How to Maximise Your Portfolio
My advice here is fourfold:
- Start early
- Seek out opportunities
- Quality over quantity
- Practice, practice, practice.
Begin by reviewing the requirements for your speciality (information available online) and then attempt to make a plan of how you will tick off each desirable competency. This could include undertaking research, winning prizes, or earning teaching/QIP points. Some are clearly harder to achieve than others so focus on what is realistic to you.
Look for chances to shadow senior colleagues in the role you aspire to. This can open doors to opportunities you might not have found otherwise.
Importantly, don't rush into every project that comes your way. Instead, work with a mentor on one big project for a couple of years. Focusing and investing time in this way tends to yield high-impact results and can set you up for further research opportunities.
And lastly, do as much interview practice as possible, ideally with SPRs/consultants who've been through the process. They'll provide insights into what to expect and tips on how to succeed. There is always more effort and time one can put in…have no regrets once the application is over.
Improving Your Application Do Day-to-day
Be proactive and always look for opportunities to learn and develop. If you're working in cardiology, this could mean taking on additional responsibilities or asking for guidance from more senior staff.
Remember that many skills are transferable if you're in a different speciality.
So, focus on mastering those, while also demonstrating your interest in cardiology by engaging in relevant research or educational opportunities outside of your day job.
Making the Most of Cardiology Placements
If you're working in cardiology, make sure everyone knows your intentions. Speak to your supervisor and all the consultants. Stay a bit late when you can, ask for advice, and see every moment as a learning opportunity.
When you're working in a different speciality, remember to appreciate it for what it is. This could be the last time you work in that speciality, so immerse yourself in it and enjoy the experience.
Try not to chase after the cardiovascular elements in every patient. Learning from other specialities will only make you a more well-rounded doctor.
What About Non-Cardiology Placements?
Remember, this could be your last time working in this speciality, so take the time to truly immerse yourself and gain as much knowledge and experience as you can.
Don't be constantly on the lookout for the cardiology angle in every patient or scenario. Instead, embrace the speciality you're in, understanding its nuances, challenges and rewards.
Every speciality has its own unique skills and lessons that will contribute to making you a well-rounded doctor. Enjoy this part of your journey, it's a broadening of your horizons that can only enhance your future practice in cardiology. To be a good cardiologist, you also need to be a good general physician.
