AFP

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Pros and Cons of Applying

AFP Introduction to the AFP Pros and Cons of Applying
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Applying vs Doing

Not everyone who applies for an AFP ultimately wants to do one. In this next section we’re going to go through some advantages and disadvantages of both applying and then actually doing an AFP.

Pros

It's really good interview practice!

Most students have not had any interview practice since applying to medical school, but the next interviews you face will be  for specialty or core training. Applying to the AFP  is therefore a good chance to brush up on those interview skills.

You get a head-start on practising clinical scenarios

Lots of medical schools have an emergency station in their final exams where you will be expected to take an  A to E approach whilst managing a patient. This closely mirrors the clinical scenarios many candidates face in their AFP interviews, meaning you’ll be ready well in advance of your exams. Also, you’re going to be doing this in real life eventually so the more you practise, the easier it will be when faced with a real patient!

You learn basic research skills which all doctors need

All doctors are expected to be able to recommend a certain management to patients, and how could we do that without peer-reviewed evidence?! The skills required to critically appraise research will help you make sense of the evidence base for treatments you’ll be encouraging or discouraging later in your career. All F1s also  need to conduct an audit, so why not start to learn some of the skills that you’ll need while still a student.

Encourages you to get your portfolio together

Some AUoAs may ask for you to submit a CV or portfolio. Although this requires some effort, it will make you more prepared for future applications where portfolios play an important part. Putting together a portfolio also highlights what areas you might need to work on going into FY1.

You get extra SJT prep

Many interviews include an ethics, communication and professionalism component. So why not combine AFP prep with SJT practice - two birds one stone.  While on the topic of the SJT, one of our team wrote: “Older years had told me that the SJT can act as a randomiser for many when it comes to FPAS, so it seemed applying for an AFP would help avoid this and give me another chance to obtain a job in an area I wanted to work.”  Just something to think about.

Cons

It takes up a lot of time

The application, white space questions, prep work and then interview days will all eat into your time. Time you might need to just do final year. Would suggest expanding on this. One of our team says in their blog: “Don’t underestimate the mental and physical stresses of applying for AFP during final year.” Doing research on the application beforehand is key. Otherwise you might find you put in a lot of effort and receive no interviews, wasting a lot of time and effort that could have been directed elsewhere. 

Could clash with SJT or PSA

Depending on when your university does the SJT or PSA, some interview dates may clash. Or you may find yourself prepping for both SJT and interviews at the same time.

If you have no intention of accepting an AFP offer, you may be taking away an opportunity for someone who really wants to do an AFP.

It’s okay to apply for an AFP if you’re not 100% certain, many students will need additional time to decide. However, if you are 100% sure you don’t want to do an AFP, then it might be unfair to be making the process unnecessarily more competitive for others.

It can be disheartening

Finding out you haven’t received an interview or offer will be disappointing. So your mindset is important. Remember that the AFP is an opportunity, not a judgement on your ability as a doctor. If you do decide to apply, keep in mind that you’re up against a very competitive group of students, but in no way let this make you feel inferior. Everyone has different strengths and weaknesses, it is up to you to decide how to present them.

It can cost quite a bit of money

Courses, accomodation, train tickets, interview outfits, books - you name it, there is a potential for costs to rack up. But, AUoAs often offer compensation for travel and accommodation, and this course is completely free with a whole load of links to

Testimonials


Read on for our "Pros and Cons of Doing an AFP"

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Elliot

Elliot is a St George’s graduate currently working as an F1 Doctor in East London. As the first in his family to apply to university, Elliot is well aware of the barriers that can be faced in trying to get to medical school. He is passionate about widening access to medicine for underrepresented groups.
 
 He was the representative for St George’s on the BMA Medical Students Committee, and has done lots of work with local schools and colleges to raise awareness of medicine as a career, as well as working on admissions policies with the widening participation team St George’s. Elliot is part of the @BecomingaDr outreach team and National Health Careers Conference Team.