Thread by @AnaesTrainees

. @sinecampbell opening the CAT Careers Evening.

Follow along here for updates and tweet us your questions.

@sinecampbell First up is Dr Fidelma Kirby from @TempleStreetHos on preparing for the consultant interview!

@sinecampbell @TempleStreetHos Start planning early!!

Where do you want to work and what career pathway do you want to achieve?

Don't forget to factor in your personal life plans!

#CATcareers

@sinecampbell @TempleStreetHos Identify the positive features of each department you work in...

Look beyond the anaesthetic machine!

#CATcareers

@sinecampbell @TempleStreetHos Try and understand the work environment, sit into committee meetings where you can.

This will do more than be a line on your CV, it will help you understand the department in which you hope to work.

#CATcareers

@sinecampbell @TempleStreetHos Non-technical skills are a vital part of being a consultant, consciously develop those skills.

Leadership, problem solving, empathy, collaboration...

#CATcareers

@sinecampbell @TempleStreetHos Rewrite your CV afresh for every job, you will need to highlight specific points relevant to the job you're applying for.

If you're doing a higher degree make sure you're getting value for the investment in time and money you will make.

#CATcareers

@sinecampbell @TempleStreetHos There are differences in applications between HSE and voluntary hospitals.

It will change how you apply for the job.

Be wise in your selection of referees, pick someone who will back you.

#CATcareers

@sinecampbell @TempleStreetHos Speak to your interview panel in advance, with the exception of the external panel member.

Get permission from the head of the panel.

Other people to meet: Clinical director, administrators etc

#CATcareers

@sinecampbell @TempleStreetHos Job descriptions are carefully tailored, read them and be sure that you understand what the department are looking for.

Understand what the department is looking for, what the challenges are and what the vision for the future is.

#CATcareers

@sinecampbell @TempleStreetHos Interviews are not exams, the approach is different.

You cannot learn off the answers, it is an opportunity to showcase you as a candidate.

#CATcareers

@sinecampbell @TempleStreetHos The questions are agreed in advance and asked in the same order for each candidate.

#CATcareers

@sinecampbell @TempleStreetHos "...do you have any questions?"

Use this as an opportunity to make a closing statement.

#CATcareers

@sinecampbell @TempleStreetHos Marks are allocated on:

1. Relevant clinical experience
2. Academic/Research achievement
3. Leadership and vision for service
4. Communication skills and teamwork

#CATcareers

@sinecampbell @TempleStreetHos Steer the interview to make sure that you get your 5 highlights across.

Take ownership of the process.

#CATcareers

@sinecampbell @TempleStreetHos You will be asked about a difficult scenario...

...prepare for them early, be honest but don't let emotion take over.

#CATcareers

@sinecampbell @TempleStreetHos If things don't go well...

Keep emotions in check
Be sure to follow up with the head of the interview panel
Find out where you can improve

Why not me?

#CATcareers

@sinecampbell @TempleStreetHos If things do go well...

Be professional, stay in touch with the department.

Be prepared, work on your job plan ahead of time.

#CATcareers

@sinecampbell @TempleStreetHos A massive thank you to Dr Kirby for her excellent presentation. Some wise words for us all!

#CATcareers

@sinecampbell @TempleStreetHos Next up is Dr @aineeogara from @stjamesdublin on her experience of the consultant application process.

#CATcareers

@sinecampbell @TempleStreetHos @aineeogara @stjamesdublin What it takes to become a consultant in pain medicine.

2 years sub-speciality training, 2 exams and a logbook of cases and procedures.

#CATcareers

@sinecampbell @TempleStreetHos @aineeogara @stjamesdublin How do you pick your fellowship and what do you want to get from it? Identify this in advance.

Clinical experience is just the beginning.

Develop yourself as a trainer, leader and champion for QI.

#CATcareers

@sinecampbell @TempleStreetHos @aineeogara @stjamesdublin Set CAMP goals

Clinical
Academic
Management
Personal

#CATcareers

@sinecampbell @TempleStreetHos @aineeogara @stjamesdublin @aineeogara discussing getting your CV interview ready.

Make the highlights stand out! Make it easy for the panel to find the key points.

Proof read the document to be sure there's no typos!

#CATcareers

@sinecampbell @TempleStreetHos @aineeogara @stjamesdublin Keep your CV as a living document well in advance, update it frequently.

#CATcareers

@sinecampbell @TempleStreetHos @aineeogara @stjamesdublin Make contact early, show enthusiasm

Match yourself to the job description

Know the hospital to which you're applying

Get permission to meet the panel

Use the opportunity to meet people and gather information.

#CATcareers

@sinecampbell @TempleStreetHos @aineeogara @stjamesdublin The presentation is your Dragons Den moment.

Prepare, prepare, prepare!!
Stick to the time.

This is 10 minutes where you can sell yourself.

Align yourself to the hospital plan and vision going forward.

#CATcareers

@sinecampbell @TempleStreetHos @aineeogara @stjamesdublin Practice the simple questions.

Be able to pitch your CV in 2 minutes.

@aineeogara #CATcareers

@sinecampbell @TempleStreetHos @aineeogara @stjamesdublin Some incredible insights from Dr @aineeogara on her experience on the consultant appointments process.

#CATcareers

@sinecampbell @TempleStreetHos @aineeogara @stjamesdublin Next up is Prof @Curleyger from @Beaumont_Dublin @Beaumont_ICU on a career in Intensive Care and Academia.

#CATcareers

@sinecampbell @TempleStreetHos @aineeogara @stjamesdublin @Curleyger @Beaumont_Dublin @Beaumont_ICU The 'perfect' career pathway in academic medicine...

...this is not a reality for the vast majority of people!

Notable mentions to @ICATProgramme and the @NDTP_HSE academic internships.

#CATcareers

@sinecampbell @TempleStreetHos @aineeogara @stjamesdublin @Curleyger @Beaumont_Dublin @Beaumont_ICU @ICATProgramme @NDTP_HSE The most important thing is to be ready to seize the opportunities that present themselves.

#CATcareers

@sinecampbell @TempleStreetHos @aineeogara @stjamesdublin @Curleyger @Beaumont_Dublin @Beaumont_ICU @ICATProgramme @NDTP_HSE Many greats did not follow the 'ideal' path to become a successful academic.

@Curleyger
#CATcareers

@sinecampbell @TempleStreetHos @aineeogara @stjamesdublin @Curleyger @Beaumont_Dublin @Beaumont_ICU @ICATProgramme @NDTP_HSE Research matters!

Clinical research improves care, patient outcomes and provides opportunities for economic growth.

More importantly there's evidence to back it up.

#CATcareers

In the @NHSEngland ~5% of consultant workforce are clinical academics with protected time for research.

In Ireland we are some way away from that, but time are changing.

#CATcareers

Discussing the @ICATProgramme:

Development of the MMI and HRB programmes that preceded it.

Endorsed by universities and funded by HSE, HRB and Wellcome trust.

Facilitates trainees to integrate academic and clinical training.

#CATcareers

@ICATProgramme Some advantages of @ICATProgramme

#CATcareers

@ICATProgramme Barriers to research include time and funding for research activities.

Many people would engage if the opportunities existed.

#CATcareers @Curleyger

@ICATProgramme @Curleyger Thanks to @Curleyger for a thorough run through of all things academia related.

#CATcareers