The Rotations
Trauma & Orthopaedic training in the United Kingdom is focused six-year programme during which time trainees undergo rotations in a combination of core and elective specialties to fulfil the requirements of surgical curriculum.
Trainees commence T&O Training at ST3 level. During the six years of the programme there are twelve six-month rotations.
From ST3 to ST6 (Year 1 – 4) trainees undergo mandatory rotations in
- Level 1 Trauma (UHB) – 6 months
- Spinal Surgery (ROH) – 6 months
- Hand Surgery (ROH/UHB) – 6 months
- Paediatric Surgery (ROH/BCH) – 6 months
In addition to General Trauma & Orthopaedics – 4 x 6 months which can include rotations at any of the hospitals in the region.
ST7 (5th training year) is often the time for the FRCS examination during which time allocations are made to allow optimal preparation.
The last 18 months of the rotation (latter half of ST7 and all of ST8) requires a further six months of Level 1 Trauma. The remainder of the rotation is then focused on developing specialty interests.
Teaching
Regional teaching sessions are held every Friday afternoon at the ROH Knowledge Hub. There are several Regionally Organised Clinical Conferences (ROCC) that take place at other hospitals on rotation at the end of the module.
The teaching sessions are organised into the following modules
- Basic Science
- Trauma
- Shoulder & Elbow
- Foot & Ankle
- Hip
- Knee
- Spine
- Anatomy Teaching
Teaching on Hands is organised by the Birmingham Hand Unit and is delivered continuously throughout the year with one Friday every six weeks dedicated to it.
Anatomy Teaching is carried out in the cadaver labs in collaboration with Keele University.
The format of teaching sessions includes a journal club, trainee lectures, consultant/expert lectures, small group seminars and examination practice (MCQs, clinical and viva practice).
Annual Review of Competence Progression (ARCP)
Every summer trainees are required to present evidence to determine progress. This is the formal ARCP. There is also an interim ARCP held in the winter.
Evidence to be presented include:
- Logbook
- Portfolio (ISCP)
- CV
It is therefore vital that all are kept up to date and complete.
