Better Health For All

Hello, my name is Kathryn.  I work as a public health consultant for North Yorkshire County Council.  I was invited to write this blog to share my top tips and reflections on the transition from registrar to consultant.  I hope you find them helpful. 

1. The end of training feels like the words longest interview

Like Part A exams, needing a job feels exposing.  Recognise your value.  You are a highly trained and valued resource, your skills are needed in the system, the trick is getting employed to use them.  Most people get a job at the end of training, but it’s not uncommon for public health specialty registrars (StRs) to feel demoralised if they don’t land a job at their first interview.  Look after your mental health – eat well, exercise, sleep well, talk to friends, do what makes you feel good.   

2. Professional peer support is gold dust

The StRs you trained with could be help for life.  Be generous with your time and support, invest in your networks.  Examples of ways to do this – be in an Action Learning Set (a structured method enabling small groups to address complicated issues by meeting regularly and working collectively), train to be an Educational Supervisor, volunteer to be an appraiser, offer mentoring support.  When you need help, ask for it, there is always someone who knows more than you and can help you on the path to achieving your goals quicker.   

3. Embrace the organisational differences

As a consultant at least 40% of my time is taken up with non-project related meetings e.g. team meetings, business meetings, leadership forums and consultant catch up meetings.  In addition I line manage staff which includes objective setting, monthly 121s, appraisals.  Add to that mandatory training, budget management and negotiating sensitive office politics.  Initially I resented these commitments but now realise they are an important part of public health leadership. 

4. Embrace professional differences

As a consultant you no longer have the security and framework of the training programme.  However there is a different cradle of support, including professional appraisal and FPH continuing professional development requirements.  You can develop your support systems for example a mentor and Action Learning Set.  Also there is a move from producing work to supporting others to do it.  You are a leader in a system you don’t have to do it all, create followership – from direct reports, but also staff in other directorates and partnerships. 

5. To thine own self be true

Work out your values.  They will become useful to guide you when you have to make tough decisions.  Take opportunities to reflect and request 360 feedbacks.  It is good to know yourself. 

6. Choose projects wisely

Do routine work rather than exciting work so you’ve had a go before you are a consultant. Also choose work you don’t love or feel confident doing, practice with the safety of a supervisor.  

7. Finding a vacancy

Visit directors of public health to ask them about their “priorities and plans”.  Seek a placement where you would like to work. Remember you have a choice – think about how your values and passions fit. 

8. Preparing for interview 

Interviews can feel stressful and exposing.  It is always easier to get a job when you have a job which makes end of training even more stressful.  Start early prepare well and keep a sense of perspective.  

9. Your first year as a consultant

Write annual objectives whilst considering a three year time span.  The first year as a consultant is challenging: first professional appraisal, first annual FPH CPD return, managing budgets and staff, fitting in to a new team, building relationships with new partners, learning new portfolios, geographies, building up a body or work and a good reputation etc.  Expect your confidence to dip.  In comparison, year two is a pleasure, as you tick off all your “firsts” so they are no longer daunting, you build relationships, increase knowledge, deliver meaningful work and receive good feedback. 

To conclude

Look after your mental health at the end of training and prepare well for interview. Do mundane mainstream work and don’t avoid what scares you. Know yourself, your values and your worth. Secure a mentor and structured peer support. 

Invest in your public health networks – be generous. Value the dull organisational requirements. Be realistic about what you can achieve.  Prioritise. Understand the complexity of your portfolio. Most importantly, enjoy your new job when you secure it. 

Written by Kathryn Ingold, Public Health Consultant, North Yorkshire County Council