How to Maximise Your Portfolio
The first step would be to obtain the person specification and the portfolio self-assessment proforma early. The key is to identify which areas can be easily obtained (i.e., full loop audit, regional/national presentation, teaching) whilst working in the background to obtain the points that may require more time and effort but would make you stand out from other applicants (i.e., publication, oral presentations)
Audits – This is the segment you should aim to obtain full points for. Speak to your friendly registrar or consultant. It will be much easier for them to guide you if you have taken the initiative to identify the topic. Start by identifying processes in the department you can improve – especially if it is patient safety. Draft a protocol with current guidelines, data parameters, your intervention, and when to repeat your data collection to make this a full loop.
Research – Find a mentor who would guide you through this process. Ask them to help identify a relevant and interesting topic. Make sure that it is doable in your time frame. Take the initiative to do some background literature search and understand the topic you are researching.
Presentations – This may sound daunting, but there are many opportunities. RCSEd has an audit presentation (in which you can present your above audit). You can also present to your department. Teaching – this is my favourite! There is always something you can organise for your juniors, and it is extra if it is surgical-related.
Making the Most of Your Day Job
Use this time to explore all aspects of the job – not just the theatres. This is the time to be sure that this is the right career for you. Speak to your registrars and Consultants. Participate actively in theatres, clinics, MDTs, and on-calls.
Making the Most of Urology ST3 Placements
Explore this specialty completely. Find out the good parts and the not-so-good parts, and ask yourself if you can envision yourself doing this role. This is a good place to find a mentor and a reference!
What About Non-Urology ST3 Placements?
You can still do your full-loop audits and work on your projects and presentations. Sometimes, there are transferable skills that you can obtain in a different specialty. For example, laparoscopic skills learnt in General Surgery will be useful in Urology. Basic surgical skills will be good to cultivate in any specialty, especially if it is open.
Top 3 Tips for Getting Into Urology ST3
- Make sure that this is what you want!
Speak to your registrars and your consultant. It is a long route, so make sure your sacrifice is worthwhile.
- Take initiative for projects, research, and audits.
It will be a lot easier if it is on a topic you are genuinely interested in.
- Preparation is key in all specialty applications.
Urology is no different! Find study buddies early, and this would benefit you all the way from CST applications to your FRCS.
