No matter our cultural or geographical backgrounds, for some reason we all grow up being taught that sex is something private, secret or shameful. And yet we nearly all do it - and it's usually quite pleasurable! Sometimes, I may be the first ever person that a patient has spoken to freely about their sex life, and it's really empowering and educational. And I also have a chance to identify and support the most vulnerable people out there, who are marginalised not only in society generally but often in other aspects of medicine - kids in care and care-leavers, people experiencing homelessness, prisoners, sex workers etc. You get to feel you're really making a difference. – Jo Smith, ST6, London

As an academic trainee, there’s so many interesting areas of research in GUM/HIV covering novel HIV treatments, HIV/STI prevention, improving quality of life for people living with HIV, metabolic disorders in people living with HIV, gonorrhoea and herpes vaccines, antibiotic resistance, and implementing HIV/STI testing and treatment in low- and middle-income countries. I have been able to get involved in clinical trials, epidemiological research, teaching, and community engagement. I have been really supported to build my own area of research expertise and successfully apply for PhD funding. – Manik Kohli, ST6, London

Patients often attend sexual health/HIV clinics in varying states of anxiety, and being able to support them with education and a treatment plan is so rewarding. I get to work with the most diverse patient cohort in any aspect of medicine, and the staff are always the best. It really is a privilege to work in GUM and I'm so glad I found my role there. - Sean McGinley, ST5, Belfast

What I love about GUM is being able to work in such a friendly, informal environment, with great colleagues and a strong MDT approach with various different specialties. Being able to treat a range of patients from young teenagers to older adults with a host of different health issues is a great part of the job, and rare in other specialties. Having an on-site lab and microscopy facilities which allow you to diagnose and treat patients at that very moment is extremely satisfying. Managing patients living with HIV, who can now live normal healthy lives with appropriate treatment is rewarding and you build such a strong, long-term doctor-patient relationship with them - which allows us to provide them with better care in the process. The addition of GIM training is an exciting prospect which allows continuing management of various issues in medical inpatients, adds variety to the job, and is an important aspect to proving ongoing care to patients living with HIV. – David Brown, ST5, Glasgow

I have been less than full time since I returned from my first maternity leave in 2021. The nature of working in GU services and being mostly outpatient-based means I have been allowed to work at 60-80% less than full time with relative ease as I have been facilitated to create a bespoke rota that allows me sufficient exposure to all relevant aspects of the service (despite this occasionally being a logistical nightmare!). My decision to work less than full time has also been helped by the supportive nature of my consultant team who have guided me through this process and worked with me to ensure I meet my curriculum objectives at each stage of my training. - Joanne Bassett, ST6, Sheffield

GUM is an excellent specialty for those looking for a career that is fun and varied, which supports you to develop your own interests. For example I have found there to be ample opportunities for teaching others and being involved in research and quality improvement. I became less than full time (80%) following the birth of my son and my request for this was met without challenge. It has meant that I am able spend time with my son one day a week while still meeting all curriculum outcomes and I have never felt that I am missing out on opportunities by training less than full time. - Fiona Windebank, ST5, Leeds