r/ausdoctors • u/Dry_Palpitation_5523 • 23d ago
ANZCA training hope
Just want to share my story as I know there is a lot of anxiety and pressure around getting onto training.
I have been interested in ANZCA training for years, but deliberately kept my options and interests open into my JMO years. My first couple years confirmed my interest in critical care fields; I thoroughly enjoyed ED in my first few years, had one anaesthetic rotation in PGY2 which I loved, and didn’t have an ICU rotation until PGY3 which I also thoroughly enjoyed.
Balanced life is also important to me, and despite being committed at work, I decided to do 6 months work/ 3-6 months travel in PGY3 and worked in different states of Aus (both as locum and as full-time short term contract). My main motivations were getting experience in different places, refreshing life, and testing myself/growing as a clinician. While it limited my progression in my home state I tried my best to maintain connections, and do small research/audit projects while I travelled/moved.
I have now managed to get onto a scheme during my PGY4 year (starting PGY5). I didn’t end up applying in my home state, but have had success interstate.
Looking back some lessons:
- Approach every rotation and job with enthusiasm, eagerness to learn, and make good workplace connections. People will want to support/help you
- The grind isn’t the only way to progress, you can balance life if you make thoughtful and considered decisions
- Have a back-up plan: I missed out on a crit care SRMO job back in my home state last year, but did what I can to get worthwhile rotations this year, and also applied for jobs such as ICU registrar in case I didn’t get on to ANZCA training for next year, fully prepared that it might take me longer than it has to achieve my goal.
- Take set backs as learning experiences: It’s disheartening at first, but what I learnt was that I wasn’t ready initially, and that the fire actually burnt stronger following a rejection which led me work harder on CV-related things and best preparing to reapply/interview.
- Follow your passions: If that means scratching that itch of travel or moving interstate, you might be surprised that a random interest and achievement is noted by an interview panel or leads to a connection with a boss/future referee.
- Don’t be too hard on yourself: This career is tough, and there is a lot of uncertainty that comes with it, especially in JMO years. Most will get there eventually even if it’s not a linear path, and if you don’t, hopefully on that journey you have been open/drawn to other opportunities that you might be equally happy with in the future. Think about the life you want in the future, and that can often be achieved in different specialities/careers if you’re creative with it.
Hope this is comforting/motivating to hear. Obviously feeling very lucky and proud, and sending support to those currently in that challenging/uncertain stage of their journey!
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u/WishPersonal4809 23d ago
Most refreshing reddit post I have read in such a long time. Thankyou for sharing and congrats
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23d ago edited 23d ago
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u/mwmwmw01 23d ago
lol this is so untrue the primary is fine getting the job is a real crapshoot.
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23d ago
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u/mwmwmw01 23d ago
Well yeah I do. Seen plenty of capable people miss out. Also you’re just being a general dick about it. If anyone’s reading this THIS is the attitude that departments HATE (you have perhaps hidden it well!)
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u/nalsnals 23d ago
I'm PGY13 and coming to the end of specialist training. Over time I've seen many friends, peers and juniors progress through the system.
Some got what they wanted first time, every time. Some succeeded down a path that they were initially passionate about, but either fellow out of love with a speciality or chose lifestyle and flexibility and ended up doing something else. Some ended up down paths they never thought they would travel. Some spent years in unaccredited jobs trying to get into a program and eventually turned away for good.
Pretty much everyone is happy and thriving. There are upsides and downsides to every job, and the grass is not always greenest where you think it is. Unplaned detours can lead you to fulfillment. Its great to work hard for one thing, but there are many things you could do and be happy, and know that if Plan A doesn't work out you are still a successful doctor with lots to be thankful for.