FAQs on training after F2- from www.mmc.nhs.uk

Will I get a job next year?
It is anticipated that a reasonable number of hospital SHO posts will be available in August 2006 and you will be able to apply for them in the usual way. If you are considering a career in general practice, there will be the usual number of opportunities available in vocational training schemes which you could apply for.

Will the job I do next year count toward my application into specialty training?
It is intended that any competences achieved in previous training posts, during the period of transition, will be assessed and will affect the appointee's position in the training programme. However, final decisions have not yet been made.

What advice do you have for those in F2 pilots?
If you meet the entry requirements for a general practice or specialist training programme, you should consider applying for entry after you complete your F2 pilot. If not, you will be able to apply for an SHO post in the usual way.

What jobs will be available in August 2006 for those completing F2 placements?
There will be one-year hospital SHO posts available, as well as places on the general practice vocational training scheme, which doctors may apply for in the usual way. If you are eligible, you may also consider applying to histopathology, which has already begun recruitment into the new "run-through" specialty training programme. The histopathology curriculum has been approved by PMETB.

If we are fortunate enough to get a place on a specialist training rotation, will there be a transition from this to "ST" training?
This has not yet been finalised, but it is anticipated that those recruited to the current specialist curricula will finish their specialty training using these curricula, rather than new curricula.

Will stand alone posts be available and accredited as training posts?
Yes. There will be educationally approved SHO stand alone posts available.

If we were to work in a stand alone post for a year, would we then be able to enter ST training at year two level in August 2007?
The details have not been finalised, but we anticipate those trainees entering from an educationally approved SHO post may be able to apply for a post at a more advanced level than those entering directly from F2 based on the competences they are able to demonstrate.