What I’m prioritising as an F1 doctor for career progression

When I started Foundation Year 1 (F1), I assumed the hardest part would be adapting to clinical life—learning to balance ward rounds with admin and trying not to spill coffee on my scrubs. And while that’s been true to an extent, what’s surprised me most is how quickly I’ve realised that medicine doesn’t have to be my whole identity—nor does my career path have to follow a linear route.

As someone who’s passionate about healthcare and the bigger picture, I’ve been intentional about prioritising certain actions during F1—not just for career progression within the NHS, but for opening doors beyond it. Whether I choose to pursue training in the UK, explore options abroad, or pivot into a non-clinical space, here’s what I’ve been focusing on:

Building a strong portfolio – with flexibility in mind

Whether applying for training in the UK, fellowships abroad, or alternative roles in global health, having a diverse and well-documented portfolio is key. I’ve been:

• Logging reflections and experiences regularly (yes, even the small wins!)

• Completing audits and QIPs with outcomes that can be presented or published

• Collecting feedback and evidencing my teaching efforts

• Seeking out taster weeks in specialties I’m curious about—especially Paediatrics, OBGYN, and Anaesthesia

The goal? To keep my options open without overcommitting to one rigid path.

Publishing more research

One of my key goals is to contribute to the growing body of medical knowledge through research. Having research publications not only enhances your CV but also demonstrates intellectual curiosity and the ability to contribute meaningfully to evidence-based medicine. I’ve been focusing on:

• Collaborating with senior colleagues: Actively seeking opportunities to co-author papers with consultants and registrars who are already engaged in research.

• Maximising audit and QI projects: Many clinical audits and quality improvement (QI) projects can be converted into presentations and publishable articles with the right approach.

• Exploring interdisciplinary topics: Researching areas that intersect medicine with technology, public health, or education, ensuring my work resonates both clinically and non-clinically.

Upskilling beyond the ward

I’ve come to realise that the most fulfilling opportunities often lie at the intersection of healthcare and something else. That’s why I’ve been investing time into:

• Learning about digital health & AI, and how these tools can empower clinicians and patients alike. I've been invited to do a talk at the Royal College of Psychiatrists on the use of AI in psychiatry in May which will be my biggest one yet! Read my paper on the topic published in Nature Mental Health.

• Developing soft skills like communication, leadership, and project management—skills that are just as valuable in start-ups as they are in hospitals

• Exploring content creation & digital strategy, both to build more of an online presence and consider how to scale my business.

Preparing for USMLE Step 2

To keep my career options open, particularly in the US, I’ve decided to sit for the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 2 (I sat Step 1 during medical school). This requires meticulous preparation, given its clinical focus and the sheer breadth of content. My strategy includes:

• Slow and steady: Allocating 1-2 hrs after work to tackle UWorld questions and high-yield topics.

• Practice, practice, practice: Mock exams weekly and practice questions - which are key to building confidence and identifying weak areas.

• Book a date in advance: I booked a date early this year to keep me engaged and help me stick to a timeline.

Building a strong professional network

Career progression isn’t just about what you know; it’s also about who you know. Networking has been a pivotal focus for me:

• Engaging with mentors: Seeking guidance from professionals who have taken unconventional career paths, whether they’ve moved abroad or transitioned into non-clinical roles.

• Attending conferences and in-person events: Both in-person and virtual events provide opportunities to meet like-minded individuals and stay updated on trends.

  • Eventbrite – Search by location and keywords like “healthcare,” “medtech,” “leadership,” “women in medicine,” or “young professionals.”

  • LinkedIn Events – Use the events tab and filter by “In-person” + your city.

  • Facebook Events – Especially good for local wellness, community, or charity events.

  • BMA (British Medical Association) or Royal Colleges – Often host specialty-specific conferences and networking nights.

• Leveraging social media: Platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram allow me to connect with thought leaders and showcase my work to a broader audience.

Gaining recognition in non-clinical spaces

Medicine is a part of my identity, but it’s not the whole story. I’m passionate about creating an impact in non-clinical areas, and I’ve been dedicating time to:

• Personal branding: Sharing my journey and insights more regularly across my social media platforms to engage a wide variety of audiences.

• Public speaking: From personal development and mindset to AI and community building, I’m leaning into opportunities that allow me to speak, write, and collaborate within and outside the clinical space—bridging my medical knowledge with wider societal themes. And getting paid for it! I've got my biggest talk yet at the Royal College of Psychiatrists in May based on a paper I wrote on AI in psychiatry published in Nature Mental Health!

• Pursuing growth through awards & opportunities – I’ve been intentionally applying for awards and opportunities that push me to grow. Winning awards is great for building a strong personal profile and platforming all the work you're doing!

Diversifying income streams

I love medicine, but I’m also aware that financial freedom = more choice. That’s why I’m exploring:

• Monetising my content and digital platforms ethically and intentionally

• Creating and marketing more digital products (like e-books and potentially video courses) based on questions I get asked regularly

• Investing for the long term, even if it’s just small, consistent steps each month

ALWAYS staying open to opportunities and regularly applying

The world of medicine and beyond is constantly evolving. Staying adaptable and curious ensures I can seize new opportunities as they arise. I recently won an essay competition as I am still writing and applying to them when I can!

Whether it’s exploring locum work, pivoting into tech or education (many job openings are advertised on LinkedIn), thinking about how to scale my own business / start another one and get more opportunities in the States, I’m committed to building a career that’s both fulfilling and impactful.

While being an F1 doctor is undoubtedly demanding, I’m excited by the prospect of carving out a career that aligns with my values, aspirations, and global opportunities. For anyone navigating similar crossroads, remember: your career is a marathon, not a sprint. Invest in growth, embrace challenges, and dream big—because the possibilities are endless!