GRID vs SPIN: A First Date You’ll Never Forget
by Dr Nadia Abdulla ST4, currently having commitment issues.
It was supposed to be just a chat. A quick coffee catch-up with some potential career options. Nothing serious. But the minute I walked into the room, they were both already there – sitting at the table like they owned it
On the left: GRID – formal, polished, black tie and working on their laptop . They offered me a structured timetable and a competitive application process before I could even sit down.
On the right: SPIN - laid back, sipping an oat milk flat white, in trainers, murmuring something about “flexibility” and “developing interests alongside general paediatrics”.
First impressions
GRID: ‘I’m the full package. Subspeciality training, national competition, deanery changes. Commit to me, and I’ll take you places – like tertiary hospitals you’ve never heard of and clinics with referral letters that could kill a man.”
SPIN “We don’t need to label this. You can stay in your current deanery, do a module, and still have a life. You can be a general paediatrician with flair. Who needs a whole identity when you can have a side quest?
I was intrigued. GRID seemed high maintenance but kind of sexy. SPIN? SPIN made me feel like I could have it all – until I asked about recognition.
“So, uh… where is this going?”
GRID offers the paediatric equivalent of moving in together, getting a joint rota, and getting a shiny new NTN. GRID wants commitment, structure and a clear future; you will CCT as a fully fledged subspecialist – paediatric nephrologist, PEM consultant, palliative medicine, you name it. GRID talks about research, conferences and publications and maybe even a PHD in your future but you panic, this feels like it is all going to fast.
A first date with GRID is like meeting someone who already has a fiveyear plan and a colourcoded rota spreadsheet. They ask about your portfolio, your clinical exposure and whether you see yourself living in a tertiary centre “in five to ten years.” GRID is intense but gives you the stability that is tempting, you give up some flexibility, but in return you get a clear identity and lifelong commitment.
Of course, GRID is a catch and they play hard to get. You may have to chase them for a while and take a few dates to get GRIDs attention, but once you are chosen, congratulations: you are now officially in a serious relationship with your subspecialty, and general paediatrics may ghost you on WhatsApp.
The situationship with SPIN
SPIN, on the other hand, is that very reasonable partner who says, “You can totally still be a general paediatrician – let’s just add a bit of extra fun.” SPIN modules give additional training and experience in a focused area during specialty training, while you still CCT in General Paediatrics “with a special interest.” It is commitment, but on your terms… like an open relationship: you build up evidence in ePortfolio over 12–18 months while still seeing other people and without having to give up your independence (or training spot) and emerge as the local lead.
SPIN is perfect for those who like variety, regional flexibility, or the thought of a DGH consultant post where you are “the person” for a particular service need. It is less of an “I’ve moved into a tertiary centre and only see one organ system now” vibe and more of an “I bring something special to the general paeds party” energy.
So… who should you choose?
If you love a defined identity, are happy to go all in on one field, and like the idea of a national application with clear outcomes, swipe right on GRID. You will emerge with tertiary subspecialty status on the specialist and the matching consultant job titles. If you prefer flexibility, see yourself in a general paediatrics post but want to be “the HDU person,” “the oncology lead,” or “the adolescent guru,” then SPIN may be your ideal lowpressure, highvalue relationship.
Whichever you choose, remember this is not the last decision you will ever make. Careers meander, services change, and postCCT SPIN and portfolio routes exist for later plot twists. And if your still can’t decide – consider attending a further LSP Thrive Grid/Spin Evening or attend one of our eventing for the opportunity to have an informal 1:1 chat with one of our amazing TPDs.