This article provides an overview of the positive steps taken – since the publication of the FRCA examination review – to enhance the quality and effectiveness of the RCoA, FICM and FPM examinations.
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Dr Sarah Thornton, Chair, RCoA Nominations Committee explains why it’s important to recognise the hidden achievements of our colleagues.
Our Awards allow us to recognise the outstanding, often hidden achievements in the fields of anaesthesia or relevant science, critical care medicine or pain medicine.
This article looks at how the UK’s changing workforce affects the role of the appraiser and provides some top tips on how to adapt to the current needs.
Our workforce is undoubtedly changing.
The latest GMC workforce report shows a striking 18% increase in the number of licensed doctors on its register between 2018 and 2022. Numbers have increased by 46%, most markedly among SAS and Locally Employed Doctors (LEDs), which is almost entirely down to a marked increase in the latter. LEDs are a very heterogenous group, including doctors just after foundation training (‘F3’), doctors in posts between core and specialty training, locum consultants and post-training fellows seeking further subspecialty experience. The biggest contingent however are trust-grade doctors and clinical fellows who arrive with medical qualifications gained abroad. The GMC currently registers significantly more international medical graduates (IMGs) than UK graduates every year at present.
There are also notable changes in employment behaviours among this cohort. Recently, significantly more of these IMGs have stayed in the UK beyond the short-term and more have entered training than previously. Some will seek entry to the specialist register via the portfolio pathway, but many hope to enter training in our specialty, typically at ST4 level.
This article explores how anaesthetists in training can ensure the successful completion of their Annual Review of Competency Progression.
Every year, anaesthetists in training (AiTs) undergo an Annual Review of Competency Progression (ARCP). ARCPs are a legal requirement and ensure that doctors are providing safe and high-quality patient care. They are used to assess progression against curriculum standards and provide evidence for General Medical Council (GMC) revalidation that happens every five years.
For AiTs, the ARCP panel reviews evidence submitted as part of the Educational Supervisors Structured Report (ESSR) on the Lifelong Learning Platform (LLP). The ESSR contains 16 sections and is the only thing visible to the ARCP panel, so it needs to be complete with all information required to ‘pass’ the ARCP!
Fortunately, the College has produced an in-depth checklist that outlines the requirements for a successful ARCP. This document clearly states what is required in each of the 16 sections for an Outcome 1 at ARCP. The ESSR itself must be created on the LLP after submission of all the prerequisite forms for all forms to pull through.
In this issue, we’re collaborating with the Association of Paediatric Anaesthetists of GB & Ireland (APAGBI) to focus on paediatric anaesthesia and produce a collection of resources.
In this issue, we’re collaborating with the Association of Paediatric Anaesthetists of GB & Ireland (APAGBI) to focus on paediatric anaesthesia. The APAGBI have selected half a dozen resources from their own and our collection for you to enjoy, whether you’re an anaesthetist in training or an experienced consultant.
‘The Body Coach’ himself Mr Joe Wicks, helps get our members' patients fitter in 2025.
The Centre for Perioperative Care (CPOC) has collaborated with the Perioperative Care for Older Patients (POPS) at Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, the British Geriatric Society and ‘The Body Coach’ himself Mr Joe Wicks, to help get your patients fitter in 2025.
New Year, new beginnings: the two workout videos cater specifically for patients who require low-impact exercise prior to surgery. CPOC is delighted to collaborate with Joe Wicks to promote the benefits of healthy living and specifically design resources for patients awaiting surgery who may be unable to undertake high-intensity regimes. Our aim with Joe has been to create some great resources, and we hope your patients will find these accessible, helpful, and relevant to their needs.
Dr Carolyn Johnston tells us about a new project aiming to find ways to improve the time it takes for patients to have their surgery.
Could you be part of next year’s cohort of CR&I fellows? Dr Adam Hunt tells us about the many wider benefits of a fellowship.
Would you like dedicated time to build your experience in research and QI while continuing clinical practice? Perhaps, you’re looking for mentorship from leading clinicians, researchers and policymakers in perioperative medicine? A fellowship with the Centre for Research and Improvement (CR&I) could be a perfect fit.
Alongside several other fellows, I’ve had the pleasure of a CR&I fellowship for the past year. Fellowships generally last 12 months, however several previous fellows have used the opportunity to develop proposals and obtain funding for higher degrees to continue their work. Fellows are attached to RCoA research projects, previously including PQIP, NELA, the QI Working Group, SNAPs and NAPs, among others.
Dr Eleanor Warwick shares what she's learnt about returning to work after a period of leave.
When I returned to my role as a CR&I/RCoA perioperative quality improvement programme (PQIP) fellow, I found this came with unique expectations and required planning. Hopefully by sharing what I learnt, it will help those who are returning to work after a period of leave, especially those returning to job roles that do not necessarily fit the norm.
Returning to work: general things to consider
When RTW there are key dates and tasks to consider. Table 1 details some of the things that need to be arranged and when these need to be done. There are also many resources to consult (see below ). Using these in conjunction with your hospital policy is a good starting point.
Dr Ee-Neng Loh provides some helpful tips for a smooth transition to maternity leave.
Preparing your home for your new arrival while managing professional responsibilities can feel overwhelming. As a NELA fellow involved in the set-up of the NoLap audit, there were unique challenges and expectations as I prepared for my absence.
Essential preparations before maternity leave
During your pregnancy, there are several essential tasks to complete. I found the checklist provided by the BMA particularly helpful in ensuring that nothing important was overlooked. Check out the BMA’s maternity leave checklist here.