Ladies and Gentlemen,
I believe that everyone already knows the situation of things in Nigeria, and there is no point over-flogging the issue of difficulty in getting house job, as a newly-grad doctor .
Few points are worth mentioning-
I believe that everyone already knows the situation of things in Nigeria, and there is no point over-flogging the issue of difficulty in getting house job, as a newly-grad doctor .
Few points are worth mentioning-
- New doctors graduate at different times in the year and almost at each time there is usually at least one hospital somewhere in Nigeria calling for applications.
- It is important also to mention that one does not necessarily have to wait for swearing-in/induction ceremony before one can start applying. However this does not apply in some centers, where demand is specifically made for MDCN temporary license gotten on being sworn in. Otherwise, one can apply with statement of result from the med school though the license usually must be submitted either at the interview venue or before resumption of work, as the case may be.
- One does not have to be too parochial in thoughts when looking for house job position. Have an open mind. Don't use "must". For example, "I must work in the north, east, a certain hospital, etc". Be open-minded. Work no dey Naija. Another example- "my parents want me to stay around". This may not help, especially if such parents do not have solid connections.
- Unfortunately, knowing someone somewhere in the upper echelons of power might be of good help; though, in all fairness, there are many people that land good house job positions without even knowing an attendant in the hospital in question. Therefore, merit may count at times.
- However know ye today that as a doctor most questions that you find hard should, expectedly, be hard for someone else taking the same test, whether a job interview or PLAB or Primaries. Also same applies to simple questions. What might make a difference is "how much residuals do you have?" Reading overnight for an interview may be helpful, but ask questions lest you start reading the pathway for lipid synthesis. I've never heard anyone being asked such in an interview.
- The questions that are set for the tests vary from Hospital to the other, from Emergencies (in Ped, O&G, Med &Surg) through Current Affairs, through IQ tests. Ask a house officer already working there for info.
- Some hospitals organize only written interviews while some do both oral and written. That means that if there is an oral aspect, the interview might be prolonged, usually taking more than a day. In some places, like National Hospital only a fraction of those that sit for the written test are called for oral interview. In some others, like FMC Abakiliki, everyone that takes the written test may be called for oral interviews.
- Most written tests usually assess medical knowledge and skills in handling Emergencies, like as in UATH, Abuja; while most oral interviews assess general knowledge. Did you live a triangular life in school? Now start knowing about the senators or the name of Obama's dog (as someone was asked in UNTH), or the head of ECOWAS (as someone failed in FMC Abakiliki). The above may not apply everywhere, though. UPTH were said to have asked the full meaning of an acronym that stands for a popular government parastatal, in the written test, in addition to sections with core medical questions. If merit were to be followed I guess such general questions would make the much needed difference between geeks and balanced med docs.
- Finally, it's been noticed that most residents actually did their house jobs in the same institutions where they now train. So it might be good to put that into consideration [for those interested though]
- One needs ask oneself what one wants from house job- money or skills. If money weighs higher, one may consider centers in Lagos, where one can combine house job and some PP which abound in the state. Abuja is a no-go area if one is interested in PP. There are not many PP avenues.
- There are many other factors and tips that with time we'll get to learn from interaction, or figure out ourselves.
SOUTH EAST | |
UNTH, Ituku-Ozalla | Variable, usually between May and July |
NAUTH, Nnewi | August / September |
ESUTH, Parklane, Enugu | June/July |
FMC, Abakaliki | February /March |
EBSUTH | February, with pulses through the year |
ABSUTH | Variable, took in February 2010; not advisable though |
FMC, Owerri | December – February |
FMC, Umuahia | Usually mid-year |
Gen Hosp, Owerri | Variable, took in March 2010 |
Gen Hosp, Onitsha | Unreliable; visit the State Min of Health; not advisable, though |
WEST
UCH, Ibadan | Variable; almost year-round |
UITH, Ilorin | June/July |
LUTH | November/December/January |
LASUTH | February/ March |
FMC, EButte-Metta | March, August |
Airforce Hospital, Lagos | February |
Military Hospital, Yaba | April/May/June; supernumerary work available |
Havana Hospital, Lagos | Variable, took in December 2009 |
Naval Hospital, Ikeja | Around February |
OOUTH, Ogun State | Not specific; usually rhymes with when new docs graduate |
FMC, Owo, Ondo State | June/July |
OAUTH, Ife | Variable, usually rhymes with when med students graduate; 2011 will likely be in August |
FMC Abeokuta, Ogun State | Took new HOs June 2010 |
Eko Hospital | August; clashed with LUTH interview last year |
SOUTH-SOUTH
UPTH, Port Harcourt | February/ March |
UCTH, Calabar | February/ March |
UUTH, Uyo | February/March/April |
UBTH, Benin | August, April |
FMC, Asaba | October/ November |
FMC, Bayelsa | ? January/ February |
NORTH
UATH, Abuja | February/ March, June/July |
National Hospital, Abuja | October/ November |
UJTH, Jos | February, ?August; February date clashed with UATH interview in 2010 |
State House Clinic, Abuja | November |
FMC, Katsina | October, February |
UDUTH, Sokoto | ?February |
ABUTH, Zaria | March/April, October; in 2010 |
AKTH, Kano | |
UMTH, Maiduguri | |
FMC, Gombe | |
FMC, Keffi | April/May |
ECWA, Jos | No specific time; takes very few HOs |
FCDA Hospitals, Abuja- Maitama General, Wuse, Garki, etc | Usually variable . Apply at FCDA Secretariat, around February. You may not be able to decide which of the General Hospitals to be posted to. |
FMC, Makurdi | February |
In due course, the list will be more populated and updated.
It is noteworthy that some hospitals, even after a major intake, will continue employing more house officers in pulses, almost throughout the year; to replace ones that have either resigned or absconded, and to ingratiate some people in high places.
It's time to say enough of all this long talk.
Good luck, Docs, and enjoy your CONMESS in due time, while improving your management of patients and saving lives.
If you have found this informative, please drop your comments
Do you have any clarification to make, it's welcome
Do you have any question? Feel free to post
Contact the blogger,
Dr Chiegboka Lausdeus Otito,
sms to: 08168721765
This blog serves, not to connect anyone to any particular health institution and not to serve as an agent to any, but to give some info on the usual periods that the institutions take new intern doctors , and to serve as a forum for sharing ideas and knowledge to help us improve our careers.
It is pertinent to confirm from the hospital one is interested in, as openings change from time to time.
The content of this page may only serve as a rough guide, at its best.
Hope you find this helpful.
Humbly,
Dr Chiegboka Lausdeus Otito,
House Officer,
UATH
It is noteworthy that some hospitals, even after a major intake, will continue employing more house officers in pulses, almost throughout the year; to replace ones that have either resigned or absconded, and to ingratiate some people in high places.
It's time to say enough of all this long talk.
Good luck, Docs, and enjoy your CONMESS in due time, while improving your management of patients and saving lives.
If you have found this informative, please drop your comments
Do you have any clarification to make, it's welcome
Do you have any question? Feel free to post
Contact the blogger,
Dr Chiegboka Lausdeus Otito,
sms to: 08168721765
This blog serves, not to connect anyone to any particular health institution and not to serve as an agent to any, but to give some info on the usual periods that the institutions take new intern doctors , and to serve as a forum for sharing ideas and knowledge to help us improve our careers.
It is pertinent to confirm from the hospital one is interested in, as openings change from time to time.
The content of this page may only serve as a rough guide, at its best.
Hope you find this helpful.
Humbly,
Dr Chiegboka Lausdeus Otito,
House Officer,
UATH
