Brief ‘definition’ of specialty
Exciting specialty dealing with a mix of acute and chronic chest problems.
Brief run-down of training programme content and duration
Combination of core clinical skills along with achieving competency in procedures pertinent to the specialty (chest drain, bronchoscopy, pleural biopsy, thoracic ultrasound etc.). Rotation spans between four and five years depending on whether a single or dual accreditation (in General Internal Medicine [GIM]) is being targeted.
Exam requirements
An MRCP(UK) prior to application is necessary. A Specialty Certificate Examination (SCE) in Respiratory Medicine is also mandatory before the Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) is awarded.
Other requirements
Logbook of procedures and outpatient activity, valid advanced life support (ALS) certificate, level 1 competency in pleural ultrasound, competence in bronchoscopy, and a management course is mandatory prior to CCT.
Opportunities/expectations for out of programme/research
Excellent opportunity for research with a very well structured training programme.
A day in the life of a Registrar/Consultant
8:30 am: Ward round in acute receiving unit
9:30 am: Coffee break (a must!)
10:00 am - 12:00 pm: Bronchoscopy
12:00 pm - 12:30 pm: Catching up with paperwork
12:30 pm - 1:00 pm: Lunch
1:30 pm - 4:00 pm: Tuberculosis (TB) clinic
4:30 pm: Home time
Pros and Cons of working in this specialty
Pros
- An excellent and exciting specialty with just the right combination of acute and chronic medical problems with very good research opportunities
No cons!
How this specialty differs to others and what made me choose it
As above.
Tips for success in applying for this specialty
- Show your commitment towards the specialty. Make sure you have done at least one block of respiratory medicine as a Specialist Trainee (ST)
- Having some abstracts, publications particularly in respiratory medicine always helps
- Presentations in national and international conferences (BTS, ERS etc.) would fetch extra brownie points
- Make yourself known to the relevant people
- A prior research degree (BSc, MD or PhD) although not necessary adds great strength to the application
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