Is WAST a time-waster or a time-saver?

It is a 12-month program based in England that usually involves:

• Up to 12 months in acute hospital specialties, with the possibility of 4-6 months in psychiatry.
• Two-week taster session in a GP practice.
• Taster sessions in a mental health setting if needed.

WAST addresses the shortage of doctors in these fields. It supports you at the FY2 level, preparing you for specialty training.

WAST can save or add time, depending on your circumstances.

How WAST saves you time:

1. Focused Preparation: WAST guides you through the specialty training application process. This reduces your preparation time.

2. Structured Pathway: The program offers a clear route to specialty training. This avoids delays from uncertainties or mistakes.

3. Enhanced Competitiveness: Completing WAST makes you more competitive for specialty training positions. This speeds up your acceptance.

How WAST adds time:

1. Program Duration: WAST is a one-year program. It adds an additional year before you start specialty training.

2. Additional Requirements: You may need to fulfill extra requirements or gain additional experience during WAST.

Beyond Time:

Consider other factors. WAST provides hands-on experience and familiarity with NHS practices. This can lead to a smoother transition into specialty training, reducing adaptation time. 

Your perspective matters. 

If you don’t feel fully prepared for specialty training, WAST can be a valuable stepping stone. It saves time by providing essential preparation and reducing setbacks.

If you’re highly prepared with significant experience, WAST might be unnecessary, adding an extra year before training.

For many overseas doctors, WAST's preparation, support, and increased competitiveness make the extra year worthwhile. Assess your readiness and career goals to decide if WAST is the right choice for you.

If you’ve read this far, do try Medlogbook to log your medical experiences. I’ve created this to organise your competencies which could help with moving abroad. You can be better prepared for submitting work evidence, a requirement in most countries for practising.