Scottish Medical Training

On completion of Clinical Radiology training in Tayside the trainee will be able to provide a complete consultant service with a full understanding of the clinical problem presented and a personal recommendation of the imaging management, conscious at all times of the needs and well-being of the patient. They will also gain a comprehensive understanding and experience of the wider issues of modern clinical practice (managerial, audit, research, teaching, consultative skills and self directed learning skills). This training scheme follows the new curriculum as set out by the Royal College of Radiologists,  2021.

In the first year, after 4 weeks of general induction, trainees have attachments in Ninewells (8 months) and Perth Royal Infirmary (three months) with days in Stracathro, Arbroath and Kirkcaldy.  Medical Physics teaching (one day a week) is delivered in Edinburgh or virtually with tutorials in Dundee. Anatomy teaching in Dundee and Edinburgh. This provides the theoretical knowledge to allow the trainees to pass Part I of the FRCR examination at the end of ST1.

In the second and third years the remainder of the core training is delivered in Tayside. The lecture programme to support this is delivered one day a month remotely and in person, in Dundee and Edinburgh. During this period the trainee is expected to pass the Part 2a of the FRCR Exam and be preparing for the Part 2b, which is usually attempted after three years in training. Support is provided in the form of in hous teaching, practice sessions mock exams as well as funded study leave.

The fourth and fifth years offer Higher Training to obtain competence and a greater degree of expertise in at least two areas. The radiologist would then be able to practice as a consultant with a special interest in these areas. Within this small scheme sub-specialty training is available in Dundee. If necessary some of this training may be supported by experience in other centres. We have six consultant Interventional Radiologists and GMC approval for new Interventional Radiology Training Curriculum. Tayside also hosts a subspeciality IR fellowship. 

Small friendly group of Radiology trainees (approximately twenty) predominantly based in Ninewells Hospital, Dundee. The trainees appreciate the high quality of training . Dundee has inexpensive housing, good schools and easy access to major Scottish cities and scenic countryside with a range of leisure activities. The smaller numbers allow highly personalised subspecialty training. The training is daytime with on call shifts.  Currently on-call starts after eighteen months in training  including a six month period of shadowing in ST2. Every trainee has a Clinical and Education Supervisor. Training is assessed locally by e-Portfolio and work place based assessments. There is a monthly meeting of registrars and trainers to discuss training issues. Many trainees stay on in Tayside as Consultants.

Less than full time training is supported. It is only offered if service and training needs are met. This arrangement is reviewed annually.

Our trainees have an excellent record for publishing and presenting research and audit

Ninewells Hospital, Dundee

• Perth Royal Infirmary

• Stracathro Hospital, Angus

• Arbroath Infirmary, Angus