The training programme is competency based, and covers Stage 1 (Core training) and then Stages 2 and 3 (Speciality training) in Anaesthesia, Pain management and Intensive Care Medicine (ICM). Subject to satisfactory Annual Review of Competency Progression over the training period, a trainee should become eligible for the award of a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT). Recruitment occurs twice a year and training programmes start in August or February. Anaesthesia is “uncoupled” i.e. core training is followed by open competition to higher specialty training at ST4 onwards.

Below is a brief outline of the different Stages - please see the individual pages for more detail.

StaGE 1 TRAINING

Stage 1 training encompasses a novice period during which you will obtain sign off for the Initial Assessment of Competency. This is usually at 3-4 months. Throughout the first year of training you will be supervised closely as you become more confident and competent in giving Anaesthetics. In CT2 you will be placed in maternity in order to be trained towards the Initial Assessment of Competency in Obstetrics Anaesthesia. In CT3 year you consolidate and grow your skills as an individual practioner.

In your core training you will also complete 6 months ICM training, often in 2 blocks of 3 months, In addition you will be required to sit and pass all components of the Primary FRCA in order to apply for an Specilaity training post. It is advised you do not leave your application for the primary too late as deadlines for Specilaity Training applications are sometimes earlier than the sitting of the FRCA in the CT3 year.

Core Training is done while placed at 2, sometimes 3 different hospitals.

STAGE 2 TRAINING

The Final FRCA exam must be passed within 24 months of starting Stage 2 training.  Anaesthetists in training usually spend the first year (ST4) in Oxford to achieve the key units of training not delivered in the DGHs (cardiothoracic, paediatric, neuroanaesthesia). As training numbers are expanded, some people may spend ST4 in a DGH and move to Oxford for ST5.

STAGE 3 training

During the final two years, AiT should try to tailor their training towards individual career plans and subspecialty interests. Specialist Interest Areas are available for trainees in Stage 3. These SIAs may be done in Oxford or in a DGH, subject to availability and sub speciality area. Appointment is often competitive for the kore popular SIAs and the selection process may involve interviews.  

Acute Care Common Stem (ACCS)

This is a four year programme providing training in Anaesthesia, Acute Medicine, Emergency Medicine and Intensive Care Medicine.

ACCS Anaesthetics CT1

The first year is usually divided between Acute Medicine and Emergency Medicine.

ACCS Anaesthetics CT2

The second year comprises of a minimum of three months Intensive Care Medicine and up to nine months of anaesthetics, and is broadly equivalent to the Core Anaesthetic CT1 year.

ACCS Anaesthetics CT3

This year is equivalent to the Core Anaesthetic CT2 year. 

ACCS ANAESTHETICS CT4

This year is equivalent to the Core Anaesthetic CT3 year.