medicine.
look at medics footprint website for more details