Our rolling programme of workshops is designed to meet the needs of Thames Valley trainees. We regularly ask trainees to contribute suggestions for workshop topics and work hard to meet new requests on an ongoing basis as well as repeating those workshops that proved popular in the past. The programme is designed on a quarterly basis so look out for the plan for the next quarter in your emails, along with individual advertising for each workshop.
PSWS workshops are interactive in nature and allow for discussion, group reflections and sharing of experiences, making them a quite different experience to standard workshop delivery. Small group work is facilitated by experienced coaches ensures a safe space for discussion and insights into material provided.
Coming Up:
PSWS Workshops
Conflict Management – Wednesday 21st February 2024 – 09:00-11:00
This workshop takes a diagnostic approach initially to consider some of the underlying causes of conflict. Then explores some approaches to dealing with it when it arises in a constructive, proactive manner that can diffuse and deescalate the situation.
Getting the most out of your revision time – Thursday 22nd February 2024 – 09:00-11:00
Combining revision with work and training is a challenge and it is important to get the most out of the time you have. This workshop will explore how you can make your valuable revision time as effective and efficient as possible. We will also reflect on the importance of managing your stress levels during revision and on the day of the exam.
Looking Confident, Feeling Confident – Wednesday 6th March 2024 – 09:00-11:00
This workshop explores the challenges of imposter syndrome and assertiveness within a framework of internal and external confidence. A self-compassionate approach will be taken to reflect on feelings of imposter syndrome and feeling confident internally with exploration of what confidence looks like externally.
Working in, and managing diverse teams – Monday 11th March 2024 – 09:00-11:00
This workshop explores the different roles in a team and reflect on the necessary elements for effective team functioning in different situations. It will consider how teams develop as dynamic systems and reflect on the challenges of dealing with conflict, personality differences and motivational differences in a team.
Preparing for Viva exams – Thursday 14th March 2024 – 09:00-11:00
An interactive workshop focusing on how to deliver clear and confident answers in Viva exams. The aim is for you to leave the workshop empowered with the ability to reflect on the verbal and non-verbal aspects of your own practice and identify points in delivery that you could adjust to improve the clarity and perception of your answers.
Managing your time (or Energy!) – Wednesday 20th March 2024 – 09:00-11:00
This workshop aims to encourage you to reflect on time management in a way to priorities your energy. Difficulties with time management have different root causes for different people so this workshop initially encourages you to analyse the reasons for challenges before considering the possible solutions that would work for you as an individual.
To sign up for these workshops please use the following link to take you to the registration form
Mindfulness
Post Graduate Doctors Mindfulness Online “Drop-In” Sessions
Run on the 2nd & 4th Tuesday of each month from 19:30-20:00 and you can join via this Zoom Link
These online sessions will include simple guided mindfulness practices aimed at finding focus, anchor and a sense of well-being in the midst of a busy or stressful life.
We also share ideas for bringing this sense of steadiness and well-being into the midst of a busy day.
You are welcome to come to any session whether or not you have experience of mindfulness. And you can turn on your video or not as is convenient for you.
Important: Mindfulness can be very supportive for managing stress, anxiety and depression but if you have a pre-existing clinical mental health issue it it important that you speak to your own medical practitioner before joining these sessions.
Mindfulness Course *Starting January 2024*
This is an 8 week fully funded course starting in late January 2024, Please take a look at the below flyer for further information.
Foundation Career Workshops
Specialty application interview preparation
The PSWS will be running a workshop offering tips and practice for the different types of questions you could face in a specialty application interview. Many specialties have online interviews now as part of their selection process, this workshop is an opportunity to practice in safe environment with other Foundation trainees.
The workshop will run on the following dates, please use the links provided to register:
Applying for Speciality training:
This introductory workshop will cover both the wider context and the details of the application process for specialties. It aims to prepare you for what to expect in your application and where to find information. Please note that the session will not cover specialty specific information.
To Register for this workshop click here
Dates for this workshop are as follows-
Monday 4th September 1.00-3.00
Wednesday 6th September 9.00-11.00
Friday 8th September 1.00-3.00
Monday 11th September 10.00-12.00
Preparing for Specialty interviews –
This interview preparation workshop is a very practical session with tips and advice for different types of questions and the opportunity to practice safely in small groups learning from feedback on your own answers and also, perhaps even more so, learning from how other people answer questions.
To Register for this workshop click here
Dates for this workshop are as follows –
Wednesday 1st November 9.00-1.00
Monday 6th November 9.00-1.00
Thursday 16th November 9.00-1.00
Wednesday 22nd November 9.00-1.00
Thursday 30th November 9.00-1.00