Isobel's Story
I'm Isobel, I have been a Medical Trust Grade SHO at Dorset County Hospital since August 2022, and I am starting my IMT 1 in August 2023 - also at DCH - for the whole three years!
I am Dorchester born and bred. I completed Medical School at Plymouth University and went on to do my F1 and F2 years at Torbay, in Devon. After completing Foundation years, I did a classic F3 year of six months locuming and 6 months travelling (around South America, Australia and Scotland).
Throughout Medical School and F1 and F2 training I was convinced I wanted to be a GP and so my CV was aligned with this. However, I enjoyed my F3 medical jobs so much that when I got my offer for GP training it didn't feel quite right - I felt I wanted to stay in hospital for longer!
I applied and interviewed for a medical trust grade job here. The DCH team were extremely helpful and friendly throughout the whole process. This year I had an educational supervisor who has been
actively encouraging me to go on courses to develop my interests further, as well as having lengthy catch up meetings where we have fully discussed and explored all possible career avenues I could consider which has been incredibly helpful.
I felt that my four monthly rotations were discussed and agreed to provide both professional interest, career development opportunities and mutual benefit rather than just service provision.
At DCH there is ample study leave and a study budget to help you explore your interests and further develop your skills. I have been supported and encouraged to go on numerous courses which include an ALS instructor course, Oxford Medical Teach the Teacher course, MRCP revision weekend, and a Wilderness and Expedition medicine course. There was also 1:1 IMT interview support and prep sessions arranged with DCH registrars which was invaluable.
I am very grateful for all the support, encouragement and opportunities DCH has afforded me, alongside being a very friendly place to work with an excellent rota - I would highly recommend it to everyone. I really feel like my supervisors are cheering me on!
I have really loved my time over the last year - hence why I chose the IMT job to stay here for another three.
In terms of next steps - I'm very excited to be starting IMT. I plan on trying to get a couple of exams under my belt in the next year, alongside finding some fun conferences to attend and trying to publish a paper or present a poster. I have not yet decided which medical specialty is for me so I will also be doing some tasters and having a think about this.