Education

1) For UK Graduates and Trainees

To pursue surgical training in the UK, you would typically need to fulfill certain requirements and go through specific steps. Here’s an overview of the process:

• Medical Degree: Obtain a primary medical qualification (MBBS or equivalent) from a recognized institution. This is typically a five or six-year undergraduate program.
• Foundation Training: Complete a two-year Foundation Programme after obtaining your medical degree. This program provides general medical and surgical training in various specialties.
• Core Surgical Training (CST): Apply for and complete Core Surgical Training, which usually lasts two years. This training provides a broad foundation in surgical principles and techniques across different specialties. During CST, you will gain experience in areas such as general surgery, orthopedics, urology, plastic surgery, etc.
• Specialty Training: Apply for a specialty training program in the surgical field of your choice. The specific specialty training varies depending on the surgical discipline you wish to pursue, such as cardiothoracic surgery, neurosurgery, or ENT surgery. Specialty training programs typically last five to seven years, including rotations through different hospitals and surgical departments.
• Membership Exams: Alongside your specialty training, you may be required to sit membership examinations conducted by the relevant Royal College or Surgical Specialty Association. These exams, such as the Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS), assess your knowledge and clinical skills.
• Higher Surgical Training: Progress through the higher surgical training program in your chosen specialty. This phase allows you to gain advanced knowledge, skills, and experience in a specific surgical discipline.
• Intercollegiate Exams: As part of higher surgical training, you may need to pass intercollegiate specialty exams, such as the Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS) examinations. These exams test your competence and readiness to practice independently as a consultant surgeon.
• Certification: Upon successful completion of higher surgical training and passing the necessary exams, you will be eligible for certification by the relevant Royal College or Surgical Specialty Association. This certification is often a requirement to work as a consultant surgeon in the UK.

To approach an Article 14 application for the specialist register in the UK, which allows doctors to be considered for inclusion in a specialty without completing a recognized training program, you can follow these steps:

• Review Eligibility Criteria: Familiarize yourself with the eligibility criteria for Article 14 application. The General Medical Council (GMC) provides specific guidelines and requirements that must be met, including demonstrating equivalent training and experience to the standard required for entry onto the specialist register.

• Gather Supporting Documents: Prepare all the necessary supporting documents to demonstrate your training, experience, and competence in the specialty. This may include your medical degree, postgraduate qualifications, evidence of relevant clinical experience, research publications, and testimonials from senior colleagues or supervisors.

• Research the Specialty Curriculum: Understand the curriculum and training requirements for the specialty in which you are seeking inclusion on the specialist register. This will help you identify any gaps in your training and experience that you may need to address.

• Reflect on Competence and Experience: Reflect on your clinical practice and experience, highlighting your achievements, areas of expertise, and any additional training or courses you have completed relevant to the specialty. This will help you articulate your suitability for inclusion on the specialist register.

• Consult with Peers and Mentors: Seek advice and guidance from senior colleagues, mentors, or experts in the specialty. They can provide valuable insights, review your application, and offer recommendations or suggestions to strengthen your case.

• Application Submission: Complete the Article 14 application form provided by the GMC. Ensure you provide all the requested information accurately and include supporting documents as required. Pay attention to any specific instructions or additional documents requested in the application form.

• Application Review and Assessment: Your application will be reviewed by the GMC and relevant specialty-specific bodies responsible for assessing Article 14 applications. They will evaluate your training, experience, and competence against the required standards for inclusion on the specialist register.

• Additional Assessments: Depending on the specialty, you may be required to undergo additional assessments or examinations to assess your knowledge and competence. This could involve interviews, practical assessments, or portfolio reviews.

• Outcome Notification: The GMC or the relevant specialty body will notify you of the outcome of your application. If successful, you will be included on the specialist register in the chosen specialty.

• It’s important to note that the process and requirements for Article 14 applications may vary depending on the specific specialty and the governing bodies involved. It is advisable to consult the GMC and the relevant specialty-specific bodies for detailed and up-to-date information regarding the application process, requirements, and any specific guidelines applicable to your chosen specialty.

e-Learning for Healthcare (e-LfH) is a valuable platform that offers a wide range of e-learning resources for healthcare professionals, including those in the field of colorectal surgery. Here are some resources specifically related to colorectal surgery available on the e-LfH platform:

• “Colorectal Surgery” module: This module provides comprehensive e-learning resources covering various aspects of colorectal surgery, including anatomy, investigations, surgical techniques, postoperative care, and management of complications.
• “Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS)” module: This module focuses on the principles and implementation of Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) protocols in colorectal surgery. It covers topics such as preoperative assessment, perioperative care, pain management, nutrition, and patient education.
• “Benign Anorectal Conditions” module: This module focuses on the diagnosis and management of common benign anorectal conditions, such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures, fistulas, and pilonidal disease.
• “Colorectal Cancer” module: This module provides e-learning resources on the diagnosis, staging, and management of colorectal cancer, including surgical techniques, adjuvant therapy, surveillance, and palliative care.
• To access these resources and explore other e-learning modules in colorectal surgery on the e-LfH platform, you can visit the e-LfH website at https://www.e-lfh.org.uk/ and create an account. Registration is free for National Health Service (NHS) healthcare professionals working in England, while there may be a fee for non-NHS users or those outside England.
• Additionally, it’s worth checking with your local surgical societies or professional organizations, such as the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland (ACPGBI), for any specific e-learning resources or courses they offer in colorectal surgery. These organizations often provide educational materials and opportunities for professional development in the field.