MBChB graduate Greig Torpey tells us about the next big step on his medical career.
We are now over three months into Foundation Year 1 (FY1) and what a crazy time it has been. Around 50 Edinburgh graduates made the journey west to the rainy streets of Glasgow, so there is a big community here.
FY1 is quite different to being a medical student, but almost completely for the better. First of all, you can actually sign off those Kardexes you have rewritten, and you no longer feel like just a fly on the wall.
You are part of a team. You get to know the other doctors, nurses, PTs, OTs, dieticians, domestics, porters, catering staff and everyone else. It won’t sound like much just now, but that makes work so much better. In the tough times, their support will be invaluable.
And there will be tough times. Patients die, families cry. You get shouted at. You have 20 blood handbacks to do. You miss every cannula you attempt. You are tired. You cry.
But trust me, the great times are far more numerous. You get to know patients and their families; you get to have a direct impact on their life and make them smile. You will have many laughs with your colleagues…and may end up dating one. You use all that you have been learning for six 
years. It all becomes worth it.
Finally, you do get some free time. It won’t be quite like the student life, but there is always time for some relaxation. There is so much to explore in Glasgow, from the museums to the pubs, to Paesano Pizza (other pizzerias are available…they just aren’t as good) and Loop and Scoop. There are four different Park Runs and a scenic walk along the Kelvin.
Wherever you go for FY1, you will have a fantastic time. Picking a destination is hard, but remember it is only two years.
Two top tips:
- Go somewhere new
- Choose somewhere you know at least a couple of people
Any of this year’s current FY1s would be happy to help with advice. Just drop any of us a message.
