Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I train in Pain Medicine?
Pain Medicine is part of the curriculum for all anaesthetic trainees throughout their training. All trainees must complete basic and intermediate pain training in CT1-ST4. Higher and Advanced training is optional.
Is there a CCT in Pain Medicine?
There is no separate CCT in pain medicine; it is part of the CCT in Anaesthesia.
When in my training should I keep a Pain Medicine logbook?
As stated in the curriculum (section 8.4.4) all trainees (CT1-ST7) should keep a logbook of significant acute and chronic pain cases seen and procedures learnt during theatre lists, acute pain rounds and outpatient chronic pain clinics.
At what stage of anaesthetic training should I attend acute pain rounds and chronic pain clinics?
All anaesthetic trainees should attend acute pain rounds throughout training. Ideally these should be equivalent to one round each quarter, although this training may be delivered in modules. All pain rounds must be noted in the pain logbook. The revised Basic pain curriculum requires an introduction to the biopsychosocial model of pain and some pain clinic visits are advisable e.g. two per year in CT1 and 2, although this training may be delivered in modules.
As an ST 3/4, how long is the compulsory module of pain training?
The total of acute and chronic pain sessions will be a minimum of 20 half day session.
Why should I opt to do Higher Pain Training?
This will be useful for any trainee who wants to expand their knowledge and skills in pain medicine. It is an essential step to Advanced Pain Training and for a future consultant with a special interest in running an acute pain service or a career in Pain Medicine. Higher pain training is considered the minimum training for a consultant who will undertake acute pain sessions.
How do I become a fellow of the Faculty of Pain Medicine?
There are several routes to fellowship. Most commonly this is open to those who have successfully completed Advanced Pain Training. Trainees starting Advanced Pain Training after 1 February 2011 will need to pass the Pain Faculty fellowship exam.
Is there an examination in Pain Medicine in the UK?
Pain medicine is part of the syllabus for the FRCA examination. No other examination is necessary to complete the CCT in Anaesthesia. However trainees with FRCA, who start APT after 1 February 2011, will need to pass the Pain Faculty fellowship examination as part of their assessment to become a FFPMRCA.
Is there a formal teaching programme for Pain Medicine?
The 2010 curriculum should guide any programme of training and the Pain Faculty organises a programme of pain study days each year, including a 3 day meeting for Higher and Advanced pain trainees. Teaching is also organized at a school level and the Regional adviser in Pain Medicine and the Local Pain Medicine Educational supervisor are points of contact for Trainees. The London Deanery has recently developed a formal lecture course with ten study days per year for its advanced pain trainees.
How much pain training can you do?
As explained in the RCOA 2010 curriculum, Basic and Intermediate pain training is compulsory, Higher training (four to 12 weeks) is for those who want to know more about Pain Medicine (see Q6) and Advanced training (12 months) is for those who want to be a future consultant with a specialist pain interest. Anaesthetic trainees must ensure they have completed their compulsory anaesthetic modules to attain the CCT in Anaesthesia.
Do Higher and Advanced Pain Trainees need to register with the Faculty?
Yes. Please complete the form available here.