The F3 year: You have reached a milestone in your training, so where next?
Overview
We have outlined the opportunities available for doctors starting their F3 year.
Only 38% of trainees are continuing straight into a specialty training post. A huge 14% of these doctors opted to take a career break, whilst 18% continued in service posts (LAS posts). Other juniors have taken posts abroad or are taking on further studies.
Below is a flowchart to help and inspire your decision making. Before you get started, here are a few questions to ask yourself:
Take a look at the chart below and see what an exciting year lies ahead!
Roles in detail
NHS locum shifts/fellow
This is the classic route for F3 doctors. This will give you more flexibility and higher pay. There are always locum shifts available, so supply for work is not an issue.
Hospital roles in New Zealand or Australia
You may already have doctor friends who have taken the step of working in New Zealand or Australia. There is a better work/life balance and a higher quality of life.
Helpful websites to find opportunities are:
Adventure Medicine
If you have a good appetite for adventure, expedition medicine is the right career for you. There would be lots of travel, new challenges, and working far away from the NHS frontline.
The Adventure Medic is a great resource. They have information about the qualifications required and current opportunities available.
Volunteering
It’s commendable if you have the motivation to volunteer as a doctor. This can be tough but rewarding work. Particularly in developing or even war-torn countries.
The BMA has resources on their website for doctors who would like to get involved.
Private hospital roles
You can still work as a doctor but a step back from the NHS frontline by working in a private hospital. There are many private healthcare providers who are searching for Fellows and RMOs.
Here are a few to get you started:
Research Physician
If you have a more academic side we’d suggest working as a research physician. A few examples of recruiters for these roles are below:
Medicolegal
If you have a mind for details and are keen to learn, Medicolegal work may be a good option for you. NHS Careers sets out how you can get into this field. Your F3 year may be the perfect opportunity to step into another field, earn more money and add new skills to your CV.
Research/gaining a Masters
The National Institute for Health Research is a good place to start if you want to pursue a career in research.
Medical Journalism/ Writer
Most doctors have skills outside of the clinic room. If you are keen writer, commenter or reader and want to become the next Adam Kay or Henry Marsh, this is the career for you.
Look into medical journalism through the NHS Careers website.
Medical Education
If you love teaching, develop these skills by becoming a Clinical Teaching Fellow. You may need to have postgraduate qualifications in medical education. Some roles do allow you to gain this qualification at the same time as working.
National Medical Director’s Clinical Fellow Scheme
Spend 12 months in a healthcare company to develop your potential as a medical leader of the future. All the information you need is here.
Teaching
If you love to teach and want to use your skills to ignite a passion for science in children, check out Teach First.
Startups
Healthcare startups are gaining traction in the UK. There are many opportunities to get involved in new and revolutionary ideas.
It’s important to keep your ear to the ground to hear about the best options. In the meantime, take a look at AngelList to see what’s out there.
If you’re an entrepreneur yourself, apply for the NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Training Programme.
Management consultancy
Develop business skills and use all the attributes you have as a doctor. The well-known businesses include McKinsey, BCG and Bain. PwC, Ernst-Young and Deloitte are also household names. Smaller firms such as PA Consulting may also appeal to you.
Medical sales
This requires excellent communication skills and a deep interest for business & negotiation. Prospects has a page outlining this as a career option.
Pharma
Impact on many patients care by working to develop a new treatments and get them to market. NHS Careers has a page which describes this career in more detail.
Medical writing
Communicate research and science in an engaging way. Here are a few companies where you can get into medical writing:
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