This is an article about resources for the MRCP PACES exam. It discusses different resources including courses, books, podcasts, and blogs. Some resources are more helpful than others, depending on your learning style and budget.  The article recommends using a variety of resources. Online courses are a good option for those who want access to instructors and practice exams. PACES books are a good way to learn more about the exam and to practice cases. Podcasts are a good way to learn passively while commuting or doing other tasks. Blogs can provide tips and insights from other doctors who have passed the exam. Read the full article on PACES resources. Learn how to pass the PACES exam See the changes with the new PACES23 format

Taking time out of training after finishing the Foundation years is becoming increasingly popular. There are many reasons why you may want to take time out of training, such as to travel, earn money, or enjoy some free time. One option for taking time out of training is to work in a Teaching Fellow Job. Teaching Fellows are doctors who spend a proportion of their time teaching. There are many benefits to working as a Teaching Fellow, such as developing your teaching skills, getting a postgraduate qualification, and boosting your portfolio. If you are interested in becoming a Teaching Fellow, there are a few things you can do to prepare, such as setting up alerts on the NHS Jobs website, reading the job description carefully, and being clear in your own mind about what you are looking for. When applying for a Teaching Fellow job, it is important to write a strong application form and prepare for the interview. Taking time out of training can be a great way to explore your interests and develop your skills. Working as a Teaching Fellow is a great way to develop your teaching skills and get a postgraduate qualification. There are many benefits to working as a Teaching Fellow, such as boosting your portfolio and improving your chances of getting into speciality training.

A side hustle is a business that you can run alongside your full-time employment. There are many reasons why doctors might want to start a side hustle, such as to earn extra money, pursue something outside of clinical work, or gain new skills. Some common side hustle ideas for doctors include medical education, medical writing, health tech, and content creation. Starting a side hustle takes hard work and determination, but it can be a rewarding experience.  If you're considering starting a side hustle, be sure to do your research and create a plan. Here are some additional tips for doctors who are interested in starting a side hustle: Choose a side hustle that you're passionate about and that fits your skills and interests.Be realistic about how much time you can commit to your side hustle.Set clear goals for your side hustle and track your progress.Market your side hustle to potential clients or customers.Be patient and persistent. It takes time to build a successful side hustle.

The NHS Foundation Programme is a two-year training program for newly graduated doctors. It provides them with the skills, knowledge, and experiences they need to become competent and compassionate clinicians.   In this article, Dr Kuvira Manamperi discusses the pros and cons of joining the foundation programme as an IMG, as well as when FY2 standalone, staff grade NHS jobs, or the MTI scheme might be more appropriate.

In this article by Dr Tirth Vasa, we explore the anaesthetist's perspective on difficult cannulation. He explores his top 8 tips on how to get the cannula in event the most difficult of veins.    Dr Vasa will help you to become one with the vein and succeed in difficult IV access.

This article describes the author's experience of working as a doctor in the aftermath of the Easter Sunday bombings in Sri Lanka in 2019. The author, Mahen Elapatha, describes the chaos and devastation of the attacks, and the challenges of working in a resource-limited setting. The author arrived at the scene of the attacks shortly after they happened. They were met with scenes of carnage and destruction. There were bodies and body parts everywhere, and the air was thick with the smell of smoke and blood. The author and their colleagues worked tirelessly to triage the patients and provide them with the necessary medical care. The author describes the challenges of working in a resource-limited setting. There were not enough doctors, nurses, or medical supplies. The author and their colleagues had to improvise and use whatever resources they could find. They also had to deal with the psychological trauma of the attacks. Despite the challenges, the author and their colleagues were able to save many lives. They worked tirelessly for days, providing medical care to the injured and comforting the grieving. The author is proud of the work they did, and they believe that it made a difference in the lives of many people. Here are some additional takeaways from the article: The Easter Sunday bombings in Sri Lanka were a horrific tragedy that resulted in the deaths of over 250 people.The attacks also caused widespread injuries and trauma.Medical professionals played a vital role in the aftermath of the attacks, providing care to the injured and comforting the grieving.Working in a resource-limited setting can be challenging, but it is also incredibly rewarding.The author is proud of the work they did in the aftermath of the Easter Sunday bombings, and they believe that it made a difference in the lives of many people. If you have educational needs that arise from this experience, please check out our live courses and on-demand courses.

The article "Transition: IMG to NHS" by MedCourse provides a comprehensive guide for international medical graduates (IMGs) who are looking to transition to the NHS. The article covers a wide range of topics, including: The eligibility requirements for IMGs to work in the NHSThe application process for IMGs to work in the NHSThe challenges that IMGs can expect to face when transitioning to the NHSHow to overcome the challenges of transitioning to the NHS The article also includes a number of helpful tips for IMGs, such as: Start planning your transition to the NHS early.Do your research and understand the eligibility requirements and the application process.Be prepared to face challenges and be flexible.Network with other IMGs who have successfully transitioned to the NHS.Seek support from professional organizations and mentors. The article is a valuable resource for IMGs who are looking to transition to the NHS. It provides practical advice and helpful tips that can help IMGs to navigate the process and to be successful in their transition. Here are some additional highlights from the article: The NHS is a large and complex organization, so it is important for IMGs to do their research and understand the eligibility requirements and the application process before they start the transition process.IMGs can expect to face a number of challenges when transitioning to the NHS, such as: differences in the medical system, cultural differences, and language barriers.However, IMGs who are prepared for the challenges and are flexible can be successful in their transition to the NHS.There are many factors IMG need to consider, including the PLAB exam and MTI scheme.IMGs should network with other IMGs who have successfully transitioned to the NHS and seek support from professional organizations and mentors.

The article "A Back Pocket Guide to Your First 'On-call' Shift" by MedCourse provides a comprehensive guide for junior doctors who are about to start their first on-call shift. The article covers a wide range of topics, including: What is an on-call shift?What to expect during an on-call shiftHow to prepare for an on-call shiftHow to stay safe during an on-call shiftHow to debrief after an on-call shift The article also includes a number of helpful tips for junior doctors, such as: Make sure you have a good understanding of the on-call rota and the responsibilities of an on-call doctor.Get a good night's sleep before your on-call shift.Eat a healthy breakfast before your on-call shift.Take breaks throughout your on-call shift.Don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it.Debrief with your colleagues after your on-call shift.Deal with Emergencies. The article is a valuable resource for junior doctors who are about to start their first on-call shift. It provides practical advice and helpful tips that can help junior doctors to stay safe and to have a successful on-call shift. Here are some additional highlights from the article: On-call shifts are a normal part of the job for junior doctors. They can be challenging, but they are also an opportunity to learn and to gain experience.Junior doctors should be prepared for a range of tasks during an on-call shift, including: reviewing patients, dealing with emergencies, and prescribing medication.It is important for junior doctors to stay safe during on-call shifts. This means getting enough sleep, eating healthy meals, and taking breaks.Junior doctors should also be prepared to ask for help if they need it. There is no shame in asking for help from more senior colleagues.Debriefing after an on-call shift is an important way to reflect on the experience and to learn from it. It is also a good opportunity to support your colleagues.

In this article we discuss the Medical Training Initiative. The author, Tirth, decided to apply for the MTI scheme in the UK, which is a program for international medical graduates to train in the NHS for up to 24 months. The author describes the MTI process as daunting and complicated. They had to meet certain eligibility criteria, including having a primary medical qualification from an internationally recognized medical institution and having completed at least 3 years of postgraduate training in their home country. They also had to apply for the program through the Royal College of their chosen specialty. The author emphasizes that MTI posts are very rare and competitive, so it is important to have a strong application and to be prepared for a long application process. They also warn that MTI posts only offer employment for 24 months, after which the IMG must return to their home country. Overall, the author's text is a helpful guide for IMGs who are considering applying for the MTI scheme. It provides a detailed overview of the application process and the challenges that IMGs can expect to face. Here are some additional takeaways from the text: The MTI scheme is a great opportunity for IMGs to gain experience in the NHS and to learn from some of the best doctors in the world.The application process is competitive, so it is important to have a strong application and to be prepared for a long wait.MTI posts only offer employment for 24 months, after which the IMG must return to their home country.IMGs who are considering applying for the MTI scheme should carefully read the eligibility criteria and the application process before applying.You can avoid doing the PLAB exam by going down this route.

A personal account of the challenges and rewards of being an FY1 doctor. The author describes the long hours, high workload, and financial struggles that are often associated with the job. However, they also highlight the satisfaction of helping patients and the opportunities to learn and grow as a doctor. One of the biggest challenges the author faced as an FY1 was the long hours. They often worked 12-hour shifts, 7 days a week. This left them feeling exhausted and drained, and it was difficult to find time to relax and recharge. The author also found the high workload to be challenging. They were often expected to manage multiple patients at once, and they felt under pressure to make quick decisions. In addition to the long hours and high workload, the author also faced financial struggles. As an FY1, they were only paid a basic salary, which was not enough to cover their living expenses. They had to take on extra shifts to make ends meet, but this added to their workload and stress levels. Despite the challenges, the author also found many rewards in being an FY1. They enjoyed helping patients and seeing them improve. They also appreciated the opportunities to learn and grow as a doctor. The author believes that being an FY1 is a challenging but rewarding experience, and they encourage others to consider it as a career path. Here are some additional takeaways from the article: The job of an FY1 is demanding and can be stressful.It is important to be prepared for the long hours, high workload, and financial struggles.There are also many rewards to being an FY1, such as helping patients and seeing them improve.It is important to find a balance between work and life, and to take breaks when you need them.Seeking help from colleagues and mentors can be helpful when you are struggling.Being an FY1 is a challenging but rewarding experience. Check out our other articles on the emotions of being a junior doctor and on mistakes made as a doctor.

The author, Nikhil Ahluwalia, is a Medical Registrar who has interviewed and successfully placed many ST4 interview candidates. He shares his top tips, including: Show your enthusiasm! If you're not excited about the specialty, the interviewers won't be either. Make sure you convey your passion for the field, and smile!Be prepared to answer common interview questions. The author provides a list of common ST4 interview questions, so you can practice your answers ahead of time.Be specific about your reasons for choosing the specialty. Don't just say you're interested in the field because it's a good career move. Explain why you're passionate about the work and what you hope to achieve in the specialty.Highlight your skills and experience. The author recommends using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to answer interview questions about your skills and experience.Dress professionally and arrive on time. First impressions matter, so make sure you dress appropriately for the interview and arrive on time. The author also recommends taking an interview skills course to help you prepare for your ST4 interview. MedCourse offers online interview skills resources specifically for ST4 candidates, which includes videos of good and bad example answers, clinical knowledge updates, and SpR-level discussions on the topics that come up in ST4 interviews. Check out our other guides to medical training, including IMT and CST application.

Guilt, stress, and remorse are common feelings that doctors new and old feel on a daily basis. In this podcast, we read an article on guilt as a junior doctor, by Dr Kuvira Manamperi.   You can find more experiences on our website, as well as useful blog articles. You can also find Kuvira's other article on becoming an fy1.

Going on a medical expedition can be a daunting task, but it is important to be prepared with the right equipment. This article discusses the essential equipment that you will need for your first medical expedition, including medical supplies, personal gear, and expedition-specific gear. The article begins by discussing the medical supplies that you will need. These supplies include basic first aid supplies, such as bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers. You will also need more specialized supplies, such as splints, slings, and emergency medications. The article then discusses the personal gear that you will need. This gear includes clothing, footwear, and camping gear. You will need to choose clothing that is appropriate for the climate and terrain of your expedition. You will also need footwear that is comfortable and supportive. Camping gear, such as a tent, sleeping bag, and stove, will also be essential. Finally, the article discusses the expedition-specific gear that you will need. This gear includes a first aid kit, a satellite phone, and a GPS device. A first aid kit is essential for any medical expedition. A satellite phone will allow you to communicate with the outside world in case of an emergency. A GPS device will help you to navigate your way through unfamiliar terrain. The article concludes by stating that the right equipment can make the difference between a successful and unsuccessful medical expedition. By carefully planning your equipment, you can ensure that you are prepared for any eventuality.

IV cannulation is a common medical procedure, but it can be emotionally challenging for junior doctors. The article discusses the emotional aspects of IV cannulation, including anxiety, stress, and guilt. It also talks about how to cope with these emotions and provide optimal patient care. The article begins by describing the emotional challenges that junior doctors may face when performing IV cannulations. These challenges can include the fear of failure, the risk of causing pain to the patient, and the pressure to perform well. The article then goes on to discuss how these emotions can impact patient care. For example, junior doctors who are feeling anxious or stressed may be less likely to take the time to find a good vein, which can lead to more failed attempts and more pain for the patient. The article then provides some tips on how to cope with the emotional challenges of IV cannulation. These tips include practicing the procedure, seeking support from colleagues, and learning relaxation techniques. The article also emphasizes the importance of self-compassion. Junior doctors should remember that it is normal to feel anxious or stressed about IV cannulations, and that they should not beat themselves up if they make a mistake. The article concludes by stating that the emotional challenges of IV cannulation are important to acknowledge and address. By understanding these challenges and developing coping mechanisms, junior doctors can provide better care for their patients. Here are some additional points that are mentioned in the article: The emotional challenges of IV cannulation can be exacerbated by factors such as a lack of training, a busy workload, and a patient who is uncooperative.There are a number of resources available to help junior doctors cope with the emotional challenges of IV cannulation, such as support groups, online forums, and counseling services.It is important for junior doctors to remember that they are not alone in their struggles, and that there are people who can help them.

The PLAB 1 exam is a written, multiple-choice question (MCQ) exam that tests candidates on their ability to approach and manage clinical situations commonly encountered as an FY2 or house officer in UK hospitals. The exam is held four times a year in the UK and in international centres. The GMC released exam seats for August and November 2023 in December 2022, and for the first half of 2024 on March 18, 2023. The GMC also intends on releasing additional slots for the November 2023 exam. To prepare for the PLAB 1 exam, candidates should start their preparation 3-6 months before the exam. They should read the curriculum, find out their strengths and weaknesses across the curriculum, and join a revision course. Candidates should also practice answering MCQs and learn to reason rather than just memorise obscure facts. The PLAB 1 exam is a challenging exam, but it is possible to pass with careful preparation. Candidates should start their preparation early, focus on their weaknesses, and practice answering MCQs.

In this article, we go through the 2023 changes to the MRCP PACES format. This includes: Updates to communication skills stationChanges to the clinical encountersRemoval of history stations If you're still on MRCP Part 1, check out our guide to the part 1 exam or our ultimate guide to IMT.

Trembling in your boots thinking about your first shift in the emergency department? Don't worry, we got you.   In this article, Dr Callum Airlie gives you his top 11 tips for smashing your first shift, as well as a rundown on how the ED works in the UK.   Thinking about ACCS as a training pathway? Check out our guide to ACCS training.

For core and accs anaesthetic trainees who need to get to the next stage of their career, the FRCA Primary MCQ is the first exam you'll need to face.   In this article, we go over the exam format, exam dates, pass mark, and the updates for the september 2023 exam.   Check out the FRCA Exam article here.   If you want to know more about Anaesthetics, check out the article on Core Anaesthetics Interview and the Ultimate guide to ACCS.

In this guide to becoming an offshore medic, Dr Hrushikesh talks you through the qualifications needed to become an offshore medic, as well as his experience of being an oil rig doctor.   Check out the article on becoming an offshore medic here.   Thinking about an alternative career? Check out our blog content on beyond medicine.

Working as an expedition medic is no doubt exciting, but there are plenty of challenges to getting the job in the first place! In this article, Dr Dawn Barlow talks you through her tips for getting your first expedition as a junior doctor. Also check out our expedition medicine and pre-hospital medicine courses to learn more!