ATSM Director
E-mail: Carmel.Ramage@bthft.nhs.uk
ATSM.
The following, adapted from RCOG ATSM information, is for the benefit of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Specialty Trainees in Yorkshire and the Humber.
Please refer to RCOG ATSM website for comprehensive information regarding ATSMs.
Clinical practice in Obstetrics and Gynaecology covers a diverse range of subspecialist interest areas. It is therefore not possible for an individual to train to the same standard in all parts of the specialty. Therefore, in the last 2 years of the training programme, trainees undertake Advanced Training Skills Modules (ATSMs) to develop the high-level skills they will need for a consultant post in their specialist area of interest.
ATSMs are competence based; you complete an ATSM by attaining all of the required competences. All trainees must undertake as a minimum, the Advanced Labour Ward ATSM. It is a mandatory requirement to complete two ATSMs for the award of CCT.
The available ATSMs are listed below. Refer to RCOG ATSM site for further information on: curriculum, course syllabus, work intensity score, assessment forms and any other relevant information.
- Abortion care
- Acute gynaecology and early pregnancy
- Advanced antenatal practice
- Advanced labour ward practice
- Advanced laparoscopic surgery for the excision of benign disease
- Benign abdominal surgery: open and laparoscopic
- Benign gynaecological surgery: hysteroscopy
- Colposcopy
- Fetal medicine
- Forensic gynaecology
- Labour ward lead
- Maternal medicine
- Medical education
- Menopause
- Oncology
- Paediatric and adolescent gynaecology
- Sexual health
- Subfertility and reproductive health
- Urogynaecology and vaginal surgery
- Vulval disease
During ST4/5 years, you should discuss your ATSM requirements with your respective locality Training Programme Director to enable local planning of educational programmes, appropriate hospital and workforce numbers.
If your preferred ATSM is oversubscribed, trainees will be selected competitively, for example via structured interviews. You should therefore, as you progress in training aim to develop your Curriculum Vitae (CV) to support your potential interest area.
ATSMs are designed to be delivered within the normal working week at general district hospitals. You will need to ensure you spend more time in the relevant clinical areas, such as the labour ward, operating theatre, colposcopy clinic, etc. to obtain training while providing a service.
ATSM training is delivered by ATSM Educational Supervisors, ATSM Preceptors and ATSM Directors.
This document shows which Trusts can deliver each ATSM.
There are three levels of Supervision with your ATSMs.
ATSM Educational Supervisors
ATSM Educational Supervisors undertake the day-to-day, hands-on training of trainees in any aspect of the curriculum.
ATSM Preceptors:
ATSM Preceptors are responsible for the deanery-wide provision and quality control of their ATSM. They ensure the appropriate educational support is provided and assessments are performed. A list of the O&G ATSM Preceptors in Yorkshire and Humber is available here.
ATSM Director:
The ATSM Director is responsible for all ATSMs within the School of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, including the standard and delivery of training. The TPD liaises with the ATSM Director to coordinate trainee attachments and to ensure all trainees fulfill their ATSM requirements. The ATSM Director acts as the link between the School and the RCOG and must sign all ATSM registration forms.
To register for an ATSM, you need to apply prospectively to the RCOG.
Before applying
- You should discuss your ATSM plans with your locality TPD in your ST5 training year.
- All trainees need to consult with the ATSM Director to confirm that training in the requested ATSM is available
- Ensure that the hospital College Tutor is aware of your ATSM training intentions and requirements.
Generic
- Applicants can register for more than two ATSMs concurrently providing the work intensity score is no greater than 3.0.
- Applicants must have passed the MRCOG examination.
- Applicants must have completed the intermediate competences from the logbook.
- Trainees must obtain a satisfactory ARCP outcome from year 5 before registering for an ATSM.
- For some ATSMs, previous experience can contribute to the development of competence; however, the assessment of competence should only be performed following registration.
- For ATSMs where completion of a theoretical course is mandatory, attendance at a suitable theoretical course must take place no more than 3 years before the ATSM is completed.
Application process
- Complete the ATSM registration form.
This includes obtaining signatures from the people involved in the specific ATSM module:
- ATSM Educational Supervisor(s) in charge of that ATSM
- ATSM Preceptor(s) with responsibility for that module
- Yorkshire and Humber O&G Director of ATSMs
Signatures will only be provided on single original copies of the ATSM registration form. If you are sending the form to the Director of ATSM by post, please include your self-addressed stamped envelope for return postage.
Completion of an ATSM
An ATSM is complete once all of the components have been completed to the satisfaction of your ATSM Preceptor and ATSM Educational Supervisor.
- Once you’ve completed an ATSM, you’ll need to complete the notification of completion of training form
- If you’ve switched curriculum during the ATSM, you’ll need to complete the notification of completion of training form for trainees who’ve switched curriculum
- You’ll need to sign the form, and also obtain signatures from:
- Your ATSM Educational Supervisor(s)
- Your ATSM Preceptor(s)
- ATSM Director
- Send the completed form to the Trainees’ Coordinator at the RCOG