From Drowning to Breaking the Surface: My Reality of Being an FY1

A personal account of the challenges and rewards of being an FY1 doctor. The author describes the long hours, high workload, and financial struggles that are often associated with the job. However, they also highlight the satisfaction of helping patients and the opportunities to learn and grow as a doctor.

One of the biggest challenges the author faced as an FY1 was the long hours. They often worked 12-hour shifts, 7 days a week. This left them feeling exhausted and drained, and it was difficult to find time to relax and recharge. The author also found the high workload to be challenging. They were often expected to manage multiple patients at once, and they felt under pressure to make quick decisions.

In addition to the long hours and high workload, the author also faced financial struggles. As an FY1, they were only paid a basic salary, which was not enough to cover their living expenses. They had to take on extra shifts to make ends meet, but this added to their workload and stress levels.

Despite the challenges, the author also found many rewards in being an FY1. They enjoyed helping patients and seeing them improve. They also appreciated the opportunities to learn and grow as a doctor. The author believes that being an FY1 is a challenging but rewarding experience, and they encourage others to consider it as a career path.

Here are some additional takeaways from the article:

• The job of an FY1 is demanding and can be stressful.
• It is important to be prepared for the long hours, high workload, and financial struggles.
• There are also many rewards to being an FY1, such as helping patients and seeing them improve.
• It is important to find a balance between work and life, and to take breaks when you need them.
• Seeking help from colleagues and mentors can be helpful when you are struggling.
• Being an FY1 is a challenging but rewarding experience.

Check out our other articles on the emotions of being a junior doctor and on mistakes made as a doctor.