TCD/HSE Specialist Training Programme in General Practice
PROSPECTUS 2012
Contact Details
Dept of Public Health & Primary Care, Trinity Centre, AMNCH, Tallaght, Dublin 24
Tel: 01 8963460/8962760
Email: gp.training@tcd.ie
Administration: Audrey Murray
Directions: See a map of the area
OPEN DAY
Date: Thursday, 8 December 2011
Time: 7.00pm
Venue: Robert Graves Postgrade Room, Trinity Centre, AMNCH, Tallaght, Dublin 24
INTERVIEW DATE
Friday, 24 February 2012
HISTORY
The Eastern Regional General Practice Training Programme Committee was set up under the auspices of the Irish Institute of General Practice in 1975 and the Training Programme began in July 1975. The Scheme owes its existence to the trojan endeavours at this time of Dr Manne Berber, Dr Michael Flynn and Dr John Goggin. Dr Berber became the first Course Director from 1978 to 1988.
Initially, the annual intake of trainees was four and this gradually increased to 10 in 1981, to 12 in 2005, and 15 in 2010. A day-release course for trainees and a trainers workshop both commenced in 1978.
The Irish Institute of General Practice ceased to exist in 1985. From then, the Eastern Regional General Practice Training Programme Steering Committee became an essentially free-standing committee.
Dr Owen Clarke ably directed the Programme from 1989 until 1995, when the present Director, Professor Fergus O'Kelly, succeeded him. Soon after this, the Programme was absorbed into the Health Board structure and is now funded by the HSE. In July 2004, the Programme moved from the Trinity Centre, St James's Hospital Complex to the Dept of Public Health & Primary Care, Trinity College Centre for Health Sciences, AMNCH. The name of the Training Programme then became the TCD/HSE Specialist Training Programme in General Practice.
STRUCTURE
The TCD/HSE Specialist Training Programme in General Practice Steering Committee holds overall responsibility for the running of the Programme. The Committee determines policies, makes appointments and ensures a liaison is maintained between the many elements of the Programme.
A course director and six assistant directors arrange the educational programme and the general organisation of the training programme. Administration support is provided by a HSE, Primary Care Unit staff member.
Membership of the Steering Committee is comprised of representatives of:
- Irish College of General Practitioners, Trinity College Dublin, Irish Medical Organisation, UCD/East Coast Scheme, South Western Area Health Board, Faculty of Community Medicine, Trainers, Trainees.
- Lay Representative, Hospital Consultant Reps (each of the major specialties are represented on this Board).
The Programme consisted of a three-year course until July 2002. Since 1 July 2002, the trainee programme has been of four years duration. The first two years are spent in relevant hospital posts, and the third and fourth years are spent in general practice under the supervision of a general practitioner trainer.
HOSPITAL POSTS
As of July 2005, Trainees rotate through the six major specialties on four-month attachments. Rotations in the following specialties are available: general medicine, medicine of the elderly, palliative medicine, paediatrics, obstetrics/gynaecology, psychiatry and emergency medicine.
GENERAL PRACTICE POSTS
There are at present 29 general practice trainers affiliated with the programme. A trainee is appointed to a practice, under the supervision of a trainer, for each general practice year. The practices include group, partnership and single-handed practices located in urban and rural areas. Video-recording is an intrinsic part of the learning process. New trainers are recruited as the need arises.
GENERAL PRACTITIONER TEACHERS
The general practitioner teachers and their practices are an indispensable resource to the Programme. They provide teaching practices for our Third and Fourth Year trainees.
ALLOCATION OF TRAINEES TO HOSPITAL AND GENERAL PRACTICE POSTS
All trainees entering this Programme must accept that they may be assigned to any of the Programme's hospitals or training practice posts.
THE DAY RELEASE
Description
A release course is provided during the academic year throughout the four-year programme. First Year, Second Year, Third Year and Fourth Year trainees meet as separate groups with their own group leader. Combined meetings of all years are arranged from time to time. The release course for First and Second year trainees is during afternoons only while Third and Fourth year trainees enjoy a full-day release course.
Clinical Dilemma
All groups gather together on Thursday afternoons. A presentation is given by one of the trainees on a 'clinical dilemma' that they have experienced in the hospital or practice in recent times. The case is presented, the issues are highlighted and it is opened up to group discussion.
Learning Process
Learning on the release course generally occurs through small group work. To enable this to be effective each group member must be prepared to think and act in the interest of the group as a whole in preference to their own interest. Implicitly, one's earnest and honest contribution of self to the group is of paramount importance to effective functioning.
Clinical Attachments
Clinical attachments may be arranged in those specialties in which trainees have been unable to gain satisfactory experience. Trainees are encouraged to identify their own learning needs in this matter. Access to dermatology, ENT, rheumatology and eye diseases are some examples of the clinical attachments that would be useful to First Year trainees. They should avail of the opportunities presented to them when working in a general hospital.
RESEARCH
All trainees are required to complete a substantial practice-based research project in the fourth phase of their GP training. In 2009, the introduction of an audit became an active part of Third Year. Research projects in the first and second years are also encouraged.
TEACHING FOR TRAINERS
A trainers' workshop takes place each month. Trainers also attend Trainers Weekend in September and must attend a National Trainers Course every three years. Trainers, when recruited, must attend a New Trainers Course.
ASSESSMENT
In 2010, an on-line assessment package was introduced to allow assessment to be conducted in a paperless, easy 'traffic light' system. All parts of the Programme are regularly assessed as an intrinsic part of the training process. This ensures that all the activities of teaching and learning on the Programme remain relevant to its aims and objectives. On this Programme, it is the responsibility of the Trainees to ensure that all assessment documentation is completed.
SELECTION OF TRAINEES
It is the policy of the Committee that not only should its method of shortlisting and interviewing be fair, but that it should be seen to be fair.
Special consideration is given to applicants who:
- Have demonstrated an interest in general practice during their undergraduate and postgraduate years.
- Have academic distinctions.
- Have demonstrated an interest in research
The short-listing Committee is appointed by the Steering Committee.
The final Interviewing Committee is also appointed by the Steering Committee. Included in its membership are representatives from the Committee and the hospitals involved with the Programme.