Scottish Medical Training

Core Training in Psychiatry (CT.1 to CT.3) takes place over three years, in order to complete the Core Competencies required to progress to Higher (S.T.4 to S.T.6) Training.

The North of Scotland is a modern and culturally diverse place to live. 
Aberdeen is described as one of the most desirable cities in which to live and work in the UK. Elgin has ready access to the great outdoors with many activities readily available on your door step. Inverness is one of Europe’s fastest growing cities and is ranked 5th out of 189 British cities for it’s quality of life. It is worth noting how well our Core Training Programme is rated consistently favourably in The GMC Annual Trainee Survey.

The North of Scotland offers an excellent range of training posts in core psychiatry. Trainees will have the opportunity to work in a variety of geographical areas, including urban, semi-rural, and rural settings. The majority of The North of Scotland Core Trainees will complete their three years of training in Aberdeen. Some Trainees may be placed in Inverness or Moray (Elgin) particularly if they express such a preference. Rural and semi-rural placements require a driving license and access to a car.

During their three years of Core Training, Trainees will undertake a minimum one-year placement in General Adult Psychiatry and a six-month placement in Old Age Psychiatry. Opportunities are also available to experience more specialized placements in, Forensic/IPCU, Psychotherapy, Rehab, Addictions, Eating Disorders, Liaison, Learning Disability, Young Peoples, Child and Family, Perinatal Psychiatry and there is the opportunity for an Academic psychiatry post. Trainees’ preferences of placements in the specialities are discussed with the Training Programme Director and every effort will be made to accommodate these requests. The majority of placements involve In-Patient, Outpatient, and Community-Based Services. Trainees will be expected to take part in the Out-of-Hours On-Call Rota, and will have the opportunity to carry out Para suicide and urgent referral assessments.

Core Trainees are allocated an Educational Supervisor in each of their placements, and will receive regular weekly supervision. The well-organized Postgraduate Training Programme consists of a protected Wednesday afternoon M.R.C.Psych. Course, and there are ample opportunities for Trainees to present at Journals Clubs and Case Conferences. In addition there are special all day study days in both Aberdeen and Dundee. All Core Trainees will also be allocated a weekly Psychotherapy Supervision Group. There is a Mental State Meeting on a Wednesday morning which is supervised by higher trainees and is excellent preparation for the CASC and improving clinical skills. 

Core trainees have a generous study leave budget and are actively encouraged to seek appropriate opportunities for training.

Trainees will have the opportunity to undertake Research and Audit projects, as well as involvement in University of Aberdeen Medical Student Undergraduate teaching opportunities.

Grampian (in Royal Cornhill Hospital, Aberdeen)

Moray (in Dr. Gray's Hospital, Elgin)

Highland (in New Craigs Hospital, Inverness)