Foundation Doctor

mussy2wizzy

6

Are FY1 and 2 years harder than the following years as a doctor or does it get even harder?

Reply 1

stilllearning123

16

Original post by mussy2wizzy

Are FY1 and 2 years harder than the following years as a doctor or does it get even harder?

You have to study for exams after FY1 and 2 to specialise, so in these years you'll be higher up in the chain, but you'd hold more responsibility, all while studying for exams also.
FY1 and 2 work more unsociable hours but it is probably around the same for doctors in specialty training (especially depending on specialty).
Best of luck, if you put the work in it'll all be worth it someday!

Reply 2

Democracy

21

Original post by mussy2wizzy

Are FY1 and 2 years harder than the following years as a doctor or does it get even harder?

Interesting question.

I found FY1 and FY2 more challenging than the subsequent years of my career mainly because of being new to the way things work in real life medicine vs medical school (even as a keen medical student you're still pretty sheltered). There is a difference between being a knowledgeable doctor and an efficient and experienced one, and if there's one thing you can't rush, it's gaining experience and tolerating clinical uncertainty.

There are many things which would have made me anxious or stressed as an FY doctor which I haven't been bothered by for years now. I've also gained more control over what I want my career to look like, something FY doctors don't get that much opportunity for. All of this contributes to finding my post FY career "easier" despite increasing clinical responsibility, more exams, and so on.

Reply 3

KA_P

Volunteer Section Leader, Clearing and Applications Advisor

20

Original post by Democracy

Interesting question.

I found FY1 and FY2 more challenging than the subsequent years of my career mainly because of being new to the way things work in real life medicine vs medical school (even as a keen medical student you're still pretty sheltered). There is a difference between being a knowledgeable doctor and an efficient and experienced one, and if there's one thing you can't rush, it's gaining experience and tolerating clinical uncertainty.

There are many things which would have made me anxious or stressed as an FY doctor which I haven't been bothered by for years now. I've also gained more control over what I want my career to look like, something FY doctors don't get that much opportunity for. All of this contributes to finding my post FY career "easier" despite increasing clinical responsibility, more exams, and so on.

I really like how you've explained this.

I think the medical school you go to, the opportunities and support they provide can play a huge role (not the only factor though) - this is based on talking to the FY1s and FY2s on placement and just general thoughts over the last 3 years in medical school. I don't think anyone can feel 100% ready for foundation year and it's more aiming to bridge that gap somehow. Like you said even as a keen medical student, it's still very sheltered but you can either be very sheltered without a view of what's on the other side (sometimes with rose tinted glasses) or sheltered with preparation of what's to come and ensuring you won't feel completely lost once you start FY1.

Amount and type of clinical placement in medical school can be a key factors (also affected by how actively involved you are rather than just observing - this is something my educational supervisor was discussing with me today) along with how realistic expectations are set by those you come into contact with on what life looks like after medical school with tips and opportunities to prepare or get involved. I also wonder how much of a difference student assistantships in year 5 prior to FY1 makes in bridging that jump from medical school as it seems very useful.

(edited 1 month ago)

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