ST 3 & 4 (SpR 1 & 2) Training

Intermediate Level Training

On entering ST3 you begin your Intermediate Training which consists of gaining competencies in:

The 6 Key Units

It is necessary that trainees have the equivalent of at least one month of training in each of these units, except intensive care medicine (see below), during their intermediate training. Whether these are continuous blocks of a series of shorter attachments will depend on local arrangements.

Intensive Care Medicine (ICM) must be taken in a three month block during intermediate level training. By the end of ST5 trainees should have received six months training at the intermediate level. This has to be taken in a minimum of three month blocks - blocks of less than three months do NOT count towards your CCT.

For those interested in ICM please refer to 'The Intercollegiate Board for Training in Intensive Care Medicine' (www.ibticm.org).

The 7 General Units

These units should be generally available and intermediate training should take place in these units and formal workplace assessments completed. There are no fixed time requirements for these units and these competencies should be collected throughout the two years as opportunities arise.

The 5 Additional Units

These units may, or may not, be available depending on the distribution and availability of local services. It is expected that trainees will gain some of these special interest areas.

There is a great deal to be achieved in these two years, as can be seen. To optimise the opportunity for all trainees to obtain exposure to as many as possible, it is necessary that trainees rotate sometimes on a three monthly basis to gain the desired competencies.

In addition to these units, other aspects of training which are to be obtained are:

Communication skills, attitudes and behaviour
Responsibilities of professional life
Teaching and medical education
Health care management
Information technology
Medical ethics and law.

The CCT document gives details of each and should be read.

Eligibility for ST5 post

It is ESSENTIAL that you have the following to be eligible to apply for / progress into a ST5 post:

been issued an Intermediate Level Training Certificate (ILTC)
passed the Final Fellowship of the Royal College of Anaesthetists
satisfactorily completed all the required units/modules
completed and passed all workplace assessments

What the School would consider DESIRABLE for trainees by the end of their ST4 year:

have completed the minimum number of DOPS, CbDs, mini-CEX and 1 MSF
have completed 2 audits/re-audits
have completed an ATLS course and a PLS course
have presented at departmental level at least 4 times
Have completed a Research Methodology Course