Audiovestibular Medicine (formerly known as Audiological Medicine) is the medical specialty concerned with the diagnosis and management of hearing and balance disorders in adults and children. In addition to the rehabilitative/habilitative aspects of the chronic disorders encompassed within the specialty, a broad general medical training allows appropriate investigation and medical management of the plethora of conditions of both peripheral otological and central nervous system origin, presenting with acute audiovestibular symptoms, including infectious, inflammatory, vascular, traumatic and metabolic disorders. A multidisciplinary approach is adopted to these problems, including as well tinnitus, dysacuses and communication disorders, aimed at improving the well-being and quality of life of the individual concerned.
Training in the specialty includes aspects of Developmental Paediatrics, Geriatrics, Medical Genetics, Neurology, Ophthalmology, Otolaryngology and Psychiatry, as well as an MSc in Audiological Medicine. This breadth of training facilitates continuing research and development into methods of prevention of two of the most common sensory disabilities.
Competence Based Curricula and Assessment - StRs (for trainees who commenced training from 1 August 2007 to present)
There are two versions of curricula for this training period:
StRs who commenced training between 1st August 2007 and 3rd August 2010 will follow the 2007 version of their specialty curriculum and the 2007 Generic curriculum. Please see the 2007 Curriculum section of this webpage.
StRs who commenced training from 4th August 2010 onwards will use the 2010 version of their specialty curriculum. There is no need to follow the previously known ‘Generic curriculum' as this has now been embedded into the specialty curriculum. Please see the 2010 Curriculum section of this webpage.
The Joint Royal Colleges of Physicians Training Board (JRCPTB) is pleased to announce the 2010 Audiovestibular Medicine curriculum which has been reviewed and rewritten to:
This new curriculum has improved content, design and usability compared to its predecessors, and reflects a great deal of hard work and time expended by specialty curriculum groups. This curriculum will become the training manual for all trainees entering ST3 from 4th August 2010.
For further information on the 2010 curriculum it is recommended that you read the Quick Start Curriculum Guide.
If you have any queries or problems regarding the 2010 curriculum please email ptb@jrcptb.org.uk.
Core Training Programmes
Entry into Audiovestibular Medicine training is possible following successful completion of both a foundation programme and core training programme.
There are 4 core training programmes for Audiovestibular Medicine training:
Entry is also possible for trainees in Otolaryngology who have obtained MRCS(UK); core medical training will need to be completed as part of the training in Audiovestibular Medicine. Please click here for details.
Assessment
The following methods are used as part of the integrated assessment system:
The assessment blueprint, which is embedded in the clinical syllabus, shows the possible methods that can be used to assess each of the competencies in the curriculum. Trainees and trainers should refer to the blueprint for guidance on the appropriate assessment methods for each aspect of the curriculum, and so plan the training programme according to the criteria set by the ARCP Decision Aid. It is not expected that all competencies will be assessed by all methods, rather that there will be a sampling of competencies within a variety of settings, both within formal and workplace-based assessment, from which overall competence acquisition has to be determined.
The diagrams below describe the possible training pathways:
Please view the 2010 curriculum for Audiological Medicine for full details on the training routes and selection criteria.
Entry into Audiovestibular Medicine training is possible following successful completion of both a Foundation Programme and a core training programme.
Please view the 2007 curriculum for Audiological Medicine for full details on the training routes and selection criteria.
Assessment
The assessment blueprints show the possible methods that can be used to assess each of the competencies in the curriculum. Trainees and trainers should refer to the blueprints for guidance on the appropriate assessment methods for each aspect of the curriculum, and so plan the training programme according to the criteria set by the ARCP/RITA Decision Aid. It is not expected that all competencies will be assessed by all methods, rather that there will be a sampling of competencies within a variety of settings, both within formal and workplace-based assessment, from which overall competence acquisition has to be determined.
Further information on the various methods of assessment can be viewed in the Assessment section of this website.
The diagram below describes the training pathways in general terms.
Competence Based Curricula - SpR (for trainees who commenced training between 1 Jan 2003 and 31 July 2007)
The JCHMT introduced revised curricula for all the medical specialties together with a generic curriculum that applied to all trainees back in 2003. These are competence-based and set out the knowledge, skills and attitudes to be acquired by trainees before they may be awarded a CCT.
Curricula - SpR (for trainees who commenced training before 1 Jan 2003)
The curricula for trainees enrolling pre 01/01/03 are no longer available on the website but can be obtained by request to ptb@jrcptb.org.uk
Current members of the Audiological Medicine Specialist Advisory Committee. Please contact the
Committee Manager for further details.