We're nearing that time of year again. If you're a foundation doctor, you will be rotating to your next job soon, and with that comes a lot of change - and some stress as well!
In this article we will discuss some tips on how best to approach the changeover period.
Practical tips before you start
Let's start with some practicalities that can help you with your new placements, including a little planning ahead before the changeover.
Around six weeks before a new rotation starts, you should start getting emails from the admin team and rota coordinators at your next post. Make sure to take note of induction days and any other learning you may need to do.
Regarding rotas, I recommend requesting your leave in advance even before you start a rotation, trying to spread your leave out throughout the rotation. I also recommend looking through your junior doctor group chat and finding who is currently in the post you will be taking over from, as they can usually share some tips with you.
The first few days
When you start, remember to introduce yourself to everyone wherever you go, including the admin and nursing staff. They will often be able to help you with their experience regarding the day to day running of the department.
It is also very important to introduce yourself to your seniors; your consultants, but also your registrars who will be working closely with you day-to-day.
Remember, the first few days are the perfect time to find things out. There are no silly questions and people will know you are new, so they will expect you to ask. I would suggest saving all the key info in your phone notes or in your email files- things you may need later, like referral pathway, bleep numbers, email addresses of secretaries and so on.
Changeover is stressful
As resident doctors, we regularly experience rotations and changing departments, specialties or hospitals, and sometimes it's not easy! Arriving in a new place is hard. You need to get used to a new ward, a new system, a new team, and in the case of foundation rotations, a whole new speciality with a completely different background and issues.
I personally have always found changeover time quite nerve-racking. It starts with all the admin, then trying to figure out how your rota works and who your supervisor is, and then before you know it, you're on call covering different wards you're not yet familiar with.
So you're not alone if you're stressed and worried. But don't panic, the team will know you're new and will support you.
The benefits of changing department
Rotating departments also has a lot of benefits, and this is what I was trying to keep in mind when I was thinking about all my rotations.
During your different posts, you get to experience different specialities to gain experience, manage patients in different settings and develop different aspects of your knowledge and skills.
It may be beneficial to have a specific set of goals for each placement, or a list of different topics you may want to learn and add to your training portfolio.
Taking care of yourself
It's very important to be kind to yourself during this transition period. It's normal to take time to learn the ropes and not be effective straight away!
Often, I found that I could be hard on myself and try to do too much at the beginning of a rotation, but it is okay to pace yourself and set some boundaries. It might take a few weeks until you become comfortable and as quick at your job as in your previous rotation.
Always make the most of your free time and days off to rest and recharge. It is important to check in with yourself, and if you are feeling overwhelmed take a step back and speak with your seniors and supervisor. Other sources of help include your foundation school representatives and your foundation head of school.
I hope these tips were helpful Enjoy your next placements!
This page was correct at publication on 16/10/2025. Any guidance is intended as general guidance for members only. If you are a member and need specific advice relating to your own circumstances, please contact one of our advisers.
by Dr Marianne Gazet
Marianne is an obs & gynae specialty trainee working in London. She is passionate about medical education and loves developing resources for medical students and doctors. She has recently published an e-book just for new doctors, to help with young doctors' first steps as foundation doctors. She is a content creator and podcast host, sharing her day-to-day life in specialty training as well as advice and tips for others. In her spare time, she loves sports, travelling and learning languages.