Are you a fresh medical graduate with a special interest in the Gynaecology branch of medicine? Pursuing training in Gynaecology in the UK can be a milestone in your professional career. Gynaecology training in the UK is popularly known as MRCOG Training. Obstetrics and Gynaecology (OBGYN) training is a run-through training program in the UK and takes 7 years to complete. Medical schools offer a range of Gynaecology courses in the UK namely Clinical Embryology, Fetal Medicine, Fertility Medicine and Women’s Health and reproductive medicine.
Gynaecology is a medical speciality that emphasises the health of the female reproductive system. In the United Kingdom, the scope of gynaecological services and training is not limited to preventive care, diagnosis and treatment of reproductive disorders, and management of pregnancy and childbirth but also covers many subspecialties in the respective field.
The primary role of a gynaecologist worldwide is prenatal care through regular checkups by making use of the latest technology such as fetal monitoring using ultrasounds and delivery management. The scope of gynaecologists in the UK is similar but in addition, they are also actively involved in contraception counselling and management, treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), management of menstrual disorders, diagnosis and treatment of infertility, and management of menopause. So we can say that Gynaecology in the UK is no different from abroad but is more extensive.
Why pursue Gynaecology in the UK
Studying Gynaecology in the UK will bring many advantages to your professional career
World Class Education
The UK Medical Schools are known for their heritage and legacy in education and attract talent across the globe. Their history of delivering excellent academic programs with exposure to the clinical scenario has contributed a lot in terms of clinicians, academicians and researchers. Their carefully designed curriculum always thrives for excellence in medical education and is accepted globally
Research Opportunities
Research is an important aspect of medical programs offered by UK universities. Course curricula are designed to give maximum learning via clinical attachments and clinical-led research opportunities. Pursuing Gynaecology in the UK will provide exposure to the latest research facilities and an opportunity to interact with renowned Professors, mentors, researchers and other leading experts from the medical field.
Globally Recognized Qualifications
Gynaecology training from the UK is famous as a “Golden feather in your hat” and synonym for Global License. Qualifications from the UK are globally recognised and accepted by medical licensing authorities or commissions worldwide. The UK’s program curriculum ensures high standards of training and assures that you gain the right set of skills and knowledge to excel in your professional career.
Clinical Exposure and Training
The UK focuses on practical knowledge rather than theoretical, thus providing ample opportunities for clinical exposure and practical training to students to gain hands-on experience in real clinical settings. This practical experience plays a vital role in building clinical competence and confidence. The UK also offers CPDs and workshops for gynaecologists to update their skills and knowledge, RCOG is the body responsible for the training and development of gynaecologists in the UK.
Diverse and Multicultural Environment
Studying Gynaecology in the UK not only enhances your clinical skills and knowledge but provides ample opportunity to experience a diverse and multicultural environment. The UK accepts ambitious students from all over the world with different backgrounds, experiences and exposures. This multicultural environment helps in developing cross-cultural understanding, collaboration, ethics, respecting cultural sentiments and the sharing of medical knowledge from different perspectives.
Gynaecology in the United Kingdom: Training Structure
- Foundation training
- Run-through training
Gynaecology in the UK: Foundation Training
Foundation Training in Gynecology in the UK equips junior doctors with the required knowledge and skills to manage common gynaecological conditions. The two-year foundation training program is hands-on clinical training in the management of menstrual disorders, pelvic pain, abnormal pap smears, and early pregnancy complications. It also covers training in minor surgical procedures such as colposcopy and endometrial biopsy.
Doctors must complete their year-long Compulsory Rotatory Internship either in the UK or Abroad. Also, applicants are required to submit a CREST (Certificate of Readiness to Enter Specialty Training) form signed by the mentor consultant in the UK/Abroad to ensure that the applicant has worked at least 3 months under the senior consultant and was exposed to the required gynaecological competencies.
Gynaecology in the UK: Run-through Training
Run-through training in Gynecology has two entry levels namely ST1 & ST3
Gynaecology Training in the UK: ST1
Entry Requirement
- CREST
- Maximum 24 months or less experience in Gynecology either in the UK or Abroad by the start of training
Gynaecology Training in the UK: ST3
Entry Requirement
- Completed foundation in OBGYN
- Completed MRCOG Part 1
- Less than 60 months of experience in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Gynaecology in the UK: Subspecialty Training
There are four Gynecology Subspecialties available to trainees
- Gynaecological Oncology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Reproductive Medicine
- Urogynecology
Entry into these subspecialties is usually through competitive interviews.
How to Become a Consultant Gynaecologist in the United Kingdom
In order to be recognised consultant gynaecologist in the UK, one should be eligible enough to apply for a permanent Consultant post in the NHS
There are three possible routes to enter into the specialist register:
- CCT
- CESR – CP
- CESR
Gynaecology in the UK: CCT Route
CCT is an ideal path for fresh medical graduates from all over the world, who have less than 24 months of experience in gynaecology and don’t have a Post Graduate qualification.
This programme starts with speciality training year 1 (ST1) and the applicant must complete 7 years of Gynaecology training in order to practice OBGYN
Upon completion, you will be awarded a CCT in Obstetrics & Gynaecology.
Gynaecology in the UK: CESR – CP
The CESR-CP route is the best option for International Medical Graduates who have more than 24 months of experience and have a PG qualification. It allows them to skip ST1 and their entry point for training will be ST3, allowing them to complete Obstetrics and Gynaecology training in 5 years
In case you complete less than 7 years of the UK Obstetrics & Gynaecology training programme, then you are on the Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration Combined Programme (CESR-CP) route. This is the ideal route for International Medical Graduates who have partially completed their Gynaecology training abroad and remain in the United Kingdom.
GMC now awards CCT to those who complete a minimum of 5 years of UK training in Obstetrics & Gynaecology, and CESR to those with less than 5 years.
Gynaecology in the UK: CESR
The CESR route is best for those International Medical Graduates who have completed gynaecology training abroad and have been practising consultants abroad for at least a few years. It’s the best route for those who have completed gynaecology residency overseas and do not wish to repeat training.
The Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR) route is meant for gynaecologists who have not taken the complete residency training in Obstetrics & Gynaecology in the UK but have completed their training abroad and possess the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to practice as a Consultant in the field of Gynaecology. Doctors are required to demonstrate competencies and expertise and must provide documentation like a training certificate and degree in gynaecology to support their experience. GMC will make an assessment for the same.
Exams to Become a Recognized Gynaecologist in the UK
The MRCOG exam is the official assessment for Obstetrics & Gynaecology training in the UK, which comprises three parts:
- Part 1 – This is a written exam designed to assess the candidate’s basic and clinical knowledge related to Obstetrics & Gynaecology. Passing Part 1 is a requirement for trainees to advance to ST3 level.
- Part 2 – This is also a written exam that tests the candidate’s ability to apply the knowledge gained in Part 1 to clinical scenarios. Passing both Part 1 and 2 is necessary for progression to ST6 level.
- Part 3 – This practical exam evaluates the candidate’s competency in core clinical skills related to Obstetrics & Gynaecology. Trainees must pass Part 2 before they can sit for Part 3, and passing Part 3 is a prerequisite for completion of the training program.
Gynaecology in the UK: Universities Courses or Programs
Many universities are offering programs related to Gynecology in the UK. These programs are the perfect blend of Clinical exposure and advanced research in the field of Gynecology.
Gynaecology course in the UK – Clinical Embryology
The MSc in Clinical Embryology is a one-year full-time offered by some leading medical schools in the UK. This course covers various aspects of Human Clinical Embryology both theoretically and practically. This program is meant for Fresh Medical Graduates who wish to enrich their knowledge and skills required to pursue a remarkable career in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). This high-demand program covers various modules like embryonic development, genetics, fertility, and ART techniques such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). This program provides ample opportunities and exposure for Hands-on training
Gynaecology course in the UK – Fetal Medicine
The MSc in Prenatal Genetics and Fetal Medicine is a one-year full-time offered to ambitious aspiring gynaecologists. This course covers an in-depth understanding of the principles and practice of prenatal and fetal medicine. The popular modules offered by the university include genetics, prenatal screenings and diagnosis, embryology and management of fetal anomalies. It’s a practical program and consists of hands-on training in fetal ultrasound and invasive procedures. It’s the best-recommended program for healthcare professionals such as gynaecologists, genetic counsellors and medical graduates
Gynaecology course in the UK – Women’s and Reproductive Health
The Women and Reproductive Health program in the UK is a one-year full-time program that aim to offer complete knowledge about women’s reproductive health and well being. The curriculum of the course covers modules like reproductive biology, contraceptive methods, sexually transmitted infections, menopause, and reproductive rights. This course is an ideal program for International Medical Graduates looking forward to practice core gynaecology with little advancement.
Gynaecology in the UK- MTI Route for International Medical Graduates
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