**For information on the 2010 SHO Matching Scheme please click here**
SHO Rotation programmes – Introduction
One- and two-year SHO rotation programmes (also called ‘training schemes’ and ‘SHO schemes’) are run by teaching/university hospitals and by some of the larger regional hospitals. SHO rotation programmes consist of a series of pre-arranged SHO posts, or ‘rotations’. Doctors rotate through different (sub)specialties every three, four or six months, completion of which ensures the doctor’s training meets the requirements for BST.
While programmes tend to be based in large tertiary referral hospitals most involve a period of three to six months in a smaller general hospital, which in the case of General Internal Medicine, provides excellent exposure to acute general medicine. Some programmes also involve posts in specialist clinical centres, such as rehabilitation hospitals or hospices. Paediatric programmes all involve at least six months in a Neonatal unit or maternity hospital.
Entry onto these programmes is very competitive but has the advantage of ensuring a doctor's training meets the requirements for BST. It should be noted though that acceptable training can be gained from working in a series of 'stand-alone' posts.
SHO rotation programmes commence on 1st July each year and are advertised in December/January, with interviews normally taking place in March. SHO rotation programmes are advertised in the Sunday Independent, Irish Medical Times and Irish Medicine Weekly.
Doctors who are not on structured rotation programmes are advised to read the requirements for a BST Certificate very carefully to ensure that they do not spend too much time in a particular specialty or hospital.
RCPI’s involvement
The RCPI coordinated the application, interview and matching process for the following SHO Rotation Programmes in 2009:
• Beaumont Medical SHO Rotation Programme
• Connolly Hospital Medical SHO Rotation Programme
• Mater Misericordiae University Hospital Medical SHO Rotation Programme
• St Vincent’s University Hospital Medical SHO Rotation Programme
• Trinity Medical SHO Rotation Programme (St James’s and Tallaght combined)
• Galway University Hospital Medical SHO Rotation Programme
• Cork Medical SHO Rotation Programme (CUH and Mercy combined)
• National Paediatric SHO Rotation Programme
• National Histopathology SHO Rotation Programme
Applications for 2009 ‘Matching Scheme’
Applications for SHO Rotation Programmes in General Internal Medicine, Paediatrics and Histopathology commencing July 2009 opened in January 2009. Interviews were held in March.
Entry Requirements
Candidates are eligible for entry on completion of their Intern year. Candidates must possess good undergraduate and/or postgraduate records and references. Full or temporary registration with the Irish Medical Council on 1st July 2009 was mandatory (certified copy of registration certificate required).
Overview of Application and Matching Process
Following a short-listing process, successful candidates are called to interview. Interviews for Rotation Programmes in General Internal Medicine take place in three centres – Dublin, Cork and Galway. Interviews for Rotation Programmes in Paediatrics and Histopathology take place in Dublin. Candidates are required to complete a preference form and following interviews candidates are informed whether they have been matched to a Rotation Programme. There are two rounds of matching. The process concludes after the second round of offers.
Deferrals & Overseas Experience
Trainees who are allowed to defer a two-year rotation programme for one year should note that any overseas training obtained before returning to Ireland cannot be accredited for 6 months BST.
Should you have any further queries, please contact:
Ms. Jessica Ramsey or Ms. Aoife Ni Mhaitiu,
BST Team
Royal College of Physicians of Ireland,
Frederick House, 19 South Frederick Street, Dublin 2
Phone: (01) 863 9700 E-Mail: bst@rcpi.ie