Date created: July 2026, written by Heloise Metzger
Mentor bio
Background
I’m originally from France and studied in Edinburgh, where I lived for 6 years. I intercalated in Literature and love the bridge between humanities and science. I was used to being somewhere vibrant, by the sea, and close to nature. For foundation training, I wanted to move south – somewhere with easier Eurostar access and slightly better weather than Scotland.
Choosing Margate
I didn’t know Margate before applying. I was aiming for an SFP in Medical Education in KSS, ideally Brighton. When I got allocated Margate, I had 48 hours to decide – which was very stressful. What convinced me:
- it’s by the sea
- there was a pottery studio
- the possibility of learning to sail (a lifelong dream)
Most people I’ve met hadn’t planned to come here, but everyone ended up loving it. Many were really sad to leave, and some even swapped to stay for FY2.
Life outside work
I’ve really embraced my hobbies here:
- dance classes
- pottery (from complete beginner to going weekly)
- singing and time with friends
Margate has a big creative scene, lots going on, and is a great foodie town. Living near the beach has been amazing – especially the beachside sauna, which I go to regularly. It’s also a very social place where you meet lots of friendly people.
Why train here
Training in Margate is very well supported, especially in FY1.
- No night shifts in F1 means much more sociable year
- Active mess (monthly socials, hospital balls)
- Monthly teaching days in Canterbury
The hospital is a DGH:
- friendly environment
- flat hierarchy
- you get to know most staff including seniors and it ends up being a comfortable, friendly atmosphere!
- often more hands-on opportunities
There’s also loads to do outside work – hobbies, sports, seaside activities – something for everyone.
FY1 role (overview)
Weekdays are mainly ward-based:
- ward rounds, discharge letters, jobs, patient reviews
- always supported by SHOs and a registrar and/or consultant
- daily patient management
- some opportunities for clinics or surgery depending on the job
On calls
Medical on calls:
- Hot on call
- Day: post-take with consultant (mostly scribing and jobs)
- Evening: hold the bleep for medical wards
- Cold on call (weekends only)
- Cover one ward (about 25 patients)
- Can always escalate to a dedicated ‘cold’ registrar
Overall: well supported, good learning, no nights in F1.
Surgical on calls:
- Weekday evenings or weekend day shifts
- Ward rounds and ward cover
- Always senior support available
Handover
- 5pm handover to on-call FY1
- Medical handover at 8am and 8pm for ‘hot on-call’
Accommodation
Most F1s stay in hospital accommodation initially:
- flats of four with en-suites
- shared kitchen/living space
- often placed with other F1s means very social
It’s on-site (30 seconds to work), about 15 minutes to town and the beach.
Basic but practical: weekly cleaning, linen provided, washing machine included.
Transport
I managed without a car for 2 years – definitely doable:
- direct train to London (~90 mins)
- good buses
- very walkable town
- no (or extremely short) commute! Maximising on sleep time.
A car helps for day trips, but not essential if you’re based in Margate for all jobs.
Advice
You’ll likely enjoy wherever you end up and make great friends, even if it’s not your first choice.
DGH placements especially are very social because people tend to live nearby.
F1 can feel daunting, but:
- you’re never alone
- support is always there
- always ask for help
It ended up being one of the happiest and most sociable years for me.
Local highlights
Views
• Sunsets on the beach
• Botany Bay
Food
• The Bus Café (brunch)
• GB Pizza, Palms, Giorgios
• Peters Factory (fish and chips)
• High Dive (tacos)
• Nicer dinners: Sargasso, Buoy & Oyster, Angela, Sete, Pomus
Day trips
• Broadstairs
• Ramsgate
• Canterbury
• Whitstable
Pubs and drinks
• The Shakespeare, Wig & Pen, Bull’s Head, Xylo
• Little Swift (cocktails)
Things to do
• Sauna, yoga
• Galleries, caves
• Paddleboarding, sailing
• Pottery, choir, dance