| A day in the Life of a Neuroradiology Specialist Registrar
I am currently a second year Specialist Registrar in the Anglian Training Programme based at Addenbrooke's Hospital. Having done my MRCS and 1 years training in Neurosciences (as an SHO/Research Fellow), I undertook 1 ½ years full time research in Neuroradiology. I entered Radiology training fully committed to becoming a Neuroradiologist. I had already passed my Part 1 FRCR before starting to train in Radiology. I am currently registered for a part-time PhD in the University of Cambridge.
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Jean M U-KING-IM |
At the end of my first year, my training scheme was ready to consider applications for Focussed Individualised Training. Ideally this would have been in place during Year One but this new venture has only just started in earnest. In the event, two of us desired to seek FIT in Neuroradiology at the same time. After a formal interview with the Heads of Training and Neuroradiology training and considerable anxiety on both our parts, this large Neuroradiological Centre fortunately decided that we could both pursue FIT in Neuroradiology. Of course they had to be satisfied that this would not unduly diminish the Neuroradiology experience for SpRs pursuing conventional training or for the single formal appointment in Neuroradiology subspecialty training.
So now the secret is out - if it wasn't before! It is now understood by my current and future trainers that I only have limited long-term interest in their subject (e.g. Breast Imaging). However, one of my colleagues has had a long standing interest in Breast Imaging and he may seek FIT in that subject. So it is swings and roundabouts.
How has life changed since FIT was introduced? In practice not a lot! I had been unofficially altering my rota anyway to suit my career interests and getting to Neurological meetings, etc. It is nice to know now that it is legal! I am currently on my GI module and I get 2 sessions per week within my timetable to maintain my links with Neurosciences. I also use some of my study/research time for Neuroradiological topics. I mix with the Neuroscience trainees nearly as much as with the Radiology trainees - it is good to have friends in both camps.
How do my trainers in other subjects regard me? So far I have not been given anything other than full support. Of course there is the occasional laconic: 'Oh well, I don't suppose you will understand this? it is below C1!' But in truth I am enjoying all the modules. I am fully aware that I need to get involved in each individual module to derive the maximal benefit. And I have to pass the exams. I also appreciate that, even in my future neuroradiological practice, it will be important to know the likely course of events in an intraductal carcinoma compared with a more aggressive lesion when faced with a possible intracerebral metastasis or a complex vertebral lesion.
Do I have any regrets about choosing the FIT option? No - I am certainly not going to change my mind about Neuroradiology. I would not recommend FIT to anyone who less than 110% certain of their eventual subspecialty. For me it is great to get my full Radiology and Neuroradiology Training into a 5 year window without the uncertainty of whether (and where) I would get a Neuroradiological post at the Year 4 or 5 stage.
Jean M U-KING-IM