Considering a Year out of training (FY3 and other options)

Why take an F3?

The benefits to taking time out of training include the opportunity to travel, build skills and knowledge through clinical or non-clinical work, further explore career options, boost CV and take a break for your wellbeing from study.

Deciding to take an F3 can be for a variety of reasons - To gain key skills and experience for a speciality application, prepare audits, research, posters, take or retake exams, post-graduate study and travel/recharge your batteries after Foundation/Core training to name a few. The F3 year is increasingly becoming a popular option, this article shows how quickly the popularity has grown over recent years.

What are my options? Examples of F3 activities are

Clinical fellowships
Teaching fellowships
Working abroad

Higher education
Anatomy demonstrator
Volunteering

Important information for all doctors out of training

Revalidation and updating your portfolio while taking time out of training (add more)

https://www.hee.nhs.uk/our-work/foundation-medical-training/beyond-foundation
In order to continue practising as a doctor, you will need to keep your GMC registration and licence to practise.
If you’re going straight into a training programme (GP or specialty) you can find all you need to know here
As a doctor, you are responsible for ensuring that you do everything needed to revalidate and maintain your licence to practise medicine.

The following resources/links will highlight key considerations and information to enable you to effectively plan an F3/GAP year that meets your personal and professional needs

Considering a Year out of training (FY3 and other options)

General F3/GAP resources compiled by Medics

Fellowships

Work & travel abroad

Examinations support

Non-training clincial jobs (staff grade & locum)

Further study

Volunteering

Non-Clinical jobs

Articles