Experiences of Foundation Year One Training

As we are up to the August changeover, I was able to speak to my friend and colleague, Dr Otis Osgerby-Lacey, about his experiences with the Foundation Training Programme. Otis is an FY1 doctor, and soon-to-be FY2, currently working in the Gastroenterology/Hepatology ward of the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, in the South East Scotland deanery.

How would you summarise your experience of Foundation Training?

I think the biggest thing is that, once you start foundation training, it is a steep learning curve. It can sometimes feel that you are not prepared in the beginning when you encounter things not taught in medical school, such as fluid and analgesia prescriptions. It is, however, also rewarding as you can see your progression and as you start to develop autonomy.

What did you find most enjoyable or rewarding in your Foundation Training?

For me, I find the out-of-hours work to be most enjoyable as you have more opportunities to see patients and make decisions. I also find the opportunities to improve my skills to be enjoyable, for example doing practical procedures. Lastly, I find it satisfying when you assess a patient and come up with a comprehensive plan that leads to a good patient outcome.

What was your least favourite part of Foundation Training?

In some rotations, I find the rota to be a difficult part of the job. I feel there is a wide variety in which jobs you can start at the beginning of your foundation training and what shift you are doing. For example, starting your foundation training on a set of night shifts can be particularly challenging.

Please list 3 things you wish you had known before starting FY1.

I feel having a good grasp on the principles of fluid and analgesia prescription is very useful. Being thorough and checking your prescriptions is also important. I think I would have liked to have known that it was going to be a busy job but you get to meet nice colleagues and friends on the job.

How did you try to maintain a work-life balance?

I think having time to relax at home is important and to have time for your hobbies. Given that it is a busy job, I think you need to be deliberate with how you spend your time and energy. Good sleep, keeping fit and having a healthy diet are also important.

What 3 pieces of advice you would want to share with our new FY1s?

It is ok to feel overwhelmed at times as it can sometimes be a busy and difficult job. Be prepared to deal with situations that you have not dealt with previously. For example, you can be the first doctor to see a very unwell patient and lead the ward team in the management of this patient. Having a good grasp of the basics of the jobs expected of FY1 doctors, like what we talked about above, is important. Lastly, being generally prepared and organised for your day-to-day schedule. For example, keeping a list of your jobs and ordering blood tests for the following day. Some hospitals also have limited catering, especially during out-of-hours, so make sure you have meals during the on-call shifts.

Article written by Dr Xinming Yu (IMT2 doctor) and Dr Mengye Li (CT3 doctor in Core Anaesthetics).