Gaining UKFPO points?

[Yixian]

Hey guys,

I'm a bit of a noob to all this being just a 2nd year, but I was wondering what I can do now and in the next few years in preparation for UKFPO.

I have recently set up a Society of Tropical Medicine at my uni and it struck me that this sort of thing should hopefully help me in my job applications later on down the line. Does the UKFPO specifically reward setting up societies?

We're also thinking of setting up a student run journal of tropical medicine, would this be rewarded separately to the society or would they both be classed as the same activity and get just 1 point on the UKFPO?

I'm also looking into doing a research project next summer on microbiology/infectious disease, I don't know how hard it is to get sponsorship for these sorts of things (.. how hard is it, does anyone know?) but I'm assuming that will equal an extra point on the UKFPO right?

Finally, publications. At what stage in your degree should you look to getting something published and where do student generally look to publish them?

And is there anything extra-curricular that helps your UKFPO app?

Thanks!

[Spencer Wells]

Setting up a society doesn't specifically attract points. Again setting up a journal doesn't count. Getting published in a recognised peer-reviewed journal does (so being published in a journal you've just set up wouldn't count). Doing research doesn't get point - only getting a BSc (worth up to 5 points), getting published (1 point), winning a national prize (1 point), or presenting at a national or international conference (1 point).

To break it down, as it currently stands:

Quartile ranking = 34,36,38 or 40 points, depending on which quartile you are in.
Extra degree = 1,2,3,4,5 points (1=unclassified degree or a Nottingham BMedSci, 2 for a 3rd, 3 for a 2:2, 4 for a 2:1 or masters, 5 for a 1st or PhD)
National prize = 1 point
National presentation = 1 point
Recognised peer-reviewed publication = 1 point.

This takes you up to a max of 48 points for the academics.

There are then 6 questions, that you answer, worth between 8 and 10 points each. They are:

Give two examples of specific learning needs that you identified as part of your undergraduate medical training. Compare and contrast your approaches to addressing these differing needs. How will you use these experiences to develop your competence and performance as a foundation doctor? (10 points, 250 words max)

Compare and contrast the care that you have observed for two patients with the same diagnosis and similar clinical problems. Describe the care and the extent to which it took into account the individual needs of the patients. What have you learned from these observations and how will you apply this learning to your future clinical practice? (10 points, 250 words)

Describe one example of a clinical situation where you demonstrated or observed appropriate professional behaviour despite difficult circumstances. How will you apply what you have learned to your future practice? (8 points, 150 words)

Describe one example, not necessarily clinical, that has increased your understanding of team working. Describe your role and how you contributed to the team. What have you learned and how will you apply this to working with colleagues as a foundation doctor? (8 points, 150 words)

Describe a situation, not necessarily clinical, where you personally felt challenged and under pressure. Describe how you responded. What did you learn from this experience and how will this benefit you as a foundation doctor? (8 points, 150 words)

Describe one of your non-academic achievements. Explain clearly why this was an achievement for you. What did you learn from this achievement and how will this influence your approach to patient care. (8 points, 150 words)

[Yixian]

Thanks for the reply! Really clear description of the UKFPO. It's a shame that it doesn't explicitly recognise certain achievements but maybe it's possible to work those into those essay questions.

How likely is it this will be around in 4 years?

[Spencer Wells]

It will exist in some form, but it is looking more and more likely that it's going to move towards the form being filled out under exam conditions (there's a pilot of this this year), and it is expected that a national finals exam will come in within the next 3 years (it was going to come in in 2011, but instead this will probably be a pilot year).

[Yixian]

Yay... more exams -_-

I'll be graduating 2013 so I guess I can expect that :/

[TimC-B]

The system is under review by the Department of Health, and is likely to be different by the time Yixian goes through it. Check for updates on the Medical Schools Council website.

T

[TimC-B]

Sorry, didn't see Spencer's reply...

National exam has been discounted, so there's not any real risk of that. The Medical Schools Council will be consulting on the proposed options over the next few months, so check their website.

There is no change to the system this year, and no pilots will be running. Pilots will be likely for the 2010-11 recruitment round.

T

[Spencer Wells]

S
There is no change to the system this year, and no pilots will be running. Pilots will be likely for the 2010-11 recruitment round.

T

What's your source on this because I have been told differently?

[TimC-B]

BMA Medical Students Committee, who have a seat at the table.

T

[TimC-B]

BMA Medical Students Committee, who have a seat at the table. The likely options are going to require a lot of development, and not going to be ready for this year's recruitment round, so no pilots, although there may be some movement later in the year.

T