Advanced training

The part one can be an all-consuming experience, however advanced training is such that the same cannot hold true for the part two. To help ease the journey, I’ve set out to shed some light on the other important aspects of your final training years that often fall in the shadow of the exam.

Provisional fellowship applications

Provisional Fellowship (PF) job application dates are thankfully aligned nationally, the closing date generally being shortly after the written component of the first sitting of the part two exam (early April).

For those considering applying to Australia, it’s worth keeping in mind that the dates for fellowship applications vary widely. Applications in some states (such as Western Australia) may close as early as March. As a general rule however, most Australian hospitals have application closing dates later than New Zealand, sometimes even after offers here require acceptance. Setting up an alert on your job search engine of choice can help with this, and there are some very good websites outlining fellowships available in Australasia and beyond.

Interviews for fellow jobs in New Zealand generally occur mid-May, before the viva for the first sitting. This is a busy time. The right balance between viva practice and preparing for interviews is different for everyone, but a conflict many find difficult at the time. Be reassured that the skills required for both aren’t mutually exclusive, and there’s more overlap than you’d imagine.

Training requirements

By keeping an eye on your volume of practice as you move into advanced training, you can avoid a sudden scramble at the end of AT2. It’s worth sitting down in AT1 and mapping out exactly what remains outstanding, and factoring into this when you’re sitting your exam. If you’re able to complete your VOP and WBAs by the time you sit the part two written, you can line up SSUs to be signed off as you begin practising for vivas, maximising their benefit. If you’re struggling to know where you stand, the WBA, VOP and course requirements for SSUs can be found within the details section of SSUs progress on the homepage of your TPS.

Support

This comes in many forms and whilst everyone’s requirements are individual, I’m sure the need for this, to some degree, is universal. The end of advanced training is challenging, beyond what many anticipate. Keeping training requirements on track, whilst studying for exams and facing uncertainty with provisional fellowship jobs can feel like everything all at once. Life of course continues to happen too, and compounding stress has a way of sneaking  up on you.

Knowing what keeps you well, and who you can turn to for help is crucial. Support systems look different for everyone, and often evolve over the course of training. If there are periods where you’re more isolated by distance or circumstance, or if you find yourself in a position without the support you need, it’s worth being aware of resources available through ANZCA. Within your My ANZCA Portal exists a Doctors Welfare section. There is a lot of useful information within this page including details of the ANZCA Doctors Support Programme, which provides both 24/7 immediate support, and booked appointments via an App. Some of you may wish to arrange psychology input privately, and I certainly don’t know of anyone who has regretted this.

It feels important to acknowledge that this has been a difficult year for many New Zealand trainees and those close to them. To everyone who has shown understanding, kindness and support, thank you. I know my own success has been a product of the generosity of some exceptionally good people, and I’m sure this rings true for many.

Ngā mihi maioha.