The career course followed by a prospective urologist has evolved through a pathway that has seen many recent changes as a result of influences such as the Modernising Medical Careers (MMC) programme and the subsequent Tooke report.
After completing a recognised medical degree, a typical postgraduate pathway includes progression through foundation, core and specialty training.
This is a paid training job of 2 years duration (FY1 and FY2). It usually takes place in a hospital, or other medical setting, and incorporates a range of medical & surgical specialties. Applications are made through the Foundation Programme, with medical students matching to recognised placings.
Core Training
This is a paid training job of 2 years duration (CT1 and CT2). It is usually hospital-based and 'themed' within a surgical specialty. Applications to this training programme are made via regional deaneries and require satisfactory completion of the foundation programme competencies.
During this training programme, the doctor would be expected to complete the Membership of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons (MRCS) examination.
Fixed-term specialty training appointments (FTSTA)
These appointments are available at CT1 and CT2 level to provide a fixed-term, educationally-approved, training post. Such posts are limited to a 12-month duration and a maximum of 2 posts may be completed. These posts may help to boost a portfolio or provide a useful means of training whilst awaiting the subsequent recruitment round for the next level of training.
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Specialty Training
This is usually a 5-year training post (ST1-5). This post is hospital-based and provides a focused training in Urology. Recruitment to these posts is via a National Selection scheme which takes place twice each year.
Upon completion of this training scheme, a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) is awarded and the candidate is eligible to apply for a senior Urology appointment. It is a requirement that the Intercollegiate Examination in Urology is completed as part of this training scheme, before the candidate is able to take up a senior appointment.
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Post CCT Fellowship
These posts may be pursued upon obtaining a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT). They are usually in centres of excellence providing additional training at a sub-specialty level. They are outside the remit of the Specialist Advisory Committee (SAC).
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Career Grade Posts
This group of practitioners includes Staff Grade Doctors, Associate Specialists, Clinical Assistants and other non-training posts. It is likely that, in the future, the majority of these practitioners will be Specialty Doctors. This group of surgeons provides a number of roles in the NHS, covering many aspects of Urological care. The remit of each post will be tailored locally, according to the needs of the Urology service. The Specialty Doctor will be key to the provision of future Urology services and to the meeting of targets. It is likely that Specialty Doctors will be involved in the provision of outpatient and surgical services as well as having a role in the training of other staff.
Requirements for entry into a Career Grade post include:
- Full General Medical Council (GMC) Registration
- 4 years postgraduate training (of which 2 years must be in Urology)
It is important that the Specialty Doctor demonstrates evidence of ongoing career development and maintains a comprehensive portfolio.
Specialty Doctors may, at some stage, wish to work as Consultants. In order to do this, an application must be granted to join the General Medical Council (GMC) Specialist Register. In order to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility of Specialist Registration, application by Speciality Doctors must be made through the Article 14 process.
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