Returning to practice after time out of training

Returning to clinical practice after time out of training for research, an education or leadership fellowship, parental leave or sickness can be daunting. Trainees often worry about running the medical take, due to the need to have up to date knowledge, and exhibit leadership skills under pressure.

General advice from TPDs is:

• Plan ahead for your return to practice by identifying your learning/training needs.
• Contact the Trust you are joining in advance (the head of medical education is a good point of contact, in addition to your Consultant) to discuss support for returning to practice. This may include shadowing a Med Reg shift and/or ensuring you do not start on nights.
• Although OOP has its’ own pressures and deadlines it is important to plan ahead to ensure you have the skills and confidence to settle back into clinical work, particularly because these days there are no supernumerary positions.

A number of organisations have produced advice for trainees returning to clinical practice which focus on different aspects and specific situations (eg parental leave, sickness, career break, as well as OOP):

• The Academy of Medical Royal Colleges
• The BMA
• JRPCTB
• Medical Women’s Foundation

In addition, Springboard, an update day has been run in the last couple of years, now taken on by Health Education England School of Medicine and Medical Specialties. This year, it will take place on Tues 14th June at The Oval. It is free, but places are limited. Sessions include:

• Expert panel discussions on leading the medical take, and reconciling parenthood and work
• Lunchtime drop-in clinics on LTFT training, e-Portfolio and professional development
• Workshops on ECGs, ACS, Radiology, ALS, and medical emergency scenarios

All delegates will be given a Return to Practice Guidebook with useful information for trainee and trainers alike, including relevant national guidelines. A Clinical Updates Guide will also be available with new NICE guidelines and useful information to help trainees on the acute unselected take. There will also be a key note speech from the President of the Royal College of Physicians – Professor Jane Dacre on ‘Our NHS. What does the Future hold for the Medical Registrars of 2016?’ You can find more details on the flyer and 2016 programme.

Email medicineschool@nwl.hee.nhs.uk for more details and to book into the limited spaces.