Taking a gap year after Foundation Year 2 (FY2) is one of the most discussed topics among medical enthusiasts. Several students wish to take a year off but fail to do so due to prejudices in the community. Therefore, it is hard to determine if a gap year can be helpful or disadvantageous.
Addressing the same issue, one of our speakers, Dr Asha Padhiar, gave invaluable learnings about how taking a gap year can help at our recently launched Mylocum Healthcare Summit 2023, ‘Trust Me, I work in the NHS’.
Dr Asha said, ‘Many junior Doctors wish to opt for a gap year but wonder if that’s the right thing to do.’ Quoting her example, she shares her journey where she took 2 years off before entering speciality training.
This article aims to help you understand the potential benefits of the said decision.
Foundation Programme (FY1-FY2)
The foundation programme is an intense 2-year structured training programme in the United Kingdom. Medical graduates must complete it before specialty training. The programme provides a broad-based introduction to the practice of medicine and equips doctors with the core competencies needed to work as a doctor.
The foundation programme involves rotations through medical specialties, like general practice, emergency medicine, surgery, and psychiatry. During this time, doctors work under the supervision of experienced medical practitioners, gain hands-on experience in patient care and develop clinical skills.
The programme is flexible and adaptable to the individual needs of each doctor. Furthermore, it provides a balance between structured training and on-the-job experience, which allows doctors to tailor their training to meet their career aspirations.
Post Foundation Training
There are two things to opt for post your Foundation Training programme.
1.Move to Specialty Training.
The training refers to the advanced educational training that a doctor undergoes to become a specialist in a particular field of medicine. It is opted for after completing a medical degree and a period of general medical training, e.g., a foundation program or residency. Specialty training typically takes several years to complete and may involve hands-on clinical experience, formal coursework and exams.
Examples of medical specialties include cardiology, paediatrics, surgery, psychiatry, obstetrics and gynaecology, among others. The specific requirements for specialty training can vary depending on the specialty and the country where it is taking place. However, the goal is to equip doctors with the skills and knowledge they need to provide expert care in their chosen area of medicine. This necessitates the fulfilment of prerequisites before applying.
The requirements differ based on your application and must be complied with at the beginning of the second year. That means you prepare for the application in the very first year, which can be stressful.
2. Taking the year out after FY2
A year off after the foundation training is considered a waste of time or a disadvantage. However, that’s not the case. There are a lot of things that are attainable in that year. The need to be successful has nothing to do with being in a contracted training programme. Dr Asha shares her experiences during the Mylocum Summit 2023.
Keen on learning more about the Summit talk? Head to the link to immerse yourself in the sea of unparalleled insights
Benefits Of Taking The Year Out
Taking a gap after FY2 can help doctors in their careers as healthcare professionals. Here are some ways a gap year can help:
1.Career Exploration
A gap year can provide doctors with the opportunity to explore different specialities and gain hands-on experience in areas they are interested in. This can help them make informed decisions about the direction they want to take in their careers. Be it as a frontline worker or one with a work-life balance. The gap year gives you a chance to think it through.
2. Improved well-being
The demands of medical school and residency can be mentally and physically exhausting. A gap year can provide much-needed time for rest and rejuvenation, which can help improve overall well-being and prevent burnout.
3. Personal growth
A gap year can provide personal growth and exploration, including travel, volunteering, and taking courses in new subjects. Dr Asha, who indulged in a teaching fellowship during her time off post-FY2 helped her with future endeavours. These experiences can broaden horizons and help doctors with a better understanding of the world.
4. Financial stability
A gap year can provide an opportunity to save money, reduce debt, or build a financial cushion. Nevertheless, it can help relieve some of the financial stress that often comes with the medical profession.
5. Improved future performance
Taking the year out will allow you to revive and thrive in your professional setting. After a break, doctors can return to work with a renewed sense of purpose and increased energy and motivation. Moreover, this leads to improved performance in their future careers.
Conclusion
A gap year after FY2 may or may not be for all. It should be carefully considered based on individual circumstances and goals. However, a gap year can be useful for aspiring doctors if they create a rough timeline to utilise the year.
FAQs
1. How to get FY2 jobs?
Several sites like Indeed, Job today, and CV library can help with reliable FY2 jobs. However, if you wish to have a personalised experience finding the right job, feel free to register with Mylocum today.
2. Can FY2 write a private prescription?
FY2 doctors may fill private prescriptions if they follow the GMC guidelines and APS limitations.
3. When does FY2 start?
FY2 starts in August, and if you fulfil the eligibility criteria, you can enrol in the programme.
You can go visit our website and you can go to the CV-Library to find more job opportunities for All Healthcare Workers.
