Life on Orkney

Many trainees are a little wary of the prospect of spending time in some of our Rural General Hospitals, this wariness is usually dispelled within days of starting the posts and the feedback we receive from our trainees is universally positive with many talking about outstanding clinical and social experiences.  Lisa Hayward was no exception, read about her account of working in Orkney.

Outer Hebrides Voted in 50 Best Tours in The World

A guided holiday of Scottish islands has been listed among National Geographic's 50 Tours of a Lifetime.

Wilderness Walking: The Outer Hebrides and Skye is the only UK entry on National Geographic Traveler's suggested tours to take in 2014.

The six-day Scottish holiday starts in Inverness and takes in Harris, Skye and Scalpay.

But if you really want to get to know the outer isles of Scotland's West Coast, why not apply for our Rural Track program.  Amongst the four posts still available in Round 2 is one based in Stornaway.  To read more about what it is like go to Kate Dixon's blog.

Read more on the BBC Website

Hippokrates Exchange Programme, Katy Moult ST3

Katy Moult , ST3 in Grampian has recently completed a Hippokrates exchange.  The Hippokrates Exchange Program promotes links between junior GPs (those within 5 years of completing training), and established GPs and trainers in different European countries.  Katy has kindly allowed us to share her report with you.

Working on Orkney

We are currently in the process of finalising what rotations we will be offering in Round 2. One thing that is certain that we will be offering 4 rural track rotations, 1 in Shetland, 1 in the Western Isles and 2 in Orkney.

David Lovell is a trainee on the Grampian four year program. He spent 6 months on Orkney during the first year of his 4 year program. Here is his take on what it is like to be a part of the community on Orkney.

"Working as a GP trainee in Orkney was one of the most fun and interesting periods of my life. Some of my favourite experiences are from that time and I would recommend working there to anyone.

The Work / Life Balance!

In life it is so important to find that balance between one's professional life and life outside medicine, whatever that may include.   James Tullie is a trainee on our 4 year Caledonian rotation.  He is combining his GP training with trying to qualify for the 2015 World Orienteering Championships that are to take place in Moray and Highland  in August 2015.  Here is his take on training in the North of Scotland.

"If you are considering GP training and can look beyond inner city practice, then I would highly recommend the north of Scotland. The following spiel describes my experiences which may help sway you either way!

Round 2 GP Recruitment

Orkney Fishing Fleet

Round 2 of GP Recruitment is now open!  We are pleased to say we have had a successful first round of recruitment filling over 80% of our GP Training posts.  The good news however is that there are still some excellent opportunities for those wishing to train in the North of Scotland.

All our Grampian rotations have filled in Round 1 however we still have three Caledonian 3 year posts and four Caledonian 4 year posts available.  We also have four Rural Track rotatations available, one in the Western Isles, one in Shetland and two in Orkney.  

Because the Round 1 clearing process is still ongoing we are unable to give final details of the rotations on offer but we will publicise them here as soon as they are finalised which will hopefully be in the next couple of weeks. 

The timetable for round 2 is as below, so don't delay, applications open tomorrow Tuesday 18th March and are only open for just over two weeks till April 3rd.

Applications can be submitted from	10.00am Tuesday 18th March 2014
Applications MUST be submitted by	17:00 on Thursday 3rd April 2014. No late applications will be accepted under any circumstances
Foundation Competence evidence submitted by	17:00 on Thursday 3rd April 2014. Evidence MUST be attached to the application form at the time of submission.
Stage 2 (Computer Based Test)	Monday 28th and Tuesday 29th April 2014. Places can be booked, on invitation, from 7th April 2014 once application has been accepted by long-listing deanery. No overseas assessment centres will be available during Round 2.
Stage 3 (Selection Centre)	Tuesday 13th and Wednesday 14th May 2014
Offers out	Around 16th May 2014 - offers may be released early if the deaneries are able to do so.
Offers accepted by	Within 48 hours of offer. National Clearing - From 26th May 2014 or as soon after as possible

Aberdeen City and Shire - Achieve

Considering Grampian for GP Training and have a partner outside medicine?  Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire councils have created this video about some of the employment opportunities in Grampian.

Grampian has a thriving economy mainly based on the offshore oil industry but with many diverse opportunities outside oil and gas including education and farming.  It has the lowest unemployment rate in the country.

More information on our Grampian programs .