Surviving GP training: Essential tools to Succeed (part 2)

Welcome back to the final part of our latest blog post! If you’ve been following along, thanks for making it this far. I hope your curiosity continues to guide you towards success. In the previous post which you can read here:                             https://berrysmotivation.co.uk/blogs/berrysmotivation/surviving-gp-training-essential-tools-to-succeed-part-1

I shared some key reasons why people struggle in GP training. To recap, these included:

• Lack of experience
• Exam difficulties
• Lack of a support network
• Distractions
• Lack of information

No training path is easy, so it's crucial to choose something you love and will enjoy doing long-term. Consider the pros and cons of a specialty before committing to it. To succeed and complete your training within the given timeframe, here are a few tips to help you along the way. Remember our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time. If you have been struggling in training or medicine in general, give it one last push and be rest assured this time, you will reach the finish line. In this blog post, I promised to outline clear strategies on how to tackle each challenges, if you got 3-4 mins of your time, get a pen and paper and enjoy the next few paragraphs. 

How to Tackle Exam Difficulties

1. Have a Plan: At the start of your training, you’ll know you have two major exams to pass. Create a strategy for when and how you intend to pass these exams.
2. Start Early: For the AKT, you can take it anytime from your first year (ST1). The SCA can be taken from your second year (ST2). Begin putting resources together and creating a study plan at least six months into your training.
3. Avoid Procrastination: Delaying your AKT until later in ST2 or ST3 can cause significant anxiety as your workload increases. Early planning and preparation are key.
4. Budget for Courses: Allocate time and money for necessary exam courses to understand the exam style and structure. I advise people to put double the exam fees aside incase you are unsuccessful in the first attempt. No one plans to fail but call it emergency funds so you will be prepared if needed.
5. Seek Advice: Talk to people who have recently taken these exams for firsthand information and up-to-date resources. No one knows it better than someone who just had the experience. 

Why you need a Support Network

1. Rely on Friends and Family: If you have kids, you’ll need more support. Having someone to help with childcare can free you up for courses, night shifts, or long workdays especially during preparations for exams. 
2. Emotional Support: GP training can be challenging, and having a shoulder to lean on after a hard day’s work is invaluable. A social circle for unwinding and sharing ideas can be beneficial on those long and difficult weeks of unending tasks.

Remember, while it’s important to be present for your kids, family, friends, this demanding period is temporary and the sacrifices made now can lead to rewarding outcomes.

How to cope with Distractions

1. Stay Focused: Keep a daily reminder of why you started this journey to help maintain your focus. Remember the goal and keep your eyes on the prize.
2. Balance Rest and Work: It’s okay to take time off and have fun, work-life-balance is very important but always remember to stay on track. Small detours can affect your training progress.

Staying Up-to-Date with Information

1. Stay Connected: Important information is often shared via email, teaching sessions, and meetings. Keep in touch with peers at the same training stage as you. Some people miss out on key information and this could impact your training. Key information like deadlines, teaching locations, funding budgets etc
2. Utilize Resources: The RCGP website and monthly InnovAit magazines are excellent tools for staying informed. See links here: https://journals.sagepub.com/home/ino and https://www.rcgp.org.uk/
3. Avoid Isolation: Isolation can lead to missing out on valuable information and resources shared among peers. Join small groups, have close contacts of colleagues in training, have a voice, speak up and attend socials. Lots of information are passed during small events like these and they can go a long way to help you on your training path.

Necessary Experience Before Training

1. Gain Prior Experience: For international medical graduates new to the NHS, having some medical experience in the UK before starting your training is essential. For example, you should be familiar with taking patient histories, requesting appropriate tests, interpreting results, and communicating with senior colleagues. 
2. Avoid Surprises: Especially for international medical graduates, having prior experience in a UK medical setting can prevent early rotations from being overwhelming.

Lastly

Avoid Last-Minute Rush: Don’t leave assessments, exams, or other important tasks until the last minute. Procrastination can lead to panic and mistakes. Your e-portfolio should be up to date, create enough time for it.

Hopefully with these tips, you can navigate the challenges of GP training more effectively and work towards a successful and fulfilling career. Good luck!

Dr Mute