ST7 year and beyond…
I am sitting here writing this on the last ever shift that I am going to
complete as an anaesthetic registrar on what, tonight, has been a rare
moment to sit down. Whilst this has been a longer than average time
coming (extension to complete my Primary, babies and working ‘less
than full time’) I am not sure that I was fully prepared for my ST7 year
and how stressful a time it would be. In several aspects it feels as if the
training wheels are being shaken loose but I am not sure if I am fully
ready to go without them yet.
I have been in the privileged position of having seen many of
my fellow core trainee colleagues successfully completing their
ST7 year and gaining consultant posts. However, nothing had
prepared me for how intense I would find it being on call with
my consultant colleagues who I knew would be interviewing
me at the end of the week. Working at a hospital during ST7
where you are interested in securing a job seems like a good
idea, and often is; however, this does come with the added
stress of feeling like you are in a constant job interview. Some
people thrive on this, whilst others might find the pressure
too much, and it is certainly something to think about when
planning your hospital rotations. Having job adverts come out
within days of one another, and interview dates all within one
week, pose their own dilemmas when deciding what to apply
for and then, if successfully short-listed, which interviews to
attend. My advice here would be to only apply for jobs if, at that
time, you are seriously considering it as an option, and only
accept an interview for those you would be willing to accept
the job.
Enhance your chances
Not all ST7 trainees decide to go straight into a consultant
post, and that is fine. I have successfully secured a post-
CCT paediatric fellowship and am currently embracing the
upcoming sub-speciality training. If choosing to pursue a
fellowship, my advice would be to make sure that it is the
correct addition to your training, and that it is going to enhance
your chances of securing your desired consultant post. Others
may choose to enter their six months grace period either
through choice (to further augment their existing training) or
because they have not yet secured a consultant post. A further
option would be to resign at the end of your training (providing
you are on track to complete your anaesthetic training) and do
ad-hoc locum shifts. Whatever your decision, it needs to be the
correct one for you.
To make the most of your ST7 year it is essential you keep on
top of the requirements. Most trainees will be completing their
advanced training year during this time and ensuring that this
is completed with the required work-place based assessments
is essential. The additional advanced domains need to be
completed and it is certainly a psychological advantage to go
into your final ARCP with all, or nearly all, of the pre-requisites
done. Make sure you are aware of what is required in your
Deanery as the exact requirements may differ. Did you know
that in order to get your CCT you need to have paper and
electronic copies of all ARCP outcomes from your training?
If training has taken longer than the standard seven years
then this can amount to a substantial number of ARCP forms.
Even for someone who is as meticulous as I am with keeping
paperwork, I needed help to ensure all the years were covered.
Your Deanery should be able to provide you with copies of any
that you are missing.
To survive your ST7 year and complete your anaesthetic
training by gaining your CCT requires a good support
network and help from those who understand the additional
requirements, stressors and emotions of the year that
completes your training. Do not be afraid to talk to those
around you, both professionally and personally. You may be
amazed how supportive people can be. Most of all try and
enjoy part, if not all, of your ST7 year; this is the end of your
education to date and then you will start a new chapter.
Katy Miller
Post-CCT Fellow Paediatric Anaesthesia
Elected member Trainee Committee & Trainee Network Lead
Officer