Tips for a specialty – ensuring the best taster experience for the FD

  • Discuss each individual placement in advance to give the FD the opportunity to identify what they wish to achieve/see/do during the placement
  • Explore why the individual is undertaking taster – expectations vs reality
  • Ensure the doctor is welcomed at the start of day one by the person who will be their main contact. They will provide a brief departmental induction as appropriate including emergency contacts, run through the programme and explain what is expected of the FD. They should also encourage reflective notes in the Foundation e-portfolio.
  • Meet with the FD regularly during the taster to ensure satisfaction with experience and explore any new ideas/opportunities that might have arisen
  • At the end of the taster, meet to review achievement, offer to review reflective notes in the Foundation e-portfolio and ensure any local evaluation form is completed.