This is my individual advice on the topic but I would say the first weeks to months are for settling into your new role and then as you start to feel more confident, it's time to start the portfolio and thinking about future aims. I didn't know what speciality I was definitely applying to in F1 so I kept my projects quite generic and this was still great as I was able to reflect on what QI / Audits had taught me and how those skills could be utilised in future practice, so don't worry if you can't do one in the specialty you think or know you want to pursue.
Portfolio:
The foundation school website is an excellent resource to utilise here and will have the most up to date guidelines so rather than repeat what they've said, this is more of an advice section.
Regarding your portfolio make sure you update it regularly. Send CBD / DOPS / CEX early and regularly. It's often a lot easier to complete it as you go along. Make sure you're also logging reflections about cases as well.
You will need to track educational hours and these comprise of core teaching which is often protected time and non core teaching. Map it to the curriculum as you go as again it saves you a lot of time later on.
If you have any questions about portfolio assessments, utlise your educational superviser as they often assess portfolios for ARCP so will have a deeper understanding of what is needed.
Audit Advice:
It's expected that you complete an audit during your foundation years, so hopefully these tips are of some use.
Pick something – simple, relevant to your ward, has a guideline already and is easy to collect data on eg VTE
Keep scope small – one standard or or one speciality – eg oxygen prescribing on AMU
Use the audit cycle and leave time to close the loop
Start with a guideline – NICE, Trust etc - Eg NG tubes have well documented standards for assessing positioning
Keep the data collection simple
Make sure you present the results
Identify interventions
Reaudit!!
Ensure you get a letter of evidence from your supervising consultant to clarify the role you played in the audit.
If you aren't sure what you might want to do speak to the Consultants and they may have audits that they are looking for a resident doctor to complete and they will then be able to support you throughout the process. If you do have an idea, approach a consultant to discuss this as you will need a supervising consultant.
Career Planning:
F1 is not a race – start with building confidence and competence first but it’s useful to think about what you’re aiming towards.
Use your taster days to try out specialities you might not get exposure to otherwise
You can also go to other centres. You just have to be proactive to organise this.
Huge number of specialities and lots you don’t get exposed to in Medical school - speak to other Resident Doctors in those specialites if you're interested.
Try to do QI or Audit in a speciality you’re interested in!
If you like teaching – get involved in Medical student teaching
Say yes to things that interest you – QI, teaching, research, but remember you can't say yes to everything.
Look for seniors who will give you advice and support – CST, IMT, ACCS likely to have the most up to date insights into applications
Look at the Person specification guides for the speciality you’re interested in to see what gains you points and start tailoring projects towards this.
Remember to look after yourself as well!
Make sure you take breaks and eat and drink during the working day
Try to leave on timewhere possible
Use your annual leave
Maintain hobbies outside of work
Build a support network
Ask for help when needed! It’s what we’re here for
Disclaimer:
This is a not for profit education resource designed for new resident doctors. All information serves as a guide to help doctors approach day to day life as an F1. It is not intended as a guide to patient care and should never be used as such or in place of advice of treating clinicians or published clinical guidelines. All cases are fictional and any resemblance is purely coincidental. Additionally all images are AI generated unless otherwise stated.
Resources / References:
Foundation School website - https://foundationprogramme.nhs.uk