Paediatric training
in europe
The CESP is the specialist section of paediatrics of the European Union
of Medical Specialities (UEMS). Represented are the member countries of
the European Union and the European Free Trade Association. United Kingdom
representation is made by two members of the RCPCH. In addition CESP has
admitted subspecialities to their meetings and after successful application
in 1996 Endocrinology is represented by the European Society for Paediatric
Endocrinology.
The task of harmonising training programmes and training assessments
through Europe lies within the remit of the European Board of Paediatrics
(EBP) which has been specifically charged by CESP with this task. To achieve
this EBP will recommend the standards for specialist training in paediatrics
including training quality, syllabus and minimal standards for training
centres. To this end recognition has been given to the diverse training
needs of different types of Paediatrician and carefully constructed training
programmes have been proposed.
The EBP has designed the following training system:
A) Common Trunk - a three year training in basic Paediatrics
which serves as the common basis and prerequisite for all other training
programmes. This will gradually be adopted in the UK and will probably
culminate in the award of the MRCP or its future equivalent.
B) Primary Care Paediatrics - a 2-3 year programme to produce
a General Paediatrician (Not a UK concept, more of a Family Doctor with
Paediatric Expertise).
C) Secondary Care Paediatrics - a 2-3 year programme producing
a Paediatrician with or without a special interest practising in a hospital
setting.
D) Tertiary Care Paediatrics - a 3 year programme to generate
an individual with a commitment of greater than 0.6 Whole Time Equivalents
employed in a hospital setting and academically active.
E) Social and Community Paediatrics
The present training programme is largely devoted to providing for (C)
and (D) but it is recognised that contributions will need to be made to
the Common Trunk and in the United Kingdom to (E). The training syllabus
for the Common Trunk has been devised by the RCPCH with BSPED input and
the relevant sections are summarised in Appendix 2.
Considerable flexibility needs to be maintained to allow for individual
choice and to allow for changes in direction by the trainee.
Calman SpR Training. All time requirements suggested in the Calman
process should be viewed as the minimum. Currently 2 core years
of general, neonatal and community paediatics are required before
a minimum of 3 elective years (see
flow chart). It is envisaged that those seeking a tertiary
level subspecialist training will need a minimum of 1y as a research
fellow or lecturer in accredited training centres (see
here) and that the availability of such training may be limited
by manpower considerations. It is unlikely to be possible to complete
tertiary subspeciality training within the Calman scheme.
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