The Specialised Foundation Programme (SFP – formerly known as the AFP or academic foundation programme) is a highly competitive application process for final-year medical students. The fact that you are considering applying is testament to your commitment and hard work. So, congratulations on getting this far, you should be hugely proud of yourself.
This article contains some tips and tricks for preparing for the interview primarily for London deaneries. Unfortunately, when roaming outside of the big city, the interview format changes dramatically. Therefore, we are starting with the most consistent region to provide you with some key information about the interviews. That being said, a lot of tips and advice surrounding the clinical and academic stations are applicable to other deaneries so have a read if you are so inclined and we promise it won’t be wasted time.
Please note that the information within this article is based on personal experience and advice handed down from generations of applicants. We have no affiliation with any organisations involved in running the SFP programme or the interview and allocation process. Please take the following information with a pinch of salt.
One final thing, the SFP is a great programme to undertake during your foundation years and is an early insight into medical academia, but it most certainly is not the be-all and end-all. F1/2 by and large is challenging, exciting, tiring, and a hugely educational experience that most enjoy, irrespective of the path you take. So regardless of your result at interview, look forward to the next few years of your life because you are going to have a lot of fun.
If you can give a little more information about white space questions or the styles of interview outside of London, please get in touch with [email protected].
Remember that different deaneries will have slightly different requirements, so check any documentation you have been sent regarding your interview very carefully.
With his training, you can strengthen your written application and better prepare for interviews. Join our online final-year study group to gain access to a discount to the Final Year Bundle, which includes George’s course, or go straight to How to Get into the Academic Foundation Programme if you only want that course.
Giulia Rinaldi is an Academic Foundation Doctor at Guys and St. Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust. She has a keen interest in Dermatology and was president of St. George’s University DermSoc when they won the Battel of the DermSocs in 2019 by raising the most money for the British Skin Foundation. She is also the Junior Doctor Representative for the British Association of Dermatologists National DermSoc UK’s Committee. Her research interests are varied, but currently she is focussing on the use of laser treatments for skin conditions and the cost-effectiveness of health care interventions.
For many students applying for the AFP, their interview may be the first time they have been formally interviewed since they applied to medical school, and understandably this can be nerve-racking. This week for Medics.Academy, I’m sharing my experience interviewing for the AFP. I applied successfully for an AFP job in the London deanery in 2018.
This clip was taken from How to Get into the Academic Foundation Programme by George Miller.
It is very variable how they conduct the interview. Some let you speak and guide the whole interview with minimal interruptions, others will interrupt you and ask lots of questions. It doesn’t reflect on your performance – so please don’t panic! It is important to prepare for both of these eventualities, most likely on the day you will have interviewers with a style somewhere in the middle.
It almost goes without saying but; wear formal interview attire, find a quiet room where you won’t be disturbed, have good lighting and ensure you have a good quality internet connection. Put a large do not disturb sign up on the door, unplug the doorbell, and send the dog/pet/parrot/miniature horse off to a friend’s house to avoid any unwanted disturbances.
The Specialised Foundation Programme (SFP – formerly known as the AFP or academic foundation programme) is a highly competitive application process for final-year medical students. The fact that you are considering applying is testament to your commitment and hard work. So, congratulations on getting this far, you should be hugely proud of yourself.
You will be greeted by a panel of two clinicians or academics, who will introduce themselves and kick start the interview process. In general, one will focus on the academic station, whilst the other takes over for the clinical station. There may also be an additional observer that will mark but will not interact with you at any stage.
Please ensure you join the meeting at the scheduled time in the email. Double check if you have been admitted to the waiting room by ensuring you have clicked “Join now”. We know stories of candidates who thought they were not let into the waiting room because they had not clicked the “Join now” button! The deanery will provide you with an emergency contact email/number in case of technical difficulties on the day. It’s worth writing this down in the (rare!) event you’ll need access to it.