Summary of approach and next steps
The 10 new programme networks have been mapped to minimise movement of trainees between hospitals and all post locations will be preference on entry to the programme. Though this does not guarantee first preference will be offered, on commencement of the programme all trainees will have certainty of their post locations. The revised Core IMT has been carefully considered in design to balance the widely varying factors that go in to providing an excellent training experience and supporting the needs of patients. Changes will be phased in across the next three years as outlined below.
BST GIM and Core IMT: Programme Changes Timeline
What Is Changing in 2027:
New Network Structure
- The current nine BST Programmes will be reconfigured into ten Training Networks.
- Networks will include fewer hospitals, with reduced overlap between Model 4 training hubs and Model 2 and Model 3 training sites.
Greater Focus on General Internal Medicine (GIM)
Year One will continue to consist of three-month rotations. Trainees will gain increased exposure to GIM, with each trainee completing at least two rotations in one or more of the following specialties, where posts are available:
- Acute Medical Unit (AMU)
- Geriatric Medicine
- Cardiology
- Respiratory Medicine
Each trainee will be assigned a dedicated trainer for the full year. Additional teaching modules will be introduced to complement local teaching programmes. These modules will be developed by RCPI within existing resources, with further expansion planned once full IMT funding is secured.
Revised Admissions and Rotation Allocation
- Admissions and preferencing processes will be updated
- Rotation allocation will be managed centrally by RCPI in partnership with local training sites.
Programme Requirements
- All other programme requirements will remain unchanged
- Network-specific action plans and implementation timelines will be shared with stakeholders.
Current Trainees
Trainees who entered the programme in 2026 and will be progressing to Year Two in 2027 will continue under existing arrangements
Model 2 and Model 3 Experience
- The requirement to complete at least three months, and in most cases six months, in a Model 2 or Model 3 hospital during the two-year programme will remain unchanged
- This experience is expected to take place primarily during Year Two.
What Is Not Changing in 2027:
The following aspects of the programme will remain unchanged for the 2027 intake:
- BST will remain a two-year programme. There will be no third training year at registrar level for trainees entering in 2027
- No expansion of SHO training posts. The number of BST SHO posts allocated to each hospital will remain the same as those allocated in July 2026.
What Is Planned for 2028 (Subject to HSE Funding Approval):
If funding is approved, the following developments are planned from 2028:
Introduction of Core IMT
- BST GIM will be renamed Core Internal Medicine Training (Core IMT)
- The 2028 intake will enter a three-year Core IMT programme.
Increased Training Capacity
SHO intake numbers will increase in line with network workforce plans.
Standardised Training Experience
- Year One will continue the phased introduction of standardised posts that provide experience in Dual IOM specialties and GIM and AMU
- Rotation duration will be informed by the outcomes of the current Flagship Programme
Programme Governance
- Local Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) will be established to support programme management
- Updated policies and procedures will be implemented to support programme change
Trainees Entering in 2027
Trainees who entered in 2027 and are in Year Two during 2028 will complete their training under the requirements in place at the time of entry, including:
- A minimum of 18 months on GIM call
- Three to six months in a Model 2 or Model 3 site
Additional Educational Resources
New educational supports will be developed to better prepare trainees for registrar-level practice
What Is Planned for 2029 (Subject to HSE Funding Approval):
By 2029, the programme is expected to be fully established.
Fully Implemented Training Structure
- All Core IMT trainees will be following the new programme structure
- Planned rotation blocks will be fully operational.
Programme Management
All clinical and administrative programme management roles will be in place.
Continuous Improvement
Policies and procedures will undergo a structured review to identify opportunities for refinement and clarification.
Planning for Year Three Training
- November 2029: Preferencing and evaluation processes for Year Three rotations will take place
- December 2029: Training sites will be notified of expected registrar intake numbers for July 2030.
Core IMT in 2030 (Subject to HSE Funding Approval):
The programme will reach an important milestone in 2030.
First Registrar-Level Rotations
The first Year Three registrar rotations will commence.
Continued Delivery of Years One and Two
Years One and Two of Core IMT will continue in line with the established programme design.
July 2031 will see the first Core IMT Trainees completing the new programme
Updates will continue to be shared via this webpage as the project progresses.