HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR ATTACHMENT!

Hey guys, it's Reetu here, I want to help share some tips to improve your CV during your attachment!

Congratulations you have obtained a clinical attachment! Now is your time to shine and make the most of this attachment. You might end up with a job offer (: and that is the ultimate goal.

1)FOLLOW THE SHOs- I have heard many times from others that during their attachments, especially ones they obtained via family friends, connections, they spend most of their day with the consultant who said yes. While this great, it's not ideal, because even though you will definitely become a consultant one day, you must first learn what the role of an SHO are. Who better to teach you what an SHO does than a real-life NHS SHO.

2)If your trust allows and you have GMC registration- VOLUNTEER to draw bloods, write in case notes (during rounds), type discharge summaries etc. PLEASE CHECK WITH TRUST PRIOR TO DOING ANYTHING ON A PATIENT or WRITING IN A FILE. You can do this under the supervision of the SHOs. This way you will quickly learn how the trust works and it will help you when you start your real job.

3)BE FRIENDLY- say hi, hello to everyone passing by. Dont forget to say thank you and please. Make yourself known to the nurses/midwives. Introduce yourself to the other consultants, registratars etc. DONT BE SHY! (:

4)PRESENTATIONS, PROJECTS, RESEARCH- ask the consultant or SHOs if you can assist in any projects or research they have started. This will be a good way to build your CV and having done something in the UK will stand out in your applications. Even a local presentation during your departments' weekly meeting can help improve your CV. (This cannot be included for CREST- since this is not paid job)

5)KEEP OFF YOUR PHONE - I have seen Clinical Attaches, medical students, etc browse through their phones will at work. Work isn't where you call home or send messages to friends. You want to stay professional. While this is okay during breaks, you want to show that you are focused, so try to utilize every min!

6)NIGHT SHIFTS- while this is NOT at all mandatory, it shows that you are ready to learn about the SHO rota. I did do this during my attachment and I had a great time. You get more 1-1 time with the night Reg and SHO, which = more time to learn. Plus you'll get more downtime to ask questions about the specialty you plan to pursue

7) LIBRARY- most hospitals have a friendly, free library. Please go during your breaks and read up on the interesting cases you saw or do some research work. I used to go early to read medical journals (:

8)DOUBTS- there is NO STUPID QUESTION. The more questions you ask the more you will learn. You are getting first-hand exposure to the NHS. Use this time well to learn as much as you can!

9) HAVE FUN! - This is a great place to make friends and learn about the UK (: You need to enjoy your job so don't forget to have fun.