Thread by @ReturningDoctor

When I was considering leaving hospital medicine, I was feeling lost.

I didn't ask for support but I wasn't offered any either.

What advice would have helped me?

A thread 🧵

1:Take time ⏰

At the time I saw the choice as binary - stay/leave - which in hindsight it probably wasn't.

There may well have been other options e.g. portfolio career, locum, planned break.

Take time to consider options and balance the pros and cons as fully as possible.

2:Talk about it 🗣️

I didn't discuss properly how I was thinking or feeling.

It can be hard - especially if you are feeling lost or uncertain - but seek advice and support early in your decision-making process.

Find a trusted colleague - past or present - to speak to.

3:Search resources 📖

GMC, Colleges, AoMRC & BMA have resources on career planning & return to work.

GMC:


AoMRC:
Academy of Medical Royal Colleges
› ...PDF
Return to Practice Guidance 2017 Revision

BMA:
gmc-uk.org/education/stan…
aomrc.org.uk
bma.org.uk/advice-and-sup…

4:Consider alternative paths 🔀

A training post and becoming a consultant is not the only career path.

Speak to e.g. SAS doctors, those who have taken 'alternative' routes, or switched specialty.

There are fantastic advocates for SAS careers on Twitter - search #SASbyChoice

5:Join online groups 👥

These FB groups offer great support and advice:

PMGUK Returners/Long Career Break Support Group:


Alternative Careers for Doctors:


Doctors In Distress offers mental health support:
facebook.com/groups/5411408…
facebook.com/groups/1263287…
doctors-in-distress.org.uk

6: Establish contact(s) 🤳

If you decide to take a break or to leave, identify someone you could approach in the future if you wanted to return.

There is no standardised route back 'in' and it can be hard to know where to start - an initial point of contact might be helpful.

7:Request an exit interview 🗓️

If you do decide to leave, consider requesting an exit interview if you are not automatically offered one.

You should be given the opportunity - if you want to do so - to officially communicate to your employer your reasons for leaving.

8:Gather a support network 🫂

A support network is important.

Even though you have made a decision that is right for you, it can still be a wrench.

You might feel lost for a while, particularly if friends/partners/spouses are medics.

9:Consider pay & pension 💷

Keep all payslips/P60/P45 etc.

Request a pension statement.

Check whether you will need to return within a specified time for your pension continuity to be maintained.

Keep a record of your communications with the pension provider.

10:Professional registrations 🏢

Consider maintaining GMC registration w/o licence to practise, and indemnity for Good Samaritan acts.

Check with your indemnity provider - if you have been kept 'on the books' it may help you to secure full indemnity cover in the future.

1:Take time
2:Talk about it
3:Search resources
4:Consider alternative paths
5:Join online groups
6:Establish contact(s)
7:Request an exit interview
8:Gather a support network
9:Consider pay & pension
10: +/- Professional registrations

+ 👇

Finally ✍️

Periodically, review your options and what you want from your life & career.

Circumstances change.

Top tip?
Talk about how you are feeling and find out as much as you can about your options.

Do what is right for *you*.

You are not alone.

#ReturningDoctor