Tips for the SJT

Abstract

1. Put yourself in the position of a new FY1 doctor when answering each question. But remember that they are asking what you should do, not what you would do. 2. You should be a paragon of virtue when answering all questions. Remember always that you are unfailingly honest, respectful, open, and fair to colleagues, patients, and relatives alike. It is difficult to imagine scenarios with answers that would require you to be otherwise. 3. If a question involves patient safety (e.g. critically unwell patient, drug error, etc.), your priority must always be making the patient safe. 4. The well- being of your patient is your first priority. Other considerations (e.g. relatives, targets, fear of being told off, going home on time) are always secondary. 5. ‘Seeking senior advice’ and ‘gathering information’ are difficult to criticize and tend to be safe options. Similarly, it is rarely incorrect to document events or complete a formal incident form. 6. Remember your limitations. As an FY1 doctor, you should not usually break bad news, consent patients for operations, administer cytotoxic or anaesthetic drugs, or manage critically ill patients without support. ‘Call a senior’ is the correct answer in these cases. 7. Understand basic concepts of medical law, e.g. when confidentiality can be breached, determining incapacity, consent in children, the doctrine of double effect, and detention under the Mental Health Act. You do not need to know specifics (e.g. sections of Acts), but a practical understanding will guide some answers. 8. As an FY1 doctor, your Clinical Supervisor is usually a consultant for whom you work during a particular rotation. They are an appropriate source of support for clinical development and problems within the team. Your Educational Supervisor is akin to a Personal Tutor, i.e. responsible for your overall welfare and development throughout the year. They can advise on pastoral issues, professional development, and difficulties with your Clinical Supervisor. 9. Try to complete all questions within the given time frame as random guesses may be identified by the scoring software and awarded zero.