UKFPO Bulletin – April 2023
Bulletin
Introduction
I’d like to start by thanking Medical Education Leaders (MEL UK – formally NACT) for organising such an interesting and enjoyable meeting alongside the UKFPO in Birmingham last month. I came away very enthused by the efforts that go on to support our foundation doctors around the country. In the pressure of recruitment rounds, waiting lists and the current pressure on the NHS it’s important not to lose sight of the need to nurture our future talent. Well done to all those who presented their inspiring work. The annual ‘Sharing Good Practice Event’ (usually in March) is well worth looking out for next year.
I’m hoping that we can feature some of the projects/resources shared on our website over the next few months.
Inspired I may be but it is surprising that not everywhere welcomes their new employees and tells them clearly what the job involves and what’s expected of them. It is good to see that buddy systems are becoming more widespread to help them settle in. Induction is even more important for IMGs and I think good practice around the welcome and orientation of this vital part of our workforce is spreading. Sadly, staff working nights and long shifts still struggle to access to meals and other necessities and it is perhaps sad that one of the ‘innovations’ presented was, of necessity, around trying to improve this.
I’ve been involved in medical education for over 20 years and some of these basic issues are still not being addressed in some areas.
Having said this, I was pleased to see some of the results of the latest HEE ED&I report suggesting that most trainees do feel supported and enjoyed a good quality of education.
Of course, the main purpose of the report was to investigate disadvantage and discrimination which, sadly, still occur. Addressing such issues is a current ‘hot topic’ and I hope we can all make progress in tackling discriminatory behaviours, not only to provide equitable training but to make the healthcare environment a more welcoming place to work. With this in mind, I would like to draw your attention to this GMC publication which looks objectively at differential attainment and gives examples of systems to address it. Addressing such issues is a current ‘hot topic’ and I hope we can all make progress in tackling discriminatory behaviours, not only to provide equitable training but to make the healthcare environment a more welcoming place to work. With this in mind, I would like to draw your attention to this GMC publication which looks objectively at differential attainment and gives examples of systems to address it.
As always, there is information on all this on the website. You can also email questions to educationandsupport@foundationprogramme.nhs.uk
Best wishes
Tony Choules, Operational Advisor to the UKFPO
Links and Information
UKFPO webinars
As a reminder, the UKFPO run several webinars throughout the year where the recording are listed on our resources page.
UKFPO Fellowship Recruitment 2023 – Applications open on Monday 17th April 2023, 12:00 and close on Sunday 23rd April 2023, 23:59
The UKFPO will shortly be recruiting two F1 doctors to serve as UKFPO Fellows for the duration of their F2 year (August 2023 to July 2024). Applications open on Monday 17th April 2023, 12:00 and close on Sunday 23rd April 2023, 23:59. Applications will be capped at 100, meaning that if we receive 100 applications whilst the application window is open, no new applications will be accepted. Applications will be through an Microsoft Form. The link will be posted on the UKFPO homepage at 09:00 on Monday 17th April 2023.
To find out more about what the UKFPO Fellowship involves, please read this short blurb from one of the 2020 UKFPO Fellows and consult the documentation below.
2023 UKFPO Fellows recruitment process
2023 UKFPO Fellows job description
2023 UKFPO Fellows FSD & employer proforma
If you have any questions, please email EducationandSupport@foundationprogramme.nhs.uk
National SFP Conference – Saturday 17th of June 2023, Save the date!
Are you a:
- Student looking to apply to the specialised foundation programme (SFP)?
- An incoming SFP doctor?
- A current SFP doctor looking to forward your academic career?
We have the conference for you!
Come to St James Park in Newcastle Upon Tyne on the 17th of June for the National SFP conference. Here we will have a range of workshops and lectures which will discuss applying for the SFP (formally known as ACF), how to get the most out of your SFP and how to develop research skills. You will also be able to present your own work in oral and poster presentations.
Beyond FY2: Alternative Career Pathways and Progression Webinar
25th April 2023 – 18:00
Please see link below to book