All commencing trainees (junior doctors) are interviewed by a member of the Medical Education Unit.

Their professional history, current position, career aspirations, examination status, and a few personal details are elucidated.

This activity serves several purposes:

* meeting and greeting new members of the team
* assessing previous clinical experiences (especially those of
international medical graduates)
* establishing a rapport
* setting a baseline for further events
* ensuring what personal support is available if stresses are
encountered
* providing orientation
* outlining assessment standards and processes
* discussion of learning objectives
* outlining the expectations that the hospital and the training program
has of them

The junior doctors’ own plans can be discussed, including potential career paths

This process is a proactive strategy; it can anticipate potentially stressful or difficult situations, and has been extremely important in enhancing the subsequent handling of personal and performance issues.

It also serves to highlight to the doctors that the medical education unit exists, and that its members are supportive, approachable, and accessible.