2023-2024, F2, Kent, Surrey and Sussex Foundation School
I did my F1 and F2 at St Peter’s Hospital in Kent, Surrey and Sussex. I have done rotations on General Surgery, Respiratory, Elderly Care, Trauma and Orthopaedics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and am now on GP. Whilst starting FY1 is a very exciting time, it can also feel quite nerve racking, but we are all in the same boat. I have found the environment to be supportive, with many opportunities to develop clinical skills, knowledge, leadership, and teaching.
Top tips
- Be polite and helpful to your MDT colleagues! Their knowledge and experience will inevitably assist you through situations you have not encountered before.
- Don’t feel embarrassed to ask questions, as many things will feel new. There are always people around to help.
- Learn which jobs are a priority, and hand things over appropriately. Only stay late if it is necessary and exception report, which will allow you to get that time back, so you have enough rest.
- A big part of FY1 is your e-portfolio (Horus in England, Turas in the other three nations), so it is important to get familiar with this early on. This is where you will log any Supervised Learning Events and meetings you have with your supervisors, which get reviewed at the end of the year at your Annual Review. You can also work on this in your self-development time, which will be allocated, or you will request it.
- Make sure to also prioritise your work-life balance and wellbeing. Simple steps such as scheduling time in weekly to see friends or family, or do activities you like to do, and making a point to take your lunch break will be helpful. If you are struggling, there is support available, so please do reach out.
- Request annual leave as early as possible if you have an important date in the calendar.
Induction
Before you start as an FY1, you will have a few days scheduled for induction, which also includes shadowing. Try to get on top of e-learning requirements during this time, sorting out access cards, passwords, parking, and learning where everything is in the hospital. During shadowing spend time with the FY1 doctor on the ward where you will be working, asking them about their key tips for survival (for example common daily tasks, where things are kept and so on), and practice using the computer system.
Top tips
- Work out the best route to and from work
- Organise where to get scrubs from
- Make friends with the Nursing Team
- Find out where to get the best coffee in the hospital!
- Also, get to know the other FY1 Doctors who you will be working with and form friendships