Most medical doctors have a ready plan for a speciality, while others may want to experience each speciality before making a decision. In the UK, the traditional speciality training routes take some time to complete, including Internal Medicine, General Surgery, Pediatrics, Obstetrics, and Gynecology. Some people lose patience along the way, while others are determined to see it through. People also look out for specialities with an excellent work-life balance.
The confusion about what speciality training route to take is common, especially amongst international medical graduates. Many have spent some time practising in their home country and may feel that another 8-10 years to complete a training programme is too long. In this blog post, I will outline six speciality training you can do in under six years in the UK.
6 Under 6 Years Training Specialities In The Uk
Psychiatry
It may take up to a total of six years to become a fully trained psychiatrist. The training is in two parts- core training and higher training. You will spend up to three years completing three exams to finish core training. When you progress to higher training, you spend up to three years with several exams to complete the training process. If you cannot complete or pass the exams in core training, you will not be able to progress to higher training. You may be given additional but limited time to retake them or be advised to take time out of training to finish them.
Psychiatry is a rewarding speciality in that there is no time pressure in day-to-day practice as opposed to others. You will get approximately one hour to see a patient and finish your documentation. Some people find it a little laid back and opt out due to the large amount of paperwork and documentation that may be involved. However, if you have no issues with paperwork, then psychiatry may be an enjoyable speciality to pursue.
Acute Medicine
Acute Medicine is another exciting speciality, you basically see patients that have been transferred from the emergency unit or admitted from the community. It can be completed in six years. When you finish your foundation years one and two, you will enter Core Medical Training (CMT) or Acute Care Common Stem (ACCS). CMT runs for two years, while ACCS runs for three years and covers Acute Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Anaesthetics, and Critical Care. The next step will be to start the specialist training programme, which will be from ST3- ST6, depending on your path. The Specialist Training Programme – Acute Internal Medicine. Entrants to specialist training in Acute Internal Medicine must have completed Core Medical Training or Acute Care Common Stem training and acquired the MRCP (UK). You can achieve this within six years with dedication and hard work and become an Acute Medicine Consultant working in the Acute Medical Unit.
Emergency Medicine
Emergency medicine is fast-paced, requiring stamina to be an ED doctor. You are essentially on your feet throughout your shift, and it is time-pressured. You must finish with a patient and move on to the next as quickly as possible. Some people find it exciting, while others may find it daunting. I got the information on the training route directly from the Royal College of Emergency Medicine website. Training Pathways the standard training pathway involves the Acute Care Common Stem (ACCS) (ST1-ST3), followed by Higher Specialist Training (ST4-ST6), taking a minimum of six years. This can easily be extended by out-of-program time, sub-speciality training, or if you wish to work part-time. Applicants can opt for “run-through training”, which avoids the need for re-application after the first three years, subject to satisfactory progress.
The DRE-EM (Defined Route of Entry into Emergency Medicine) programme provides an alternative route to training. This route is designed for doctors who have already gained additional experience in Emergency Medicine or other specialities, with entry at the ST3 level. You will find more information here. https://rcem.ac.uk/careers-in-emergency-medicine/
Community Sexual and Reproductive Health
This speciality may not be as common in many countries, but if you are interested in women’s health, then it may be right for you. You will work in the community and handle most issues related to women's health, including contraception and menopause. You can complete this training within six years, and it can be interesting if you are interested in women’s health but not necessarily obstetrics. The training environment consists of three phases which I have highlighted below.
Phase 1 Training occurs from ST1 to ST3, during which trainees must achieve basic competencies in SRH, obstetrics & gynaecology and STI care. You will divide your time between each field of care to do so. This is when trainees will begin to gain experience in CSRH, building on a solid foundation of experience from hospital obstetrics and gynaecology.
Phase 2 Training occurs from ST4 to ST5. During Phase 2, CSRH trainees will continue to develop their SRH, abortion, gynaecology and STI competencies. They will have attachments to Public Health and SARC (Sexual Assault Referral Centres) and gain further experience in Psychosexual Medicine.
Phase 3 Training occurs in ST6. During this phase, in addition to completing all clinical and non-clinical competencies, including systems management and leadership, the trainee prepares to transition to a consultant role.
Radiology
Radiology is a very interesting specialty. People who see themselves as introverts and not comfortable with multiple patient interactions, find this specialty particularly exciting. A run-through training in radiology runs for five years. It is divided into clinical radiology training, which runs for three years- ST1 - ST3, and Special interest training, which runs for two years- ST4 -ST5. However, due to personal circumstances, you may take your training less than full time, which means it will take you longer than five years. Please find more information here https://www.gmc-uk.org/education/standards-guidance-and-curricula/curricula/clinical-radiology-curriculum
GP Training
As a GP myself, I have shared lots of information about GP training in previous blog posts. To get complete information about GP Training, read this blog post. https://berrysmotivation.co.uk/blogs/berrysmotivation/gp-training-in-a-nutshell You can complete this training within three years if you work full time or a little longer if you work less than full time.
Conclusion
A career as a medical worker can be pretty rewarding. Despite the fear of how long it takes to complete speciality training programs, you can complete some in under six years. The relatively short time does not take away from their importance, as they are all critical specialities in the medical industry.