With the new UKFPO Preference Informed Allocation system removing some of the autonomy to select foundation training posts, those interested in Paediatrics may not be able to complete a training post or obtain further exposure to Paediatrics following Medical School.
For those interested in a career in Paediatrics, what can be done during Foundation Training to best prepare for a Paediatrics application, and what could be put in place to support this?
To appreciate what needs to be done to best prepare for paediatric training it is worth looking into the paediatric scoring framework. Having a rotation in paediatrics allows you to work on audits, quality improvement projects and having hands on clinical experience. During my rotation in paediatrics, it also developed my interest in paediatric surgery and understanding different specialty streams. Talking with senior paediatricians, I was told about the diploma of child health, paediatric intermediate life support course and more. Without a rotation in foundation training, these insights may not be apparent.
To have similar benefits of having a paediatric rotation, you can choose to have rotations in specialties where there is paediatric involvement such as orthopaedics, general surgery, emergency medicine (EM) and general practice. This allows you to have exposure to paediatric patients and be able to clinically assess and treat them without a formal paediatric placement. During my time in surgery and EM, I had the opportunity to clinically assess and start basic management for children. I made it clear to my supervisors I was interested in paediatrics, so they always prioritised me to see the patients first. I had opportunities to scrub into theatres for ENT surgeries such as tonsillectomies and grommet insertions. Foundation trainees should take initiatives and look at the trust website for paediatric related activities.
Another way of getting insight into the field is by organising a taster week with your local paediatric department. The post graduate centre and educational supervisor can help facilitate this. RCPCH could offer support and guidance where individuals may find it challenging to get a taster week. Having email addresses of consultants on the page who would be willing to facilitate taster weeks may prove beneficial. Another way of helping is by having a grant to aid individuals getting taster weeks where there may be costs associated with it. I had to pay £250 out of pocket to do my paediatric surgery taster week which may put off certain individuals who are financially struggling.
Currently, RCPCH have e-learning resources, summer school and conferences which gives them exposure to the latest activities in Paediatrics. These are opportunities which can allow them to showcase work they have done in hospitals. Even if working in a different rotation, being able to do different projects tailored towards children allows you to strengthen your application for Paediatric training. This support can be tailored with the local paediatric department and RCPCH may be able to aid in developing audits and QIPs through online modules. There could also be a push to provide virtual taster weeks which could be done in their own time, similar to virtual work experience for year 12 students. Local medical schools can also be approached to be able to do teaching projects in paediatrics to improve their application.
Overall, although exposure to Paediatrics during foundation training is helpful, there are alternative ways to gain exposure to the specialty and build a strong portfolio.
