Mrs FD graduated as a mature student 4 years ago from the full 5 year medical degree having previously done a PHD and previous degree. She enjoyed the course, although medical exams are pretty damn hard compared to other degrees and the amount of information you have to retain is way beyond what I could.
Placements within the degree period can be any where within a huge area so you tend to need transport and be prepaird to commute for 1hr + each way and work days and nights.
I can only commment on Mrs FD experiences from a surgical trainee perspective as this is what she has always wanted to do..
48 hour week is rubbish. Mrs FD since graduating as routinely worked 60 hrs + and thats the norm (100 hours + not unusual). Shifts patterns vary all the time ie not one week on nights, one days etc.
Jobs are hard to come by, well at least one you want. You have to be prepared to change regions/area of the country (as happened to us) and you have little or no say where it is.
Foundation 2 year training is hard (just gettng up to speed) rotations last 4 months, so you can only plan your life 4 months in advance, and in reality not that well paid for the hours you put in. + if you want to get on in your specialist area you have to spend more than £1k per year on courses (out of your own pocket)
After doing your foundation training the job lottery starts again and you have to re apply for jobs ranking them in preference. But again you dont decide, the powers that be decide so you could have to relocate again.
If you are very very lucky you can get an 8 year training number (ie 8 year contract) most just get a 1 year contract and then have to reapply the following year. Mrs FD was lucky enough to get an 8 year training post so this means she is in one region now for 8 years, which is great, but she can still be moved hospitals every year, and the regions are that big that she could end up with a 2hr + each way commute.
10/12 hr days are the norm. If you have kids this makes if VERY difficult if you have to arrange childcare too, you cant just leave at 5:30 if you have a sick patient (although I imagine some of the less committed Dr's do)
At 35 Mrs FD admits she finds it hard, and wishes she had started younger as the hours, workload etc etc would be easier in your 20's than 30's. However she also says that her maturity helps her do the job well, which some times is lacking in younger Dr's.
My perspective has husband and father. Its hard as I dont see that much of Mrs FD. We often have to swap our son over as I come back from work and she goes out. It feels like she works lots of weekends, but the reality is probably 1 in 4. Without grandparents around we would really struggle. You have to work at spending quality time together as Mrs FD can often be shattered when she is not at work.
I know this all sounds very negative, but it is a hard career, however Mrs FD finds it very rewarding, helping other people (although they are not always that grateful). No 2 days are the same, and she never complains of a boring day, and she wouldnt change her job for anything..
If you want to know any more let me know.
