This week I was asked to talk to the @nsaicm Intensive Care Medicine trainee forum about “finishing training and starting work as a consultant” so I thought I would share some of the stuff here in case anyone else is interested!
A thread.
Disclaimer - just my opinions!
A thread.
Disclaimer - just my opinions!
Logistics:
Need to complete the training program and apply to join the @gmcuk specialist register (ARCP panel recommends to the @FICMNews @RCoANews who subsequently recommended to the GMC. You also need to apply (and pay) via your GMC online account.
Need to complete the training program and apply to join the @gmcuk specialist register (ARCP panel recommends to the @FICMNews @RCoANews who subsequently recommended to the GMC. You also need to apply (and pay) via your GMC online account.
(Here at least) you also need to resign your training number (with or without working a grace period)
Consultant jobs: where do you want to work?! Some things to consider:
•location (commute, parking,cycling, proximity to schools and childcare)
•department
•type of work
•colleagues
•on call frequency/commitment
•job availability
•are there trainees?
•location (commute, parking,cycling, proximity to schools and childcare)
•department
•type of work
•colleagues
•on call frequency/commitment
•job availability
•are there trainees?
How to get a job:
Approach the department lead/CD in advance (12-18 months before CCT) and discuss - ask about job availability and express and interest.
Approach the department lead/CD in advance (12-18 months before CCT) and discuss - ask about job availability and express and interest.
Work on your CV:
Look at recent jobs from that department and from other ITUs on the NHS jobs website jobs.nhs.uk
Look at the person specifications and see what gaps you have in your CV - make plans to fill these gaps
Look at recent jobs from that department and from other ITUs on the NHS jobs website jobs.nhs.uk
Look at the person specifications and see what gaps you have in your CV - make plans to fill these gaps
On the subject of CVs
Refine the style of yours.
Ask colleagues for copies of theirs (especially new consultants) for ideas on layout and presentation. I suggest a prose summary page at the start - so if that’s all that is read people get a good idea of who you are
Refine the style of yours.
Ask colleagues for copies of theirs (especially new consultants) for ideas on layout and presentation. I suggest a prose summary page at the start - so if that’s all that is read people get a good idea of who you are
Once you have an interview:
Arrange pre-interview visits with the people on the panel (or at least contact them to ask if they would like that) - usually the unit lead, the CD, medical director (or representative) and the “other” director (CEO or representative.
Arrange pre-interview visits with the people on the panel (or at least contact them to ask if they would like that) - usually the unit lead, the CD, medical director (or representative) and the “other” director (CEO or representative.
These visits are “formal” so go prepared (not just in scrubs from your list/unit (if you are currently working in the place you are applying)). Take hard copies of your CV.
Ask them what they are looking for in an applicant/perceived gaps in the department/trust
Ask them what they are looking for in an applicant/perceived gaps in the department/trust
Interviews:
I would advice a course - there are many available. Treat it like an exam - prepare. Look at things specific to that trust such as:
•board meeting minutes
•CQC report
•GMC survey results
•Annual report summary
•Peer review results
•ICNARC data
I would advice a course - there are many available. Treat it like an exam - prepare. Look at things specific to that trust such as:
•board meeting minutes
•CQC report
•GMC survey results
•Annual report summary
•Peer review results
•ICNARC data
The job itself (Generic):
The consultant contact is different to the registrar contract.
Standard is 10 “programmed activities” (PAs) split between:
•DCC - Direct Clinical Care
•SPA - Supporting Professional Activity
•Additional responsibility
•Other/external
The consultant contact is different to the registrar contract.
Standard is 10 “programmed activities” (PAs) split between:
•DCC - Direct Clinical Care
•SPA - Supporting Professional Activity
•Additional responsibility
•Other/external
On call is done differently. You will get some DCC PAs for the time you are actually in the hospital (averaged across your colleagues by hours monitoring periods (done annually where I work)).
Also a % of your salary determined by the frequency of your on call (max 8% min 3%)
Also a % of your salary determined by the frequency of your on call (max 8% min 3%)
Differences about being a consultant:
You feel like you should be rotating after the first year
It is nice to be in the same place - you can achieve things
Rightly or wrongly my experience is that people treat you slightly differently....
You feel like you should be rotating after the first year
It is nice to be in the same place - you can achieve things
Rightly or wrongly my experience is that people treat you slightly differently....
My advice for the #newconsultant (definitely disclaimer territory)
•”No”is a complete sentence (credit @doctorwibble)
•But - say yes sometimes! To finite things rather than enduring responsibilities initially
•Keep a diary of what you have done (lists/clinics/Critical care)
•”No”is a complete sentence (credit @doctorwibble)
•But - say yes sometimes! To finite things rather than enduring responsibilities initially
•Keep a diary of what you have done (lists/clinics/Critical care)
•Settle in - get to know people
•Find a mentor (if you aren’t given one) someone you trust and respect - meet occasionally for a chat/cake/breakfast/coffee
•Say “thank you”
•Stay interested
•Continue to learn (my recommenced reads at the end of the thread)
•Be human
•Find a mentor (if you aren’t given one) someone you trust and respect - meet occasionally for a chat/cake/breakfast/coffee
•Say “thank you”
•Stay interested
•Continue to learn (my recommenced reads at the end of the thread)
•Be human
•You are part of a team - lead it often, follow it often
•No job in patient care is beneath you (help with patient care if required - do turns, get drinks etc.)
•Inspire people - part of leading a team
•Use all your annual leave - and always have some booked
•No job in patient care is beneath you (help with patient care if required - do turns, get drinks etc.)
•Inspire people - part of leading a team
•Use all your annual leave - and always have some booked
•Live - put down roots, buy a house reveille in your non rotational job!
•Imposter syndrome is normal
•Support your colleagues as you would want to be supported
•DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP
•Think about the consequences of your action
•Imposter syndrome is normal
•Support your colleagues as you would want to be supported
•DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP
•Think about the consequences of your action
•Remember “The first rule” (@Tonygardner in bluestone42)
•Have high standards - it will raise those of the people you work with
•Do as you aught - set the tone
•Don’t “reply all” if you don’t need to
•Don’t email in anger!
•Look after yourself
•Have high standards - it will raise those of the people you work with
•Do as you aught - set the tone
•Don’t “reply all” if you don’t need to
•Don’t email in anger!
•Look after yourself
Lastly - the three legged stool of Dr Kathryn Bell (from my department)
Each leg is a part of your life:
•Work
•Health
•Home
If one leg is shorter than the others - the stool will wobble.
Pay equal attention to all 3 legs
Each leg is a part of your life:
•Work
•Health
•Home
If one leg is shorter than the others - the stool will wobble.
Pay equal attention to all 3 legs
Recommended reading list (books which have changed my practice of medicine -pertinent to Intensive Care) credit to some incredible writers @Atul_Gawande @drkathrynmannix @WhistlingDixie4
All these books made me think about the way I practice and especially how I talk to families
All these books made me think about the way I practice and especially how I talk to families
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