Susan Kerr & Lucy McCracken Training Overseas Susan Kerr & Lucy McCracken
Where we were.. Susan Aug 06- Aug 07 Lucy Dec 06-Dec 07
Why we did it Professional reasons: Gain new experiences Broaden horizons Increased exposure to ‘community’ geriatrics, orthogeriatrics Work with someone I admired Multi-cultural society
Why we did it Personal reasons Broaden horizons ‘Stuck in a rut’ Change in priorities Great ‘work-life balance’ Outdoors Gain independence/maturity Previously been there-wanted to go back! Bit of a whim!
How we arranged Lucy: - contacted head of department - CV application, no interview Susan: - initial contact from BGS meeting - email contact - 5 minute phone ‘RITA’ – training requirements
The practicalities At Home: - Approval from director of training Geriatric Medicine and G(i)M - Approval from Post Graduate Dean - Approval from JRCPTB/SAC
The practicalities Visa – very quick and easy to arrange Medical - if more than 1 year overseas Flights Travel insurance Accommodation on arrival
Other considerations.. Finances – mortgage, flat rental Partner/ family – can they come? Can they work? Childcare Part-time training difficult – job share only Reduced income Health care
Once there Finding a home / car Starting a new life – not easy! Bank accounts etc..
Lucy’s house
Once there Living and working in New Zealand – Times publishing Previous & current trainees Make friends Make the most of your time
What the job was like.. Team based – house surgeon, reg and consultant More hands on, daily ward rounds On call similar Little ‘study time’, but large study leave budget More community involvement Ability to develop services- ‘can do’ managerial style
What we gained Professional - understanding of another healthcare system - increased exposure to community geriatrics - chance to work with someone I admired - chance to develop orthopaedic service - research opportunities - opportunity to act up - different ways of working
What we gained Personal A chance to live in an amazing country A great opportunity to visit new places Increased independence, confidence Some great friends A new outlook on life Different work-life balance
The downsides Isolated Very far from home Money Difficult to replicate training Difficult to tick all boxes ….quite difficult to leave! Something about better in years 2 and 3 when not trying to do half time medicine or something
Summary Great experience Organisation Something different for CV Great confidence boost Improved independence
Any questions?