Education and Training

Core training introduces trainees to all areas of congenital and Paediatric Cardiology as there is very little exposure to this in either Level 1 Paediatrics or Stage 1 IMT. Most trainees therefore commence their formal training in the specialty with little or no previous relevant experience on which to build. This is particularly relevant as Paediatric Cardiology can only be practised in highly specialised Congenital Cardiac Centres (in the UK and Ireland) of which there are 12 Level 1 (surgical and cardiology) and 4 Level 2 (Cardiology only) centres. Given the lack of previous experience, there is therefore the indicative requirement in this curriculum for a nominal total of 4 years equivalent in-program training experience in general Paediatric Cardiology, to achieve Level 4 capability (independent practice) in this fundamental area.

Generally, there are 5 national training days a year. For ST4-6 trainees, these training days are mandatory and a minimum of 80% attendance is required for ARCP. There will also be simulation and research national training days on alternative years.

Acceleration of training is possible and guidance is readily available from the GMC/RCP/JRCPTB website. Paediatric Cardiology specialty training is capability-based training with levels of entrustment rather than solely time-based, but it should be borne in mind that time is also needed to gain adequate exposure to a wider spectrum of cases. Acceleration will be considered on a case-by-case basis. However, this will be as an exception and not as a general rule. It can be considered at ST5 ARCP if ST6 competencies are met, but not earlier (i.e. not at ST4 ARCP).
Speak to your TPD first if you are considering this.