News

The journey to becoming a medical practitioner is a rigorous marathon, with a duration extending well beyond the initial five to six years of undergraduate study.   

In the UK, graduates transition into the professional realm through a two-year foundation programme, serving as a pivotal intermediary between academy study and specialised medical practice.   This programme offers rotational placements across diverse medical fields, honing clinical acumen and providing real-world medical exposure. 

After completing the foundation programme, the opportunity for specialty training arises.    It is not uncommon for medical professionals in their second foundation year (F2) to embrace an “F3” year, seizing opportunities to work internationally, engage in medical research, or broaden their scope of practice. 

Internship / Residency

The next step post-graduation is to secure an internship or residency.  Interns, who are fresh out of undergraduate studies, begin their residency programme and learn through practical patient care under the mentorship of experienced physicians.   This foundational year lays the groundwork for subsequent years of residency, where medical residents gradually specialise while taking on increased patient care responsibilities. 

Career After Residency

After residency, physicians can choose to enter the healthcare workforce in their chosen specialty, whether in hospitals, clinics, or community health settings.  Some may establish private practices.  Others may pursue fellowship training to specialise further in areas like Paediatric Emergency Medicine, General Practice, Transplant Hepatology, Endovascular Surgical Neuroradiology, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Clinical Radiology, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, among others.    

Some residents will turn to academia by committing to lifelong research and teaching and staying abreast of medical advancements. 

Board Certification

Securing board certification within the first couple of years post-residency is a significant milestone, affirming a physician’s expertise in their chosen specialty.  In the US, services like the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) developed by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) are instrumental for those applying for board examinations. 

Financial & Professional Planning

A crucial yet often overlooked aspect of a medical career is financial planning. Effective budget management is essential from the student phase through to becoming a practising physician. 

Career Guidance

Throughout this journey, medical graduates are encouraged to seek mentorship and leverage resources available through their medical schools to navigate the complex landscape of the medical profession successfully.  This path, though demanding, provides ample opportunities for personal growth and the satisfaction that comes from improving patients’ lives. 

At Bearing Academy, our professional medical education advisory service is designed to support you at every step, from preparing for your foundation programme to selecting a specialty and beyond.  Contact us today by emailing info@bearing-academy.com to learn more about how we can assist you in your medical career.