Introduction

Taster weeks were introduced to give newly qualified doctors (foundation doctors) an opportunity to experience a wider variety of specialties.¹ Foundation doctors have the opportunity to experience up to six specialties as part of their 2-year training, with restrictions to include at least one medical specialty, one surgical specialty and one specialty based in the community. As there are over 60 specialties and 30 subspecialties,² some foundation doctors may not have the opportunity to experience more niche specialties, tertiary hospital care, or even primary care. Additionally, applications to specialist training open a third of the way through foundation year two and this reduces exposure to specialties further.³

This is important as exposure to a specialty has been shown to affect the career decision of doctors.⁴ Thus, taster weeks are encouraged by the UK Foundation Programme as a part of career development.⁵ They consist of 2–5 days in a specialty chosen by the foundation doctor and are designed to give the foundation doctor insight into what a future career in that specialty would entail. Moreover, the taster weeks do not have to be in clinical practice but can also be completed in education and research.⁵

As well as informing career decisions, they are also important for applications at core training, as demonstrated by the person specifications in medicine and surgery.^{6 7}

The Collins Report evaluated the Foundation Programme and found that only 5% of foundation year two and 1% of foundation year one doctors undertake a taster week primarily due to issues with accessibility. This is problematic as in 68% of cases, the foundation doctor is the one to initiate the process.¹ Subsequently, a majority of doctors are missing out on a vital learning opportunity and this is in part due to minimal …