This module looks at how best to support trainee doctors with their career planning – a task that has become increasingly pressing in the wake of Modernising Medical Careers (MMC). After defining some key terms, the module considers why trainee doctors need career support, and who is best placed to provide it. The module then moves on to outline the importance of having a structured approach to career support, and in turn describes a four-stage model:

• self-assessment
• career exploration
• decision making
• plan implementation

in some detail. Next, there is some basic guidance provided on how to structure an individual career support session. The module concludes with some suggestions about how best to approach the task of supporting a trainee whose career plans you believe are unrealistic.

The focus of the module is on the provision of career support to trainee doctors by their educational supervisors. However, the main points covered also apply in the undergraduate setting. This module will also then be relevant to those who provide career support to medical students.

By the end of the module you should have a clearer understanding of the role of the educational supervisor in providing career support and how to structure a career support session. You will also have had an opportunity to apply the learning from the module by carrying out some of the suggested tasks and reflecting on how well they went.

Before you start

Before you start the module we recommend that you spend a few minutes thinking about the following points and noting down some of your thoughts. If you are registered on the site, you can do this in the ‘reflections area’. Click on the ‘my area’ link at the top of the page to access your personal pages. Please note that you must be logged in to do this. Please also note that you will need to contribute to the ‘reflections area’ during the course of the module in order to complete and print out your certificate.