Aberdeenshire Tops 2013 Bank of Scotland Lifestyle Survey

Aberdeenshire has overtaken Shetland to top the 2013 Bank of Scotland lifestyle survey as reported on the BBC website.  Shetland was second and Orkney came in third. 

So why not come and train in the best place for lifestyle in Scotland and combine it with 6 months in Shetland or Orkney in one of the Grampian 4 year programs?

Rotations Offered in Round 2 Now Finalised

We have now finalised the rotations being offered in Round 2 of recruitment.  Follow the link below to access all our rotations.

There are no 3 year rotations in the Grampian program and only one 3 year rotation in the Caledonian program.  There are however a number of 4 year rotations in Rural Track , Caledonian and Grampian programs.  These offer the excellent opportunity of working in our rural general hospitals.  These provide a great educational environment working closely with consultant colleagues.  You will be a big fish in a little bowl rather than a very little fish in a big bowl! Our rural general hospitals all get great feedback from our trainees, read Mike McIvers blog about his experiences in Oban.

North of Scotland Round 2 Rotations

A Trainee's View of Orkney

Orkney also offers fantastic lifestyle opportunities.  Innez Moss is on the Rural GP Fellowship program in Orkney.  Here is what she has to say about her time in Orkney:- 

"I returned to Orkney last August after studying medicine at Dundee University and completing my GP training in Elgin and Inverness.  The new rural track training programme looks very exciting with lots of extra time and opportunities to enhance the skills required to be a rural GP.  I enjoyed my training in Elgin and Inverness and had chosen not to train in Orkney as I grew up here however several other local doctors who have trained here have had described the experience very positively.

I have focused on improving my skills to cover the single-handed island practises and completed three BASICS courses.  In addition I am completing the Introduction to Hyperbaric Medicine and Level 1 and 2a Diving medicine courses so I can participate in the running of the local diving Chamber which treats divers who become unwell while diving in the Scapa Flow. 

Orkney has much to offer outside work with beautiful scenery, outdoor activities and much culturally.  The extra time spent through the rural track training will allow you much more scope to participate in the local community which is something I believe is very important as a Rural GP.  Personally I have several musical interests including singing in a choir and playing the fiddle but that is just a small part of the local musical scene, where you can enjoy a wide mix of bands in the local pubs or attend concerts of internationally acclaimed musicians at festivals such as the Folk festival and the St Magnus festival which has a more classical programme.  There are good sporting facilities available and various football, hockey and rugby leagues to join.  I enjoy taking my dog around the various beaches and hills and I hope to windsurf and learn to sail this summer.  For those who are more artistic there are many local artists with studios and some workshops to help inspire you and keep you entertained during the darker winter months.

I am happy to respond to any enquiries about working in Orkney and my email is inezmoss@nhs.net "

Orkney features both in our Rural Track Program, which has 2 posts based in Orkney, and also in our 4 year Grampian Programs, which include a 6 month posting in Orkney in the first year. As with all our rural general hospitals these posts get excellent feedback from our trainees, especially for the hands on experience and great support.

Visit Orkney Website
Orkneyjar:- Orkney Heritage Website
www.orkney.com

Focus on Orkney

In March Orkney was voted the UK’s Number 1 Island Destination by Trip Advisor. So, what does Orkney have to offer? Orkney is an archipelago of 70 islands with stunning scenery and wildlife. At the northern tip North Ronaldsay boasts an internationally renowned bird observatory, but also sheep that are walled out of the island and live on seaweed. The islands are steeped in history ranging from World Heritage Neolithic standing stones and dwellings, via the Viking legends of the Orkneyinga Saga and the stunning St Magnus Cathedral through to World War I and the scuttling of the German Fleet in Scapa Flow (now popular with sports divers) and the role played by the islands in the Second World War as a naval base. There is a strong arts tradition, including the Pier Arts Centre in Stromness and a thriving jewellery industry. Various music and science festivals are scattered through the year, but most of all tourists comment on the warmth of the welcome. For a fuller picture of what is on offer visit: www.visitorkney.com