career development and guidance for doctors

How to get on to MMC Specialty / GP ‘run through’ training

You have decided that you want to be a cardiologist. It is the only specialty for you but you are concerned by the anticipated competition for training posts. So, is it time to switch to plan B (general practice) and play it safe, or plan C (histopathology) and play it even safer, as has been suggested (Heard S. Choosing your hospital specialty. BMJ Career Focus 2006; 332: 221)?Well, perhaps not just yet. You will spend at least the next 40 years working in your chosen specialty - a long time to be unhappy if you choose one in which you have no interest. If there are only ‘x’ posts available in cardiology, ask yourself not “what should I do instead?” but “what do I have to do to secure one of them?” Stay positive and maximize your potential to be appointed before deciding if you ought to compromise your choice.

Ask yourself today, do you possess the necessary skills? Do you have an ‘edge’ over the competition? More importantly, can you effectively communicate the fact that you do, both on paper and in a face-to-face interview situation? Someone has to get the job but will it be you?

Maximize YOUR Medical Career are proud to announce details of their portfolio of innovative courses tailored specifically to applicants of MMC run-through training posts.