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Revise MLA student guides · From finals to F1

What to do after medical school finals and before starting F1

By Dr. Sophia EstebanMedical graduate6-minute read

“I personally found it hard to slow down and unwind after exams but it was honestly so refreshing to wake up and not have to think about all the ANKI or Passmed questions I needed to do.”

Dr. Sophia Esteban

Five years of medical school. Exams done. Now what? The period between finishing finals and starting F1 can feel like some sort of limbo as you wait to walk across that graduation stage and then start work.

My name is Sophia and I recently graduated, so here are my top tips before starting F1.

1. Make the most of the rest of your time at medical school

It can be bittersweet finishing medical school, whether you are staying in the same city or moving away for F1, so make those long-lasting memories before you walk across that stage.

Do things you've not yet done in your city. For example, I revisited places I hadn't been to in a while, finally went to that restaurant that I would send to my friends and say “we should go there” but never did, picked up some new hobbies (became a victim of the running epidemic and ran a half marathon, whoops) and so much more!

2. Have a break!

Five years of university where you juggle placement and exams: give yourself a break! Get that full night of sleep, go and see your friends and family, and try to relax as much as possible.

I personally found it hard to slow down and unwind after exams, but it was honestly so refreshing to wake up and not have to think about all the ANKI or Passmed questions I needed to do. Give yourself grace and take a break.

3. Use your shadowing period

At my medical school, we had a six-week period where we shadowed F1s and assisted with jobs to help us prepare for being in their position.

Take up as many learning opportunities as you can, such as preparing ward round notes, learning what to type and how to type fast during ward rounds, and brushing up on your clinical skills.

4. Be okay with the fact that you can't prepare for everything

No matter how much preparation you do for F1, there will always be a lot of learning that happens on the job. You will learn to adapt and apply the skills and knowledge you have gained throughout medical school to situations you may never have encountered before.

Starting F1 marks a completely new chapter in your life. You are going from being a medical student to working as a doctor, and it is completely normal for that transition to feel overwhelming at first. The jump may feel like a small hop or a huge leap, but either way, please be kind to yourselves.

You may have moments where you question whether you know enough, or whether you are ready to take on the responsibility that comes with being a doctor. The truth is, you will never be able to prepare for every possible situation, and you are not expected to.

“The truth is, you will never be able to prepare for every possible situation, and you are not expected to.”

Dr. Sophia Esteban

5. Ask for help and use resources

We all started somewhere, from our first day at work to our first ward round or on-call, and have thought “I have no idea what I am doing”. Ask questions, ask for help, learn from your mistakes and give yourself permission to be new at this.

Bonding with your fellow F1s can make the journey a whole lot easier. You are all going through many of the same experiences, so help and support each other wherever possible. You don't have to navigate F1 alone. Get to know your nurses and the wider multidisciplinary team; they are an invaluable source of advice, especially when you are new to the ward.

Resources I have on my phone include the BNF, MDCalc, iArrest and Accurx, alongside a PDF of the ATSP (Asked to See Patient) guide by the North West Deanery and a helpful guide the lead ACP made for my ward.

I also made a notes page with helpful bleep numbers, admin information and how to vet or book scans. This acted as a safety blanket when I had no clue what to do.

6. Go back to the basics

Your first time being asked to review a patient can feel overwhelming. Take a breath and go back to the basics.

Think about your OSCEs and the frameworks you would constantly practise. Having a structure can help you stay calm. Think about differentials and ask yourself: “What am I looking for and how will the results from investigations change my management?”

Check your trust guidelines where appropriate and don't be afraid to ask a senior or fellow colleagues if you are unsure.

Knowing when to ask for help is an important part of being a safe and good doctor. It is much better to ask a question than to struggle alone or make an assumption.

Make use of the other expertise around you. All members of the multidisciplinary team can provide valuable input.

Use the knowledge and skills you have developed throughout medical school, take things one step at a time and understand that it's okay to not know the answer right away. Real clinical situations differ from your PassMed questions.

7. Have an escape!

Find something you enjoy to help you unwind, whether that is playing a sport, reading a book, crocheting, journalling, baking or even simply doomscrolling on TikTok. Always have an escape!

The first few weeks of work can leave you worrying about your actions throughout the day: did I hand that patient over, did I prescribe the right medication? It's not easy to switch your brain off, but having an escape, even for a short while every night, can go a long way for your mental health.

8. Get a good pair of shoes and stock up on snacks!

If you are able, get a good pair of shoes if you don't have any already. Comfort is an investment, especially when you find yourself on your feet for most of the day!

Also, stock up on snacks in your bag. I personally have a minimum of two snacks in my bag to keep me going throughout the day. Unfortunately, finding a time for a break can sometimes feel impossible, so having something in your pocket can go a long way.

Lastly...

Everyone's experience of F1 will be different. Your rotations, your hospital, your team, your level of responsibility and even whether you received your first- or twelfth-choice deanery can all shape your experience. Try not to compare your journey to someone else's. What feels daunting to one person may feel completely manageable to another, and vice versa.

You have spent years learning how to become a doctor. Now, you get to learn how to be one. And that takes time. Always be kind to yourself, and good luck!

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