1. Susan Kerr & Lucy McCracken
Training Overseas
Susan Kerr & Lucy McCracken

2. Where we were..
Susan
Aug 06- Aug 07
Lucy
Dec 06-Dec 07

3. 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

4. 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!

5. How we arranged Lucy: - contacted head of department
- CV application, no interview
Susan:
- initial contact from BGS meeting
- contact
- 5 minute phone ‘RITA’ – training requirements

6. The practicalities At Home: - Approval from director of training
Geriatric Medicine and G(i)M
- Approval from Post Graduate Dean
- Approval from JRCPTB/SAC

7. The practicalities Visa – very quick and easy to arrange
Medical - if more than 1 year overseas
Flights
Travel insurance
Accommodation on arrival

8. 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

9. Once there Finding a home / car Starting a new life – not easy!
Bank accounts etc..

10. Lucy’s house

11. Once there Living and working in New Zealand – Times publishing
Previous & current trainees
Make friends
Make the most of your time

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. Summary Great experience Organisation Something different for CV
Great confidence boost
Improved independence

17. Any questions?