An OOP provides trainees with the opportunity to take time out of training to develop new skills or interests whilst retaining a national training number. OOPs are always considered and >50% of EM trainees in Wales have taken one during their training at some stage.
Trainees considering OOP need to inform their Educational Supervisor and the Training Programme Director 6 months prior to anticipated start date. Trainees must complete a HEIW application form for approval by the Postgraduate Dean.
See the following for further information:
Types of OOP:
Out Of Programme for Experience (OOPE) – to gain specific experience in an area of practice or enhance clinical experience through medical leadership, academia, medical education or patient safety etc.
Out Of Programme for Training – to undertake an approved clinical training opportunity in the UK or overseas including acting up as consultant
Out Of Programme for Research – to undertake a period of research, usually not exceeding three years.
Out Of Programme Career break -to pursue other interests such as law or sport, or deal with a period of ill health
Examples of OOPs from Wales Trainees
Dr Tony Hanks (ST5) OOPE
OOPE Prehospital Care with the ABUHB Physician Response Unit (PRU), EMRTS and Grange University Hospital Emergency Department (ED).
“I thought the year was absolutely brilliant. It's been a great eye opener to the world of PHEM and has definitely improved my practice. Worth observing a PRU shift before applying to see what you’re in for! PHEM isn’t all helicopters and twitter profile pics - its kit checking, rainy fields and finishing late!”
About:
The annualised rota is split 60:40 with ED shifts on the SpR rota and Pre-Hospital Emergency Medicine (PHEM) activities. Pre-hospital time is predominantly spent with the PRU, providing community emergency medicine to patients who have rung 999 and may benefit from being treated in their own setting or directed to other community services. Other PHEM time includes attendant shifts with EMRTS providing critical care and other activities with PHEM trainees and Consultants. Shifts with the PRU commence with a period of induction and then regular supervised shifts throughout the year as well as independent shifts.
SPA and Study Leave are included in the rota and trainees receive a comparable study budget.
Future OOPE plans include shifts with: HART, Ambulance Control at VPH, Police firearms, Highways agencies, Mountain Rescue and regional Paeds transfer teams!
For further info email either greg.cranston@wales.nhs.uk or Tim.rogerson@wales.nhs.uk PHEM / EM Consultant GUH
Dr Emily Bebbington ST3 (On OOPR)
"OOPR Welsh Clinical Academic Track Fellowship
“I gained a Welsh Clinical Academic Track training number in 2019. This is a training number through to CCT with 20% protected academic time, plus 3 years OOPR (full time) to complete a funded PhD on 'Understanding misclassification of accidental, suicidal and homicidal burns in adults in South Asia'. The OOPR is a great programme but sadly there hasn’t been anyone in EM who has gained one of these numbers before. The photo is of me visiting a burns unit at Choithram hospital and Research Center, Indore to understand burn care in another part of India.”
For anyone who wants to learn more about WCAT, clinical academia, or the SASHI Project, contact Emily at e.bebbington@bangor.ac.uk or via Twitter @emilybebbington"