FY1 APPLICATIONS

With many deaneries offering fewer places on their Foundation Programme than the number of applicants, competition can be fierce. In 2010, approximately 90% of candidates got their first choice but many did not. If you don't, there may be no places left in your second choice deanery because all places may have been snatched by those who placed it as first choice.

On this page, you will find information and tips that will help you appreciate the requirements and focus your preparation for completing the FY1 application form.

THE FOUNDATION YEAR APPLICATION PROCESS

The application process is based on a total of 100 points which come from two components:

• 40 points come from your academic ranking
• 60 points come from your answers to the questions on the application form 
   

The difference between the highest and lowest ranked students is therefore of only 6 marks, which can easily be made up with the application form, which is marked out of 60. Therefore if you are in the top quartile, do not rest on your laurels. Equally, if you are in the bottom quartile, everything is to play for. Your medical school should inform you of your ranking mid October.

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KEY DATES

The application form calendar for the 2010 Foundation Year application process (for entry in 2011) are as follows:

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FY1 APPLICATION FORM QUESTIONS

Questions are usually similar from one year to the next and aim at testing a range of competencies. The five essay-based questions that were asked for the 2009/2010 recruitment process were as follows (Question 1 being simply a question on your degrees). All questions to be answered in under 200 words.

Question 2
Describe a case from your clinical experience that you have observed in the first 24 hours from hospital admission. How did members of different professional teams interact and how did this contribute to effective patient care? What did you learn from this that will influence your future practice as a new doctor?

Question 3
Describe a memorable experience of being taught and how this has shaped your thinking about teaching. Identify a particular situation in which you might be teaching as a doctor in the future. Describe how you might apply what you have learned to maximise the effectiveness of your teaching?

Question 4 
You are one of two foundation doctors on a ward round. The registrar identifies a minor error made by your colleague and makes inappropriate critical comments in front of the patient and the healthcare team. Your colleague is visibly distressed. What actions would you take and how would you prioritise these? What actions do you believe your colleague should take in relation to these comments? How might you address a minor error made by a more junior colleague in the future?

Question 5
Describe one example from your medical training when you received feedback on an aspect of your performance. Explain how that feedback altered your subsequent practice. How will you use this experience to develop a specific aspect of your foundation training?

Question 6
At times, the patient and the medical team have different ideas on the management of the patient’s illness, because of personal, social or cultural views held by the patient. Describe a clinical case where you have observed this. Identify the factors that contributed to these differing views. Why is it important to understand these differences in your practice as a foundation doctor?

Pre-order our guide to the 2010/2011 FY1 application form and save 30% on the normal RRP (£10.99 instead of £15,99). You will not only receive the new guide just 2 days after the application form has been released, but you will be able to download our 2009/2010 FY application form guide straight away so that you can get ahead and start thinking about your answers.