What to expect heading into the foundation programme

All UK medical school graduates are required to complete a foundation programme, which is designed to equip them with the generic clinical and professional skills they will need in the changing world of medicine.

The foundation programme structure

The first year of foundation training (F1) typically consists of three, four-month placements – in medicine, surgery and another specialty. It is designed to enable doctors to meet the standards required for full registration with the General Medical Council (GMC). Doctors gain competences in core clinical skills, as well as other professional skills such as teamwork and communication.

In the second year of foundation (F2) doctors continue to develop and consolidate clinical competences, at the same time exploring their career options. It is typically made up of three four-month placements, possibly including opportunities to gain experience in a shortage specialty, general practice and/or academic medicine. They may also apply for one-week ‘taster’ placements in additional specialties, which give trainees the opportunity to try out a number of different specialties before making their career decision.

F1 doctors will have up to three hours per week of protected, bleep-free time set aside for a timetabled learning programme. Arrangements may vary between deaneries and, alternatively, this time may be aggregated to give seven days of whole day release. F2 doctors will have access to up to 30 days’ study leave.