Our main aim is to run a successful postgraduate training programme for intending General Practitioners

The Programme

There are three main components in the normal course of training, which lasts three years:

• Four-month initial period and an eight-month final period in a selected teaching practice.
  (See "The Practice Year" "Our GP Trainers" and "Training Practices")
• An integrated training post (ITP) or a further six months in a different teaching practice
• 18 months in consecutive four-month or six-month hospital appointments (See "Hospital Posts")
• A half-day release course, which occurs each Wednesday afternoon during University term time and continues through the three-year training period. (See "Half day Release")
  The programme is flexible allowing for shorter attachments and part-time "flexible training" appointments if appropriate.

Attendance at Postgraduate Meetings and courses is encouraged. All GP registrars who enter GP training will be required to sit the MRCGP examination (see "Assessment").

We arrange a two-day introductory course for new GP registrars, which is very successful. The course combines learning about the programme with physical activities and group development work. The course is an effective way for the new group of training doctors to get to know each other.

The training practices have been carefully chosen and approved to ensure that all the GP registrars are exposed to a high standard of general practice in their earliest years. Each GP registrar will be appointed to a specific GP Trainer - their educational supervisor - who will be responsible keeping an overview of their training throughout their time on the Programme. GP Trainers encourage GP registrars to remain in contact with their training practices during their hospital attachments. The programme formalises this with a biannual "back in practice" half-day release attachment for GPRs.

GP registrar participation

GP registrars have an important say in the running of the Programme, in particular the half-day release seminars, the Practices and the hospital posts. GP Registrars sit on all the committees directing the Programme and strongly influence it. The half-day release course is under continuous revision, and is very responsive to individually perceived needs. A representative is appointed to represent the GP registrars from each year group, who meets with the Training Programme Directors at least once each term. Also, GPR representatives are appointed to Deanery boards and the Cumbria RCGP faculty. Representatives will be involved in various appointment committees, Education committees etc. and do influence medical educational development in the area.

Integrated Training Posts (ITPs)

The programme also offers integrated training posts to GPRs on the scheme. These are an alternative to a 6-month hospital post or 6-month GP post. The posts are based in General Practice and allow short educational attachments in a range of hospital and community settings. The Programme has a particularly innovative selection of ITP posts on offer and GPRs are encouraged to help us explore possible ways of expanding this list into other clinical / educational / research areas which may be of interest to them.

Updated by TS on 10/08/2011