Since 2010 junior doctor level training in Emergency Medicine has been revolutionized by the introduction of the Acute Care Common Stem training programme. This is now the only route through which higher specialist training can be entered in Emergency Medicine.

ACCS involves the first two years of generic training, constituting:

  • CT1: 6 months Emergency Medicine and 6 months Acute Medicine
  • CT2: 12 months Anaesthesia/Critical Care
  • In CT3 Emergency Medicine trainees continue onto 6 months Paediatric Emergency Medicine and 6 months adult EM, with a trauma emphasis.

During ACCS(EM) trainees rotate through a variety of Emergency Departments around the West Midlands, giving them opportunities to learn in varied environments, from level one trauma centres to rural district general hospitals. In each department trainees are encouraged to take an active role in participating in audits, research & management projects.

Each trainee is assigned an educational supervisor for CT1 & 2 who is an Emergency Physician. Throughout the intial two years trainees work through the ACCS curriculum, supporting their learning with a regional teaching programme and e-learning. Trainees link evidence to their College of Emergency Medicine e-portfolio which aids them in directing their learning. The focus throughout these two years is on knowledge and skills acquisition alongside development of core competencies such as communication skills and ethical awareness. Trainees prepare for MCEM examination during these two years.

The West Midlands is a region with enthusiastic & supportive EM consultants who are keen to develop the speciality of Emergency Medicine through education & training of junior doctors in the specialty. The regional training programme is held across training sites with 10 sessions held per year. There is also a mentor/mentee scheme in the region with HST doctors acting as mentors to CT1-3 trainees.