Higher training in psychiatry

Higher trainees in psychiatry are supported through a network of colleges, clinical and educational supervisors, local faculty groups and the inspection mechanisms. Our education and training courses cover subjects including study leave and expenses, counselling, appraisal and assessments and professional development.

Local training days

Weekly CPD takes place each Thursday at all sites and trainees are invited to attend. This is a bleep-free protected time. Its content includes educational lectures, NICE guidelines updates, Journal Club, mandatory training, and workshops.

Higher trainees are also offered the opportunity to attend and participate in the senior medical staff committee meetings held monthly, with opportunities available for higher trainees to act as secretaries to this committee.

Educational opportunities

Higher trainees are encouraged to attend local training days/conferences in relevant domains, from clinical leadership to humanities. The higher trainees organise quarterly Calman Days, which are an opportunity for all residents to come together and to organise their own educational programme based on their needs.

There are also a number of other deanery-supported courses, both externally as well as within Health Education Kent Surrey and Sussex.

Higher trainees have their own monthly virtual teaching programme. Each month contains a 2 hour teaching session. There are 2 longer sessions a year face to face.

Sub specialty opportunities

Besides the required rotations for higher training, there are also opportunities to obtain Certificate if Completion of Training (CCT) endorsements in liaison, rehabilitation and addictions psychiatry. Each higher trainee is also allocated two PAs weekly for special interest or research purposes.

The possibilities are endless, with opportunities to partake in specialist clinics (e.g. neuropsychiatry) or services (forensic, personality disorder units, perinatal mental health and neurodevelopment psychiatry).

Opportunities are also available for resident doctors to partake in psychotherapy should this be of interest to them.

Balint groups

Higher Balint groups are held fortnightly. A Balint group is a method of training doctors, generalists or specialists in the doctor-patient relationship.

Journal clubs

Journal clubs are held weekly at each site and attended by trainees and consultants. The presentation is usually an interesting case or critical appraisal of a journal article.