Coventry & Warwickshire

 

'The areas is unique in the West Midlands in offering separate teaching for first year (ST1), second year (ST2) and final year (ST3) trainees. This enables us to tailor teaching to your stage of training; ST1 'Preparing for Training', ST2 "Preparing for Assessment" and ST3 "Preparing for Practice". We also have whole day teaching events during the year when everyone comes together and there is opportunity for peer to peer learning and teaching.'

Experience training in Coventry and Warwickshire

Coventry and Warwickshire offers something for everyone. Cathedrals, Castles and Country houses; parkland, country walks, sporting venues, theatres national and regional, outstanding landmarks and historical sites of interest. For those enjoying town and city life there are great amenities. We have brilliant train and road links – 90 minutes to London and close to Birmingham International airport.

Key Contacts

Please see our website: http://vts.wm.hee.nhs.uk/candw/ or contact Training Programme Director Dr Vicki Purser: vpurser@doctors.org.uk

ST1 – 'Preparing for Training'

We have hospital placements across the specialties in Warwick, Coventry, Rugby and Nuneaton as well as in Public Health and Palliative Care. We have an introductory day for all new starters and ST1s meet on a Tuesday afternoon for VTS teaching at UHCW in Coventry.

ST2 – "Preparing for Assessment"

In ST2 you will spend six months in another secondary care specialty and six months in General Practice. The ST2 teaching is on a Thursday morning in Warwick.

ST3 – "Preparing for Practice"

As an ST3 you will be in General practice for the year. The locations and some information about all our training practices can be found on our interactive google map:

http://vts.wm.hee.nhs.uk/candw/Practice-Locations

ST3 VTS teaching is on a Thursday afternoon in Warwick.

 

Our education team are enthusiastic and committed to helping you transform into confident, competent General Practitioners. Contact us to find out more.

The teaching programme

The teaching programme is outlined in our diary: http://vts.wm.hee.nhs.uk/candw/Diary 

Local support for MRCGP assessments

We introduce communication and consultation skills work early in ST1 and develop this through ST2 and ST3 using role players and video and ensuring plenty of practice in all the skills necessary to be successful in the CSA and in day to day General Practice.

Recognising the additional challenge faced by some International graduates we also hold regular days aimed at the specific needs of this group. The role players involved in these days have specific skills, knowledge, interest and enthusiasm in this area.

Academic and other opportunities

We have close links with Warwick Medical School and our trainees are encouraged to participate in DISC a scheme giving you additional skills in teaching and the opportunity to put this into practice, teaching medical students

We have two academic posts linked to the scheme for those with a particular interest in research and teaching.

Our trainees have also been able to undertake Postgraduate Awards in Primary Care at Warwick University.

Career prospects as a GP in Coventry and Warwickshire

Whilst posts in some areas remain very competitive there are ample opportunities for those finishing their training to work in the area. Details of partnerships and salaried posts are circulated via the trainee google group. We also have an active and proactive First 5 group giving support to those finishing training.

Want to find out more?

Website: http://vts.wm.hee.nhs.uk/candw/