Episode 3

As the first year finishes, the trainees are facing their first year assessments. It’s a crucial time for them as they have to show they have made real progress in the year. Those who don’t make the grade will be asked to leave the course. As well as preparing for tests the trainees have to get as much experience as possible. Nicola makes a good start by getting in to some important operations. Yvonne is desperate to move away from treating old men in urology, and eventually gets a placement in general surgery. It gives her a chance to do her first leg amputation. Trainee Nick gets to help a gardening enthusiast who chopped his toes with a lawn mower. For trainee Ed in intensive care he faces the most seriously ill patient he has ever had to treat. It’s a hard week for Ed, despite the intensive treatment she receives his patient dies. Learning how to cope with life and death is part of their training. During the final assessment and interviews, all of the trainees get a harsh grilling, but for one trainee it’s a disappointing end to the year.