Getting started: Checklist for new ST1s

First of all CONGRATULATIONS on getting an Ophthalmology training number in the Yorkshire School of Ophthalmology!

We know that you have spent a great amount of effort to get this far so we hope that this step-by-step guide will help you settle in to your new Ophthalmology training post.

1. Enrol with The Royal College of Ophthalmologists: Once you have your national training number (NTN), register yourself with the College. This is required to access the Member's Area, set up your portfolio, and register for exams. 
2. Complete Form R : When you start you will need to submit Form R (Part A) to the school. This is required to maintain your NTN and commence the training programme. You will also need to complete and submit Form R (Part B) every year prior to your Annual Review of Competence Progression (ARCP). Both forms are available at this link. Email completed forms to: ophthalmology.yh@hee.nhs.uk
3. Contact your Training Programme Director (TPD) - The TPD manages the delivery of the training programme locally, including allocation to rotations, so this is a different person depending on which rotation (North/South) you are in (see Contacts to find your TPD). It is important that your TPD be informed of any changes to your circumstances during your training, e.g. intentions to take time out-of-programme, applications for less-than-full-time (LTFT) training.
4. Arrange an initial meeting with your educational supervisor (ES):  Your ES will oversee your training for the placement, and provide you with educational and pastoral support. Use the initial meeting to set goals in your personal development plan (PDP), and to discuss a training plan including how you will complete required assessments.  Your ES is generally a good contact for any questions or concerns you have.  You will find out who your ES is from your TPD or College Tutor and receive their contact details.
5. Register with ePortfolio: There are many workplace based assessments to complete throughout your training. You should therefore familiarise yourself with the ePortfolio early and seek out opportunities to complete assessments as soon as you are able.  The portfolio also is used as a CPD (continued professional development) record, where evidence of all learning activity, including course certificates and conference attendance records, should be uploaded.  RCOphth information on the ePortfolio can be found here and log in page here. There are ePortfolio help guides on this site. Tip: If you click on "Progress per OST Stage" in your ePortfolio under Evidence, you can get an at-a-glance view of your progress with assessments.
6. Register with Eyelogbook:  It is mandatory for all trainees to use the Eye Logbook to record surgical procedures undertaken during training.  It is worth familiarising yourself with the site so you can start recording your procedures as soon as you start operating.  The link will indicate how you register. There is also a downloadable app (Apple and Android compatible).
7. Learn about the curriculum: Know what your required competencies are, not just for ST1 year but for the entire 7 year programme, as this will help you get organised with planning and goal-setting. You will be expected to continuously map portfolio content with curriculum to ensure all learning objectives have been addressed by the end of training.  Information about this can be found in the Royal College of Ophthalmologists website.
8. Check the school study days: There are many study days in August and September for new ST1 trainees. You may need to book these before you start your post, as most Trusts require 6 weeks' notice for study leave requests. Information regarding study days and help on how to submit study leave is found here.  We recommend that you check this often as it is where upcoming study days are posted.  Make sure you have a timetable detailing postgraduate teaching, local meetings or conferences you would like to attend or would be beneficial to you; your educational supervisor will be able to guide you on this.
9. RCOphth - Introduction to Phacoemulsification course.  This is a 2-day course which needs to be completed before undertaking any live intraocular surgery. The course will be offered in the early months of the rotation calendar (August-October). Book early so that you are safe to start participating in surgery on your placement as soon as possible.  Details of the course can be found here.
10. Attend trust and departmental induction:  Contact the trust you are starting in to find out when and where your trust induction is being held, it is usually within the first few days of starting.  Your ES or College Tutor will be able to inform you about your departmental induction. 
11. EyeSi training/log in - Most departments will want you to undergo some formal training on the EyeSi before you are given your own log in details and use the simulator unsupervised.  It is worth asking your TPD/ES about this at your initial meeting, and check the Study Days page for the the next Biometry and Simulator study day dates.