Advice for New ST4s
So you've chosen your speciality, applied, got your training number and you've found out where you're headed for your first rotation
But higher speciality training isn't the same as IMT as now you've got two separate curriculums to follow, your parent speciality and GIM
It's really easy for GIM to get neglected among all of this, and you can understand why: it wasn't really GIM you applied for, and often you have new procedures or speciality-specific knowledge to master
Having said that, there are important reasons you shouldn't forget about your GIM. First of all, it's easy for missed competences in GIM to derail your ARCP plans. Plus, nobody wants to be one of those seniors who is too terrified to make a decision outside of their immediate area, or who confidently makes plans with knowledge that is several years out of date.
Here's a few tips for our new ST4s:
Read the GIM curriculum and make sure you understand the requirements for ARCP in your own speciality and GIM. Do this early
Plan your ARCP in advance as depending on the structure of your GIM training (eg. in blocks rather than integrated) and your individual rota it can be difficult to catch up with GIM assessments rapidly in the weeks prior to ARCP
Try to spread out your GIM whole programme requirements throughout your higher speciality training rather than leaving it all to the last minute. Remember you need a GIM QIP, 20 non-parent speciality clinics, 75 hours of GIM study leave and 12 hours of simulation by the end of your training. Try to get a head start early before you become the bitter and jaded ST7!
If your practical skills need a refresher then get in touch with the Postgraduate Medical Centre at your Trust. Most Trusts put on courses for IMTs and would be happy to squeeze you in
The RCP London puts on regular evening webinars that provide updates in various different medical specialities. You can find upcoming events including registration dates here
Consider signing up for alerts to the major journals on Pubmed
If you are having persistent difficulties with your GIM training tell someone! Your ES is a good place to start, but there are also: RCP Tutors and Directors of Medical Education at each Trust, GIM TPDs (see About), and the NHSE Support Portal
Advice for New ST4s
So you've chosen your speciality, applied, got your training number and you've found out where you're headed for your first rotation
But higher speciality training isn't the same as IMT as now you've got two separate curriculums to follow, your parent speciality and GIM
It's really easy for GIM to get neglected among all of this, and you can understand why: it wasn't really GIM you applied for, and often you have new procedures or speciality-specific knowledge to master
Having said that, there are important reasons you shouldn't forget about your GIM. First of all, it's easy for missed competences in GIM to derail your ARCP plans. Plus, nobody wants to be one of those seniors who is too terrified to make a decision outside of their immediate area, or who confidently makes plans with knowledge that is several years out of date.
Here's a few tips for our new ST4s:
Read the GIM curriculum and make sure you understand the requirements for ARCP in your own speciality and GIM. Do this early
Plan your ARCP in advance as depending on the structure of your GIM training (eg. in blocks rather than integrated) and your individual rota it can be difficult to catch up with GIM assessments rapidly in the weeks prior to ARCP
Try to spread out your GIM whole programme requirements throughout your higher speciality training rather than leaving it all to the last minute. Remember you need a GIM QIP, 20 non-parent speciality clinics, 75 hours of GIM study leave and 12 hours of simulation by the end of your training. Try to get a head start early before you become the bitter and jaded ST7!
If your practical skills need a refresher then get in touch with the Postgraduate Medical Centre at your Trust. Most Trusts put on courses for IMTs and would be happy to squeeze you in
The RCP London puts on regular evening webinars that provide updates in various different medical specialities. You can find upcoming events including registration dates here
Consider signing up for alerts to the major journals on Pubmed or keeping an eye on our
If you are having persistent difficulties with your GIM training tell someone! Your ES is a good place to start, but there are also: RCP Tutors and Directors of Medical Education at each Trust, GIM TPDs (see About), and the NHSE Support Portal
