Choice of Jobs for F1

[piccles]

Does anyone think it is worth choosing a paediatrics job for F1?

I have a difficult decision on my hands as being in South Thames we are applying for a set of known 1st yr places with unknown 2nd year (we just know the NHS trust site). I really want to specialise in paeds but im unsure of taking the risk of doing other areas of medicine for F1 and hoping I get an F2 post.

I realise that the party line of MTAS is that it does not matter what your foundation posts are in when it comes to application for ST jobs but I dont trust what they say, thanks

[Simon]

if you have the option of a post with paeds, i would apply for it (if you're certain you're going to pursue paeds). i think it's too risky to leave it for only a possibility come F2.

[yazoo]

I agree. It gives you the chance to have working experience of paeds and to make a more informed decision about your career choice. You also have the chance to get a paeds audit on the go. Both factors can, in my opinion, influence selection process at ST as it currently stands. It's not the fact that you have done a paeds rotation that is important, it's the fact you selected one to guide career decisions. There is a subtle difference.

Go and speak to a consultant paediatrician. Get your face known, ask their advice. All possibly helpful.

[rjm]

If thats what you really want to do then go for it, it will help in ST applications. I would suggest you go to RCPCH site and have a look at the ST1 application form now and what goes on it and the marking scheme. This will give you something to work towards. As yazoo says, audit, research, teaching etc is what you need to have experience in by the end of F1 to have it on your applicaiton form as an F2. If you do well as an F1 in paeds then you may have some consultant backing to help you get a job locally as well (on the contrary though, if you are a pile of rubbish then youve screwed your chances of getting a local ST1 place).
However, F1 (and 2 if it exists then, the Tooke report suggests it wont and we will be going back to a system very similar to previous system with SHOs and SpRs rather than STs, although it is unclear if paeds want that or to stick with the current system of run-through training - that is certainly what they have opted for this year rather than splitting it into core and specialist training as medicine and surgery have done)...going back to the point...F1 is to give you a broad experience and whatever you do you will perfect the generic skills needed for any specialty - organisation, communication, time management, basic practical skills, team working etc etc. I did critical care as an F1, and although I will be a paeds trainee, I am sure that experience will help.
I would suggest you apply for it, but you wont be at too much of a loss if you dont get it, plenty of people do get paeds STs without doing paeds in Foundation years.

[piccles]

Yes I think your right - thanks alot for the advice

[Diya]

The more experience you have in paeds, the better and more confident when u go for ST posts. Go for it!