How to prepare for ST3 in radiology
Article by: Dr Yash Achhapalia
Dr Yash Achhapalia, a clinical radiology resident at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, shares what surprised him most about becoming an ST3 and the unexpected responsibilities that come with the role.
What surprised you most in your first few months as an ST3?
It’s how you grow into your self-confidence. You are suddenly taking on more responsibility and while it seems frightening at first, you'll be surprised how quickly you adapt to it. You will notice improvement in your clinical decision-making, prioritisation and time management skills. It might seem sudden, but when you look back, it's been years in the making with the support of your trainers.
Was there a moment early on when it really hit you that you were now an ST3 – and what happened?
I think ST3 is such an interesting year in your time as a radiology resident. It comes ever so calmly after ST2 where you don't have too much exam stress, and you've just started on calls so there is an implied grace you get through the year as a junior resident. What really hit me early on is how soon the FRCR 2A exam comes in the year. With everyone around you gearing up for exam prep, gathering study materials and taking time off, you are quickly faced with the realisation that you're now an ST3.
What change in responsibility feels like the biggest step up at ST3, but isn’t really talked about beforehand?
We all know what an ST3 year looks like on paper and having seen our seniors go through it, but no one really prepares you for the change in expectations. There is a sudden change in the level of work and service you are expected to provide (for your own benefit). I felt this to be true not just for on calls but during normal working days as well. You aren't a ‘junior resident’ anymore. You aren't just ‘learning’ or ‘starting out’. The level of care you’re expected to provide suddenly increases and you find yourself wondering why. It’s not just because a calendar year has passed, you know it's for your own learning and benefit to help you become a better radiologist and overall doctor. I think this aspect of ST3 needs to be talked about more to benefit incoming residents and mentally prepare them for what is to come.
What expectations did you have about ST3 that turned out not to be true?
When I began ST3, I genuinely thought I wouldn’t enjoy the year, especially with the FRCR 2A exam coming up, the additional on-call responsibilities and the stress of picking a subspecialty in the coming year. However, the year surprised me in a way I did not see coming. ST3 has been the best year so far. The exam prep has helped me so much in my routine reporting and refined my radiology skills. Coupled with the additional responsibilities, it has also helped me improve my communication and work relationships with trainers and consultants. This is truly a very professionally satisfying year as you see yourself slowly becoming the radiologist you want to be.
What do you wish someone had told you before you started ST3?
I wish someone had told me how soon the FRCR 2A and 2B exams are to each other. As soon as you finish the 2A exam, 2B prep is already knocking at your door. Unlike Part 1 where you have an entire year to yourself with no exam around the corner, ST3 forces you to focus on your exam prep and time management skills which I did not see coming.
What one piece of advice would you give to someone about to step into ST3?
While this year is going to be stressful, don't forget to enjoy it. Apply your exam prep into your everyday work and everything will seem so much more achievable and less daunting. In the back of your head, start to slowly narrow down what subspecialty is speaking to you. It’s OK to not know what you like or dislike. It's OK to feel confused about this important decision. But start having this conversation with yourself. Rely on your supervisors and trainers if you're feeling stuck at any point. They are here to help you along the way and don't underestimate the importance of having that conversation with them.
Best of luck to everyone who's about to embark on this journey and I hope to see you on the other side very soon.