Training Summary

Training in anaesthesia is a competency based, time limited programme that will normally take a minimum of seven years.

An initial core training of 24 months will be spent at either UHCW or Heart of England Hospital, and one of the smaller hospitals in the School. Trainees will then apply for competitive entry into a 5 year specialist training programme. During this 5 year programme trainees should expect to rotate through most of the hospitals within the school. A modular training programme in the major specialties has been developed to ensure that trainees gain appropriate and relevant experience in all aspects of anaesthetic practice. Intensive teaching programmes assist trainees in preparation for the Primary and Final FRCA Examinations.

The majority of trainees pass the Primary FRCA during core training and the Final FRCA at the end of the third year of training, allowing development of specialist interests within anaesthesia (both clinical and academic), if appropriate, during the subsequent years. For those with the FRCA, a period of “off rotation training” experience is encouraged. This includes Research Fellowships, time in another School, or time overseas. All these are subject to agreement with the Regional Postgraduate Dean, the Programme Director and PMETB; and would, in addition, require independent funding.

The training modules for the fifth, sixth and seventh years are designed to provide in-depth experience in all aspects of anaesthetic practice. 6 -18 months of this time will be based at one of the District General Hospitals in the scheme, and will be individually tailored to the trainee’s interests. The opportunity of a secondment to Birmingham Children’s Hospital may be available for those with a special interest in paediatric anaesthesia. A 6 month secondment to one of the other Schools in the West Midlands may be possible.

Progress from year to year will only be permitted following assessment by the trainers, and will be under the direct control of the Regional Postgraduate Dean, Dr Elizabeth Hughes. Trainees must have the Final FRCA to allow progress to Year 5 to be considered.

Details of training modules in all the participating hospitals can be found in the hospital information.

FLEXIBLE TRAINEES

Those who wish to train flexibly should contact the Adviser for Anaesthetic Trainees, Dr N Osborn (based at Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust) or Dr Helen Goodyear, Associate Dean for flexible trainees (Tel: 0121 414 3155).