Placements in F2 will typically consist of three 4-month placements. Doctors may also have the opportunity to have embedded 'tasters' (e.g. working for a week in another specialty). Methods for allocating placements in F2 will vary from deanery to deanery but trainees will be able to express preferences.
Will I have the opportunity to spend time in primary care?
One of the goals of the Foundation Programme training is to foster a better understanding of the broad practice of medical care and, in particular, to provide doctors with a better insight into the relationship between primary and secondary care. In August 2006, 55% of the first cohort of F2 doctors will have the opportunity for a placement in general practice. From August 2007,there will be opportunities for 80% of trainees to undertake a placement in general practice.
What F2 placements will be available?
The availability and type of placement will vary depending on the foundation school. All foundation schools will have placements available in acute trusts, mental health trusts, and in general practices. Additional funding has been made available for placements in specialties that are actively recruiting (such as psychiatry, radiology and chemical pathology) and also academic medicine.
How much choice will I have to decide the content of F2 placements?
There are two ways in which your placements can be allocated. Either you will be selected into a two year programme with the content and location of both years known at the outset, or else you go into a programme where you only know the content and location of the first year. If that is the case, you will apply for an F2 rotation 6-8 months into your F1 year, following discussions with your educational supervisor. The choice of placements is not unlimited, so you may not get your first choice.
What if I satisfy the foundation competences before the end of the two years?
If you satisfy the clinical competences prior to completion of the F2 year, you should speak with your educational supervisor to determine what additional projects you might take on - such as a clinical audit or research project. You will have to complete the placements in both F1 and F2 years before acquiring the Foundation Achievement of Competence Document at the end of the second year.
What if I do not satisfy the foundation competences by the end of my F2 year?
The vast majority of doctors will complete the Foundation Programme successfully within two years. If you are struggling, speak to your educational supervisor who should be able to advise you and give you the extra support you need.
Will the assessment tools be used to rank me as part of the selection process for specialty training?
Not at present. Further research and evaluation is needed to see if the assessments can be used for ranking foundation doctors in the future - this will most likely not happen for at least a few years. However, trainees will be informed at the beginning of their Foundation Programme if workplace-based assessment tools are to be used for ranking.
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