ST3 Posts

We hope to have all the training practices in North Staffordshire are listed shortly. The VTS rotation is now aimed at developing, mentoring, and following a trainee through the whole rotation. From ST1 to ST3, each trainee will normally have a single educational supervisor who will support, mentor, and appraise them in ST1 and ST2, and continue to do so as well as become their trainer in ST3. As this relationship develops, a trainee and their educational supervisor will become more familiar with each other, but we would still recommend a personal visit to the training practice closer to ST3 placement in order to meet the rest of the training practice.

Allocation of placements are conducted between the Deanery and North Staffs VTS. Preferences may be expressed but in the interest of fairness, allocations are random without prejudice. The VTS team are happy to discuss allocations with you and changes may be made on a discretionary basis subject to circumstances and availability.

Before ST3 placements start, you should complete an R7 form and hand this into the practice manager of your allocated training practice as soon as possible. This form is essential as it indicates to Birmingham Regional Office where you are going but more importantly where to send your salary. No form means no salary!

Training Practices

As a registrar you will be an essential part of the practice team with your own surgeries, patients to see and visit, tutorials to attend, practice meetings to join in with etc. It is a responsible job and needs commitment to the task. For example starting surgery late or not preparing for tutorials makes for tiresome training. You will get out what you put in, and many put a lot into the job, including the trainers.

Trainees have to complete regular e-portoflio entries on learning events and trainers/ assessors will enter their assessment evidence into the ePortfolio though out the year. It is the responsibility of the adult learner to drive their training and learning with support from the whole training practice. It is up to you to think about what your needs are and what subjects need to be covered. Don’t be afraid to feedback to your trainer what you feel about the tutorials. They can only be improved or changed if you shout up. Further help and advice is provided by the VTS educators and team, as well as your peers.

Registrars generally enjoy their 12 months in practice, and training practices enjoy having a registrar around. Whilst the year is geared towards the educational needs of the registrar within an environment rich in learning opportunities, and training, there is also a need to understand the service element of the post and the need to ensure that registrars leave their training able to deal with the demands of independent practitioner status.

Should you have any problems please discuss them with Dr Ralphs, VTS educators, or your trainer.

ST3 Teaching

We have a day release programme of approximately 24 sessions per year, attended solely by the GP Registrars. The training days are on Thursday afternoons; 3 terms with 8 sessions each. We have an annual 2 day residential to encourage team building and peer support.

Our programme is designed to meet the needs of the nMRCGP with a focus on communication skills. The content is decided with input from the registrars themselves and the registrars take an active part on the day. We have a regular journal club, discussion group, case analysis and small group work as well as outside speakers. There is active support to prepare registrars for the nMRCGP with 'mock CSA exams'.

Teaching within individual training practices can vary in method and programme. It is up to each trainee and trainer to plan and agree on teaching and training.