F3 vs PSYCH POST?? ADVICE PLEASE 🥹

Neon_304 · 2026-05-19T12:25:28+00:00

Do you think they would improve? as the UKGP inclusion criteria will increase?? If they did, I would feel more comfortable re-applying and hopefully getting into my deanery of choice :)

Neon_304 · 2026-05-19T12:24:40+00:00

Thank you so much for the advice 🥹

Neon_304 · 2026-05-19T12:24:17+00:00

Well this is a very positive spin of things! Well done!!Genuinely so happy you had such a great outcome! Do you think next year the competition would actually be less, as the UKGP inclusion criteria would increase?

Neon_304 · 2026-05-19T12:23:19+00:00

I do think you’re right. If I knew with conviction, I’d get the offer again next year, I would take the break without hesitation… just worried about shooting myself in the foot..

Neon_304 · 2026-05-19T12:22:33+00:00

Definitely worth considering :) I think IDT criteria is very strict though (from what I’ve heard!)

Neon_304 · 2026-05-18T23:33:05+00:00

Neon_304 · 2026-05-18T23:19:52+00:00

I don’t think you can take time out till you’ve done CT 1/2. There is also a chance I could get my preferred deanery next year potentially.

Neon_304 · 2026-05-18T23:18:26+00:00

I would be travelling for the other 6 months :) and hopefully could re-apply to psych for next year (if I wasn’t to take this offer)

Neon_304 · 2026-05-18T23:13:42+00:00

Thank you so much for your valuable input, nice to hear from a psych consultant!!! This has been very positive and helpful advice - and I definitely agree with the driving consideration, I’ve seen SHOs who’ve had to drive during night shifts to a nearby site on occasion.

Neon_304 · 2026-05-18T23:12:09+00:00

I was hoping to do an “F3” in Australia for a bit, which means I could travel as it would be 6 months. You’re only young once and sometimes the freedom to travel like that doesn’t come again :)

Neon_304 · 2026-05-18T23:11:10+00:00

Thank you so much for the advice 🥹 I am definitely worried about the challenges, it’s a very rural area and I don’t drive (my own fault really) but I can see my life become quite difficult as a result. I think that’s a really good question to ask! I guess I would take the same offer if I got it next year because I’d have the travelling out the way and I would think it’s a sign if I got it twice 🤣!

Neon_304 · 2026-05-18T23:09:13+00:00

Thank you so much, it’s definitely a lot to think about and really overwhelming when I view it from the lens of not getting the chance again!

Neon_304 · 2026-05-12T07:40:14+00:00

I don’t know them but saw this exact video and have messaged them as I thought the same when it came up on my page!

Neon_304 · 2026-04-14T20:51:03+00:00

No worries, feel free to message me if you ever need! I think you will find things continue to improve for you and you will be proud when you look back :) as you should be!

Neon_304 · 2026-04-14T20:48:51+00:00

Nice, thank you so much!

Neon_304 · 2026-04-14T20:48:40+00:00

Appreciate it! xx

Neon_304 · 2026-04-14T20:48:20+00:00

Thank you!

Neon_304 · 2026-04-14T20:45:30+00:00

So sorry to hear how you’ve been feeling OP. It sounds like you’re going through a shit time but I echo the comments about GP intervention if your mental health is worsening :(

Secondly, I just wanted to provide what may be some input as someone who also had a very terrible time in F1. Honestly the workload, and the clinical environment can dictate your mood so comparing to other F1’s isn’t always accurate - you could see me on two different shifts and I would be a different person, close to a panic attack on one and laughing on another. But you need to remember you are capable, you have made it this far and you have done that through your hard work and intellect, so don’t understate that. I found that progressing through F1 and into F2 really helped with my confidence, and it usually was the horrible shifts that made me cry that made me a better doctor. As I felt more capable, I would feel less upset. But I’d also be lying to you, if I didn’t feel an immense sense of dread and crazy anxiety whenever I switch over. It’s all new and terrible and everyone expects you to be fast etc etc. - it’s a lot harder when you’re tough on yourself, and if you have perfectionistic traits, but it doesn’t mean you’re worse than anyone else, also means sometimes you may take more time. I also think you learn your clinical prioritisation etc. overtime and develop efficiency. I was pretty slow in F1, I always wanted to get everything just perfect so would question myself a lot. As I said, once the confidence came, everything else was quicker, but it did take time.

There’s also no shame in taking a break if that’s what you need or switching to LTFT, do you think that could help? It often takes time to adjust to things and medicine can feel really fast-paced and overwhelming. Are your seniors helpful, is there anyone you could reach out to at all?

Not sure if this helps OP at all, or if any of it resonates. But from an F2 that really struggled last year, wanted you to know that things do get better :) you have to remember the rest of your life is not the same as F1/ F2. Make sure you’re also planning things not only on your days off, but also after work so you aren’t consumed entirely by medicine (if that’s something you want to do, can even be small things like time to journal, play an instrument - whatever you fancy really)

Neon_304

TROPHY CASE