How to Maximise Your Portfolio
I would advise them to look at the person specification for Respiratory ST4 and the application scoring both available through the Physician Higher Specialty Training Recruitment website.
What are the bits of your application that are lacking and are they achievable in the time scale you have?
For example, undertaking a QIP and presenting it may be more feasible than getting a paper through to publication within 6 months.
Set realistic goals and remember that we are not all the same, so don’t compare applications with others and it’s all a level playing field when it comes to the interview!
Making the Most of Your Day Job
Get involved!
There are often a lot of opportunities available but enthusiasm and commitment goes a long way.
Ensure that you are involved in QIPs/Audits at work and in addition, there are often leadership roles that you can undertake. For example, as an F2 and CMT I was a trainee representative.
Making the Most of Respiratory Placements
Let the team know you’re interested in pursuing a career in Respiratory medicine as this can lead to multiple opportunities.
As an SHO I was involved in a COPD steering group looking at implementations of guidelines within the hospital which was invaluable, as well as audits and QIPs.
In addition, when it comes to interview prep more is more and having multiple practice interviewers available is invaluable!
What About Non-Respiratory Placements?
A good respiratory physician is a well-rounded Doctor and I think there are always knowledge and skills to be gained from working in other specialties.
Many of our patients are multi-morbid and therefore knowledge gained from other specialties is invaluable and can provide transferable skills. In addition, sometimes there is opportunity for research within that specialty with a respiratory angle.
For example, I undertook audits looking at acute asthma management when on my A&E rotation and 2-week-wait referral rates when on GP.
Top 3 Tips for Getting Into Respiratory
- Prepare in Advance
Review the ST4 Person Specification and scoring for applications documents and compare them with your CV early- what parts can you add to maximise your score?
- Network
Speak to Respiratory Registrars/Consultants at the hospitals you work in - even if you’re not on Respiratory! There are always projects the team can get you involved in and you can often attend MDTs/Clinics/ Bronchoscopy lists to get a flavour of what working in Respiratory is like
- Practice, Practice, Practice
When it comes to the interview, approach it like an exam. Ensure you leave yourself adequate preparation time and above all else- practice, practice, practice (I cannot emphasise this enough!)
