Help improve NHS website guidance. Take part in short user research sessions about how you find training and guidance information online. Sign up to take part in our user research

Example taster programmes

Timetable 1: Taster in Anaesthetics

08:00 – 12:30

– Meet with DR A @ 09:30 discuss week of specialty
– Plan for week
– Introduction to department
– Tour of theatres/ITU
– Meet resident doctors and consultants

13:30 – 17:30

– Theatre with Dr B
– In-patient list
– Ward visit for pre-assessment
– Preparing the theatre with ODP
– Communication skills

08:00 – 12:30

– Day surgery with Dr C
– Suitability for day surgery

13:30 – 17:30

– Chronic pain clinic with Dr D

08:00 – 12:30

– Acute pain wad with Dr E
– Prescribing for acute pain

13:30 – 17:30

– Intensive Care Unit with Dr F
– Outreach programmes
– Care of the acutely ill patent

Notes

– Department teaching for resident doctors at lunchtime

08:00 – 12:30

– Obstetric theatre with Dr A
– Explore future developments in specialty

13:30 – 17:30

– On call with Dr F until 21:00
– Emergency theatre

Notes

– Long day shift – end at 21:00 after handover to night shift

08:00 – 12:30

– Theatre with Dr C
– Airway management
– Visit recovery room

13:30 – 17:30

– Attend simulator session with resident doctors
– Review meeting with Dr A
– Discuss the week and career planning for anaesthesia and critical care

Notes

– Complete evaluation and hand in
– Reflective entry in portfolio

Timetable 2: Taster in Cardiology

08:00 – 12:30

– Meet Dr A @ 09:30 discuss work of specialty
– Plan for week
– Introduction to department
– Tour of ward/catheter lab
– Meet resident doctors and consultants

13:30 – 17:30

– Catheter Lab with Dr B
– Ward visit for pre-assessment
– Preparing the environment
– Practical skills
– Communication skills

08:00 – 12:30

– Outpatients with Dr C
– Long term follow up
– Links with general practice

13:30 – 17:30

– Cardiac rehab clinic with nurse consultant

08:00 – 12:30

– Ward round with Dr C
– Prescribing for cardiology patients
– Management of admissions

13:30 – 17:30

– Coronary Care Unit with Dr A
– Care of the acutely ill patient

Notes

– Department teaching for resident doctors at lunchtime

08:00 12:30

– Outpatients clinic with Dr A

13:30 – 17:30

– On call with Dr F until 21:00
– Emergency admissions

Notes

– Long day shift – end at 21:00 after handover to night shift

08:00 – 12:30

– Research with Dr B
– Role of academic medicine
– Explore future developments in specialty

13:30 – 17:30

– Attend simulator session with resident doctors
– Review meeting with Dr A
– Discuss the week and career planning for cardiology

Notes

– Complete evaluation and hand in
– Reflective entry in portfolio

Timetable 3: Taster in General Practice

08:00 – 12:30

– Meet with Dr A @ 09:30 discuss work of specialty
– Plan for week
– Introduction to practice and locality
– Tour of surgery
– Meet resident doctors, partners and practice staff

13:30 – 17:30

– Afternoon visits and surgery with Dr B
– Practice skills
– Communication skills

08:00 – 12:30

– Surgery with Dr C
– Long term follow up
– Links with hospitals

13:30 – 17:30

– Diabetes clinic with practice nurse

Notes

– Attend practice meeting at lunchtime

08:00 – 12:30

– Minor ops session with Dr C
– Developing a special interest

13:30 – 17:30

– Afternoon visits and surgery with Dr B
– Management of admissions

Notes

– Practice teaching for resident doctors at lunchtime

08:00 – 12:30

– Surgery with Dr A
– Explore GP contract

13:30 – 17:30

– Attend half day release for GP SpR

Notes

– Evening shift with out of hours service – finish at 21:00

08:00 – 12:30

– Morning with practice manager

13:30 – 17:30

– Review meeting with Dr A
– Discuss the week and career planning for general practice

Notes

– Complete evaluation and hand in
– Reflective entry in portfolio