29 October 2025

As resident doctors, it can sometimes feel like there’s too much to do, causing us to lose sight of our aims or fail to explore them. I want to highlight the importance of planning ahead—not only to increase personal and work satisfaction but also to create opportunities and avoid having our path chosen for us. Below, I elaborate on three proactive approaches to help with planning ahead.

Visualise your future and create opportunities

Where do you want your life to be next year? In five years? In ten years? We can visualise what our life will be like with more certainly the nearer it is, yet still imagine situations further into the future. For example, if you visualise your life in ten years as an Orthopedic surgeon in the Scottish Highlands, it gives you an aim to move towards in both subspecialty as well as location. Visualising your future guides your actions and provides the momentum needed to move forward while giving you something to look forward to. It clarifies goals, boosts motivation and enhances focus. Having an aim gives you purpose to your actions as you build towards an objective. Of course, life does not always unfold as expected, but that forward momentum lets you create opportunities rather than wait for them. Along the way, you may discover something even better than you first imagined. It is a proactive approach that builds purpose.

Explore your interests and allow the change of path

Before studying medicine, I wanted to pursue a career in Emergency Medicine, so as soon as I started Medical School, I actively explored this. I shadowed doctors in ED and involved myself in projects as much as I could. I enjoyed it, but about six months later realised many aspects of Emergency Medicine did not suit me. I then explored other fields with equal enthusiasm and soon discovered Ophthalmology. Had I not actively explored my interests; I might have aimed for something unsuited to me. Actively exploring your interests allows you to discover what best suits you.

Navigate the uncertainty with an aim

At the start of medical school, a consultant told me the best approach to planning ahead was to have an aim. If you are uncertain about your future, there is a danger you will not build towards anything. Just as you aimed to get into medical school and to work around that goal, the same applies afterwards. If you are unsure which subspecialty to train in, you may not pursue any, and one might be chosen for you based on need or availability rather than fit. Building towards something means that even if you change your mind, you will have many transferable skills.

Choose your own path rather than let one be chosen for you. This can motivate and empower you to shape your future, align your work with your passions, and pursue a more fulfilling career.