Years 1-3 Core Training Summary
Core training in anaesthesia normally takes three years, leading to the award of the Stage 1 Training Certificate from the Royal College of Anaesthetists (RCoA). Trainees are then eligible for competitive entry to specialist training posts (ST4).
Core training is usually split between two or three of the six hospitals. At least one year is spent in a teaching hospital; either Heartlands Hospital or University Hospitals Coventry and Warwick. At least one year is spent in a district general hospital; one of either The Alexandra Hospital in Redditch, The George Eliot Hospital in Nuneaton, Good Hope Hospital in Sutton Coldfield or Warwick Hospital.
During the first year of training, the initial three months are spent gaining basic experience in anaesthesia and attaining the initial test of competency. This then allows trainees to begin to work with more distant supervision. Six months are also spent in intensive care. The remaining time is spent consolidating the basic skills learned, in various areas of the speciality.
The second year is usually when training in obstetric anaesthesia begins. Skills are also consolidated in other areas including paediatrics, the elderly, trauma, regional anaesthesia and pain management. In the third year, you will build and consolidate the skills you have learnt. Trainees are also expected to participate in audit activity.
By the end of the three years of core training, trainees are expected to have passed the primary examination of the Fellowship of the Royal College of Anaesthetists (FRCA). The examination assesses knowledge of the fundamentals of anaesthesia including physiology, pharmacology and physics. It is in two parts, the first part is a multiple choice paper. When this has been passed, the second part comprises an open structured clinical examination (OSCE) and a structured oral examination (SOE). The RCoA produces a syllabus outlining the knowledge base covered by the examination. The Warwickshire school organises teaching directed towards the primary FRCA on a half day release basis. There are also regional exam preparation courses which alternate between the three schools.
Years St 4-7 Training Summary
Trainees are appointed to ST4 level posts via competitive interview. In years 4 and 5, one year is spent at either UHCW or Heartlands and Solihull Hospitals and one year (two six month blocks) at two of the following hospitals - Warwick, Redditch, Nuneaton or Good Hope. During these two years, experience will be gained in neuro anaesthesia, paediatric anaesthesia, cardiothoracic anaesthesia and ICM. .
The end of stage 2 training required the passing of the final FRCA exam, following which a stage 2 level training certificate is awarded. Teaching for final FRCA is provided monthly at UHCW. Exam preparation courses are also run at UHCW prior to each exam sitting.
For St6 and St7 years, placements are allocated by the Programme Director and are dependent on training requirements. These years provide an opportunity to gain more in-depth training in the special interest areas. There are opportunities for research and out of programme training during the higher training years. Completion of training results in the Certificate of Completion of Training and trainees may then apply to GMC for inclusion in the Specialist Register.
Page Last Updated 22nd April 2024