A Guide for New Doctors: Surviving Your First Year on the Job

Embarking on your journey as a doctor can be overwhelming and filled with uncertainty. It is not uncommon for FY1s or (or even just those new to the NHS) to feel anxious and unprepared. However, it's important to remember that you are not alone and that many thousands of newly grads will be in your position come August. In this blog post, we will cover important tips to help you navigate FY1 year. Read on!

Essential Equipment

Having the right tools at your disposal is crucial for success. Here are some items you should consider having:

• Stethoscope

• Pens

• Powerbank

• Clipboard Box (if your hospital is still paper-based)

• Oxford Handbook (or similar pocket guide)

• NHS Name stamp (if your Trust still uses paper notes) & name badge

Familiarise Yourself with the Job

Use your final year of medical school to get accustomed to common tasks under close supervision by Junior Doctors. Additionally, take advantage of any shadowing periods or induction programmes offered by the hospital where you'll be working. This will help you become familiar with the hospital's systems and workflows.

Learn How to Survive a Ward Round

Ward rounds can be fast-paced and demanding. Here are some tips to help you navigate them smoothly:

• Develop your own note preparation proforma/structure.

• Practise efficient documentation techniques.

• Gain confidence in seeking clarification when needed.

• Review the drug chart and ensure treatment ceilings are set.

• Practise (and revise) prescribing common drugs and avoid common errors.

• Don't forget to review and request necessary blood tests for that day as well as the next day if indicated

Tips for Being On Call

On-call shifts can be intense and stressful. Stay organised and prioritise your tasks with the following tips:

• Keep an organised jobs list and label high-priority jobs so you know to address them first.

• Address managing deteriorating patients, ordering scans, and referrals first.

• Utilise essential apps and referral cheat sheets.

• Never hesitate to escalate the care of unwell patients and call for help when necessary.

• Familiarise yourself with specific emergency protocols.

Learn How to Write Discharge Summaries

Writing comprehensive discharge summaries is an important skill. Consider the following suggestions:

• Prioritise discharge medications.

• Keep the summary concise, focusing on key events, results, investigations, and discharge advice.

• Avoid copying the entire clerking or scan reports.

• Be mindful of the timeframe for sending the discharge summary to the GP.

• Always seek feedback and utilise it for your e-portfolio.

Familiarise Yourself with the Hospital During Shadowing Week

Make the most of your shadowing week by becoming acquainted with the hospital's operations:

• Know where to find and prepare the patient list.

• Understand the bleep system.

• Learn how to refer to different specialties.

• Master using computer systems for investigations and discharge summaries.

• Explore the hospital to find the best food and social spots, fostering friendships.

Employment Checklist

As you near your start date, familiarise yourself with employment-related matters:

• Check your work schedule and ensure it adheres to safety limits (cross-reference this with the 2016 Junior Doctor Contract T&Cs)

• Understand your pay structure and consider tax relief options (you can claim tax back on GMC membership fees, BMA membership fees, Royal College exam fees, money spent on uniform -i.e. scrubs - etc.)

• Look for opportunities to enhance your CV and future career prospects (e.g. CPD courses, webinars and workshops, conferences and events etc.)

• Explore medical education and quality improvement projects (QIP). You need to do 1 Audit as part of your FY1 year and 1 QIP as part of your FY2 year.

• Remember, kindness goes a long way in building relationships with colleagues, patients, and yourself.

Final words

Starting your first year as a medical professional may seem daunting, but with the right mindset and preparation, you can navigate the challenges successfully. Remember to seek support from colleagues, communicate effectively with patients and relatives, and prioritise self-care. By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to a rewarding and fulfilling career in medicine.

by Dr Ahmed Kazie