The RCPI masterclass series 'Treating the Acutely ill Patient' will be held over 9 months and is aimed at keeping doctors up to date in evolving medical practice outside their specialty area, and to facilitate their continuing medical education.

Outlining the details of the series Dr. Diarmuid O'Shea, Convener of the Masterclass Series said "The series will cover recent advances in the management of common medical conditions that often require hospital admission as well as identifying early intervention that may prevent hospital admission or if the patient is admitted to help facilitate an appropriate early discharge."

Multi-skilled Approach

The College developed the Masterclass concept in 2005. In an innovative approach the RCPI have taken speakers from a number of different specialties under the central theme of 'Treating the Acutely Ill Patient' keeping doctors up to date on evolving medical practice outside their own subspecialty area. Giving participants an up-date on recent advances.

The series will initially run over 6 sessions focusing on many different specialties including cardiology, neurology, geriatrics and respiratory medicine. Sessions will deal with a symptom-based approach to diagnosing and managing patients on varied topics. Video-conferencing and podcast facilities will also be available for each meeting making it easier for doctors to participate in the programme.

"The nature of the Irish health service has meant that many doctors 'on call' find themselves dealing outside their core specialty area and they require a wide and varied knowledge that is up to date." said Dr. O'Shea. "The Royal College of Physicians are charged with improving and maintaining standards of training for physicians and this programme is an example of the new and fresh thinking being applied by the College to post graduate medical training in Ireland."

The objective of the series is to help those doctors who are at the front line of our health service to continuously improve their skills base. The programme qualifies for 18 credits from the Continuing Medical Education programme.

The series will run from 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., on the first Wednesday of the months of November 2007, February 2008, March 2008, April 2008, May 2008 and June 2008.

To register, click here or contact the RCPI Masterclass desk on 01-8639700.