TRAINING PROGRAMME

INTRODUCTION

Trainees in clinical radiology undertake a programme of structured training over a minimum period of 5 years in order to achieve a level of competence in all aspects of radiology which will enable them to practice as an independent specialist.

The Yorkshire East Coast Training Scheme in Clinical Radiology has 4 trainees in each of the 5 years and an excellent record of first time successes by trainees in all parts of the FRCR examination during the last several years. The training scheme received unconditional accreditation for training from PMETB following the RCR Training Accreditation Committee visit in May 2005, recognising it as one of the best in the UK.

At the beginning of the first year, a series of formal lectures and tutorials are given in preparation for the FRCR Part I examination in December. Subsequently, basic sciences relevant to clinical radiology are taught, and the trainees are introduced to interpretative, reporting, procedural and patient communication skills. 

In the second and third years interpretative and procedural skills are developed in all radiological sub-specialties. Integrated teaching of radiological anatomy, pathology  and imaging techniques is given in preparation for the modular format of the FRCR Part IIA examinations. Basic training is completed after three years, subject to satisfactory trainers’ reports and RITA assessments.

In the fourth and fifth years, a greater element of sub-specialty training will occur in line with the recommendations of the RCR document, "Sub-Specialty Training in Clinical Radiology".

All aspects of basic radiology are examined in the Part IIB Fellowship examination (FRCR) which can be first attempted three years after entering the specialty.  Trainees who hold the FRCR may apply for a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) on completion of 5 years of recognised training.