We hate to break it to you but graduating from medical school and becoming a doctor does not guarantee you a jaw-dropping career. However, with help from this book you can unearth exciting opportunities, enhance your employability and maximise your chances of achieving the ultimate career satisfaction! Whether you are a sixth-form student who has just received an offer to study medicine or a junior doctor looking to take the next step towards your chosen speciality, this book can be used to help you accomplish your career goals. Whichever career path you want to take, and even if you want to work abroad, the information in this book will be relevant to you and it will give you a head start against the competition. It may also help you decide which career path to take! Have a read and set yourself on a pathway to professional enlightenment. Pre-publication reviews: Paediatrics trainee: “Having had experience of trying to research many of the topics covered in this guide, I can wholeheartedly say that it is challenging to find what you are looking for. I would have benefitted massively from such a guide had it been available to me sooner.” Emergency medicine trainee: “Many of the topics in this guide I was entirely unaware of until well into foundation training. There is no other resource with all of this information in one place, which I feel will give its readers a massive advantage.” Foundation year 1 doctor: “This is the first book I have come across that tackles the issues of how to progress in medicine once you have graduated. The order of the chapters is very logical. The syntax was very easy to read, without lots of jargon. This guide has answered a lot of questions I have been struggling to answer!” 5th year medical student – Liverpool: “This guide is exactly what I and countless medical students need. It has really helped me to understand the whole recruitment system and how to plan ahead before I miss certain opportunities. I have learnt so much from reading this guide.” 4th year medical student – Oxford: “This guide allows medical students to be more informed about career planning. Particularly, the different steps and different opportunities that are available.” 3rd year medical student – Leicester: “The information provided is academically sound and very relevant. The text is very clear to read and easy to follow. The authors have done exceptionally well.”

Contents

Preface; Acknowledgements; Abbreviations Chapter 1 Essential principles Chapter 2 Aspects of a successful CV Chapter 3 Medical portfolios Chapter 4 The experts Chapter 5 Academic success Chapter 6 Prizes and awards Chapter 7 Leadership and management Chapter 8 Teaching others Chapter 9 Quality improvement Chapter 10 Demonstrating commitment Chapter 11 General tips for building your portfolio Chapter 12 The foundation programme (FY1 and FY2) Chapter 13 Taking a FY3 Chapter 14 NHS training routes Chapter 15 General practice Chapter 16 Alternative careers Chapter 17 Working abroad Chapter 18 Not having a career goal Chapter 19 Staying out of trouble Index