Get your first choice AFP Dr Aditya Borakati, Academic FY1, London (UCL) RECON Launch, RCS, 14/01/2019 @starsurgUK | www.starsurg.org
Outline • What is the AFP? • Should I do an AFP? • How do I apply? • Preparing for application
What is the AFP? • Academic Foundation Programme- gives you dedicated time and supervision to be involved in research, education or leadership ON top of regular foundation programme
UK Academic Foundation Programme 557 • In 2017 / 18 : AFP Posts FP Posts 6994 - 1,802 AFP applications for 557 places.
Academic Foundation Programmes • Academic foundation programmes can vary widely depending on the: 1. Type of Programme . 2. Themed vs Unthemed Programmes . 3. Academic time allocated .
Types of Programme Education Leadership (~ 10%) (~ 5%) Research (~ 85%)
Themed vs Unthemed Programmes Themed Unthemed Clinical Relevant rotations Tailor your rotations Allocated Find your own Supervisor (proven track record) (with support) Already set-up Tailor to your interest Project (quick / easy) (must be proactive)
Allocated Academic Time • 1 x 4 month academic block in FY2. • A dedicated academic day each week. • No specific time (e.g. Glasgow). +/- Generic research skills teaching
Should you do one?
Why you SHOULD do an AFP • Academic time : - To work on your academic interest. - To attend courses / conferences / exam prep - To break up clinical work.
Why you SHOULD do an AFP • Learning : - How to be an academic. - How to be a better clinician. - About your speciality of interest.
Why you SHOULD do an AFP • Extras : -Stay in the same - Opportunities. hospital/ more central hospitals - Supervisor(s). - Academic unit. - Relaxed rotation!
Why you SHOULD do an AFP • Career : - Demonstrate skills & interest early . - Build a formidable portfolio . - Easier to ‘jump off’ than ‘jump on’.
Why you SHOULDN’T do an AFP • Same requirements as standard FY. • Less clinical experience. • Not needed to succeed academically
Why you SHOULDN’T do an AFP • ‘Pigeonholes’ career • Interviews/ Application stressful- like an extra exam
Why you SHOULDN’T do an AFP
Key Points • Do the pros outweigh the cons for you ? • AFP is the start of an academic training pathway – not the only route • Can you commit the time / energy ?
Application Process • National Application through Oriel- apply to 2 academic units of application (AUoAs) • October 2 nd Deadline- earlier than regular programme • December- January Interviews • January 16 th - national AFP offers • 3x mop-up rounds
Applying for AFP- Choosing the Right Deanery • Programmes Available • Research Strengths • Opportunities Available • AFP structure • Location • Competition Ratios
Application White space Application Form questions (some Interviews (decile, BSc, papers) deaneries)
Application form • Start now! Get involved get papers, presentations, prizes • Intercalate if you haven’t already • Still need to do well in exams- deciles, research won’t compensate for this
White space questions • Why do you want to apply..? Give example of your research/ teaching/ leadership? What do you think of AI in healthcare? • 200 word limit • CV (some)
White space questions • Map answers to compendium • Get people to review • Multiple drafts to get right
Interview • Different formats • Single panel • Multiple panel • Presentation • Academic • Critical appraisal • Clinical scenario- Acute medical presentation • Education
Interview tips • Different to medical school interviews! • Know your application and your research • Revise acute medical scenarios, pathophysiology • Prepare in advance, get practice with academics/ clinicians/ previous AFPs
Take home points • AFP not the be all and end all • If you want to be involved in things beyond pure medicine apply • Prepare, prepare, prepare- as early as possible
Thank you and good luck • Questions? • a.Borakati@doctors.org.uk
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