Endocrinology and diabetes is a broad ranging subject and therefore an enticing one for trainees and consultants alike since it encompasses basic mechanisms of physiology and pharmacology coupled with the ability to improve quality of life and long-term outcomes through effective disease control, and often cure. Endocrine and metabolic diseases are some of the most commonly encountered ones in the UK population, and are increasing in prevalence and impact in terms of health of the nation, emphasising the need to continue to strive towards improved health care delivery in our specialty. Endocrine diseases and diabetes affect every physiological system of the body determining that our specialists enjoy a wide range of skills and expertise and make a major contribution to general medicine in its broadest sense.
The specialty has something to offer for everyone. Historically, endocrinology and diabetes have been at the forefront of both basic science and clinical research determining that much of what we do has a strong evidence base. Every trainee and specialist has the opportunity to contribute further to that growing evidence base, which has led to so many innovations in recent years. There are many common conditions we help to manage, and in doing so we work closely with many different multiprofessional colleagues. Particular intellectual stimulation arises because many of the diseases we encounter are uncommon ones, presenting special diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. A broad training in endocrinology and diabetes provides the basis for progression to specialist posts in a wide range of settings from the smaller hospital to the large tertiary referral centre, from the community base to the University academic department.
Our Specialist Advisory Committee (SAC) has a long track record of successful delivery of training and education to trainees in our specialty. The SAC itself reflects a broad range of expertise, including input from the major specialist societies (The Society for Endocrinology and Diabetes UK) and input from trainees. The SAC has faced many recent challenges in these changing times but has striven with enthusiasm to maintain its high standards in terms of curriculum development and development of appropriate assessment tools.
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 Endocrinology and Diabetes Mellitus curriculum which has been reviewed and rewritten to:
- meet the GMC's 6 new standards as detailed in their Standards for Curricula and Assessment systems
- keep up to date with medical advances and changes in the service and training
- incorporate the framework documents produced by the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges (AoMRC) detailing Common, Medical Leadership and Health Inequality competencies
- include 5 new assessment methods (Acute Care Assessment Tool, Case based Discussion, Patient Survey, Teaching Observation and Audit Assessment).
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 Endocrinology and Diabetes Mellitus training is possible following successful completion of both a foundation programme and a core training programme.
There are 2 core training programmes for Endocrinology and Diabetes Mellitus training:
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 diagram below describes the training pathway:
Please view the 2010 curriculum for Endocrinology and Diabetes Mellitus for full details on the training routes and selection criteria.
Entry into Endocrinology and Diabetes Mellitus training is possible following successful completion of both a Foundation programme and a core training programme.
Please view the 2007 curriculum for Endocrinology and Diabetes Mellitus 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 Specialist Advisory Committee for Endocrinology and Diabetes Mellitis. Please contact the
Committee Manager for further details.