The GPVTS guide to success: the truth about hospital posts, the ePortfolio, working as a registrar, the dreaded exams, plus finding and getting a job at the end of it all..

This shrewd guide to the General Practitioner Vocational Training Scheme supports candidates from the process of application, through to qualification and beyond. Written by a recently qualified general practitioner, it combines a frank and friendly approach with a wealth of insider knowledge. Unique features include:DT Real-life case studies DT Handy tips from other traineesDT Information on common pitfallsDT Technical information on how to complete the ePortfolio and fill in essential forms Preface......Page 7 Acknowledgements......Page 9 Contents......Page 12 How to use this book......Page 14 Acronyms......Page 16 Part 1 Pre VTS......Page 20 1 The million dollar question: do you want to be a GP?......Page 22 2 Jumping through the right hoops to get on to the training scheme......Page 28 Part 2 Early ST1......Page 36 3 You’ve got a training post—congratulations! Now what?......Page 38 4 What lies ahead? Introduction to the assessment process......Page 48 5 The ePortfolio explained......Page 60 6 Supervisors, trainers, and how to make the most of your meetings......Page 76 7 The money stuff......Page 82 8 Your hospital posts and how they differ to the foundation years......Page 92 9 How to get the best out of your regional VTS teaching......Page 98 Part 3 Early ST2......Page 102 10 The move into general practice and how it differs from hospital medicine......Page 104 11 Your first GPST post and some basic tips on how to survive!......Page 112 12 Stop and check! Are you ready for your ARCP panel review?......Page 132 13 Thinking ahead and how to make yourself more employableat the end of it all......Page 136 14 Thinking about applying for AKT? Some handy hints and tips .........Page 152 15 Life events and changes that may affect your training......Page 166 16 Having a baby and becoming a LTFTT......Page 176 Part 4 Early ST3......Page 190 17 Out of hours (OOH) and learning to juggle the EWTD again......Page 192 18 CSA looms ... how to stay focused and some tips for success!......Page 198 19 The job race!......Page 228 20 Preparing to leave the nest.........Page 252 21 Surviving as a locum (and making sure you fill in the right forms!)......Page 260 Part 5 Post VTS......Page 280 22 Life after the VTS (and where to go for support after leaving your trainer!)......Page 282 23 Revalidation and appraisal......Page 286 24 If your question isn’t answered in any of the above .........Page 292 Index......Page 294 This invaluable guide to the GPVTS supports trainees from the process of application, through to qualification and beyond. Written by a recently qualified general practitioner, it combines a frank and friendly approach with a wealth of insider knowledge to guide the trainee through each stage of the training process. It not only features real-life case studies from those in training or who have recently completed training but also gives handy hints and tips on how to avoid some of the common trainee pitfalls. This first hand account aims to guide trainees through all the highs and lows of training and practising as a GP plus everything inbetween. A refreshingly unique introduction to the GP Vocational Training Scheme, giving trainees the insider knowledge they need to make it from the early stages of application to qualification and beyond.