REGISTRAR TRAINING PROGRAMME

Registrar Training Programme

This programme was introduced on a pilot basis in 2010 and is now confirmed as a structured RCPI training programme approved by the Medical Council.  The aim of the RTP is to address the needs of doctors in Irish hospitals who wish to pursue structured training at registrar level with a view to progressing to Higher Specialist Training.

As trainees in the RTP are not placed into posts by the College all applicants must apply directly to the HSE (in the case of HSE hospitals) or directly to the relevant employer (in the case the voluntary hospitals) for a suitable position.

RTP is available to a limited number of suitably qualified doctors working in the following specialties:

• General Internal Medicine (and its subspecialties)
• Paediatrics
• Pathology
• Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Approval and recognition of RTP

RTP has been granted formal recognition by the Medical Council, and has the support of the HSE.  Doctors who gain entry to the programme will be registered on the Trainee Specialist Division of the Medical Council register and will be entitled to an NCHD training contract from their relevant hospital.

The programme consists of the following educational elements:
1. Supervised clinical training in approved Registrar posts, during which trainees must complete the RTP curriculum and certain skills must be acquired.
2. Designated educational courses depending on the specialty. Registered trainees are also required to complete RTP Logbooks as a record of their training through the programme.
3. The ongoing completion of the RTP logbook.

Entry Requirements
Entry to RTP is competitive.  Applicants will be assessed for suitability; specifically, how the programme could help them to become successful applicants to the HST programme. Entry requirements are as follows:

1. Applicants must hold a certificate of completion of Basic Specialist Training (formerly General Professional Training) in the relevant specialty. Confirmation of equivalence of BST in the relevant specialty will also be accepted.

2. Applicants must not have spent more than two years in Irish NCHD posts following completion of  Basic Specialist Training (excluding time spent in research/lecture posts).

3. Applicants must be eligible for inclusion on either the General or Trainee Specialist Division of the Medical Council’s register at time of application. 

How to apply
Applications to the RTP 2011-2012 are now closed.

Applications will be assessed for suitability for RTP by a panel convened by the relevant training body.

Training Credit

Trainees who successfully gain competitive entry to HST programme, following completion of RTP, may receive a maximum of  six months HST credit for each year of RTP, up to a maximum of 12 months post MRCPI completion subject to specific requirements.

Who to contact
Queries about RTP may be directed to RTP@rcpi.ie or 01 8639 778

Training is available in the following specialties:

 
 General Medicine:
 - Cardiology
 - Dermatology
 - Endocrinology and Diabetes Mellitus
 - Gastroenterology
 - Geriatric Medicine
 - Genito-Urinary Medicine
 - Infectious Diseases
 - Nephrology
 - Neurology
 - Medical Oncology
 - Palliative Medicine
 - Rehabilitation Medicine
 - Respiratory Medicine
 - Rheumatology

Pathology: 
 - Chemical Pathology
 - Clinical Microbiology
 - Haematology
 - Histopathology
 - Immunology

Paediatrics

Obstetrics and Gynaecology

For further information contact:

Ms Lisa Walsh - lisawalsh@rcpi.ie