:focus(2065x626:2066x627))
The Academic Specialised Foundation Programme in Norwich is provided by four clinical academic specialties each of international standing with excellent training opportunities: Diabetes and Endocrinology; Gastroenterology; Public Health and Primary Care; Respiratory Medicine and Older People's Medicine.
Exceptional individuals with a track record and career plan in other clinical disciplines are encouraged to approach the Academic Foundation Lead.
You will gain experience in a broad research experience which depending on the attachment could include both laboratory and clinical academic research through both structured teaching and hands on experience. It is expected that you will be able to learn how to formulate a research question, review the literature and write a research proposal including an appropriate power calculation. You will have formal structured teaching sessions to provide a foundation of knowledge to achieve the Research and Medical Education Outcomes as detailed in the Norwich Academic Foundation Programme Objectives and UK Foundation Programme’s Compendium of Academic competences. Depending on the research project selected you will gain experience of patient recruitment, data collection and case record form completion according to good clinical practice. Experience in research techniques and data analysis will be gained as well as presentation skills and report/manuscript writing. It is envisaged that you will be involved in the teaching of the Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia medical undergraduate course and will therefore gain an understanding and practical experience of different methods of teaching and assessment.
It is expected that while attached to the academic F2 placement the clinical commitment will be small, however speciality related clinical experience may be available if required. There will be no on-call commitment required during the academic F2 placement.
You will be applying to the academic F2 programme in Norwich and will be allocated one of 4 academic F2 speciality attachments according to your expressed preferences.
Academic Opportunities
The following compulsory academic specific courses are:
Academic Foundation Doctor Training Programme
This full day course provides the key knowledge and highlights the opportunities within Norwich to ensure that complete the academic foundation course objectives.
Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)
This half day course will explain the practical aspects of examining at OSCEs. Following this course you will be able (and expected to) examine at Norwich Medical School undergraduate OSCE’s
Problem Base Learning Tutor (PBL)
This half day course will explain the background and rationale of PBL teaching. You will gain the skills needed to tutor a PBL group.
Other training opportunities will be self-led and you will be required to take responsibility for your learning by being involved in the research and teaching activities of the supervisors. It is expected that you will write a protocol and conduct a piece of research. This may include protocol design, regulatory approval application, study co-ordination, data analysis, report preparation and data presentation. You will also be expected to review a research paper and write a case history or audit.
Education Opportunities
You will have the same clinical educational experience as the clinical F2 post in the respective specialities. You will be expected to attend the structured academic teaching programme described above. Attendance at multidisciplinary radiology, pathology and journal club meetings will be expected. You will be expected to complete a reflective diary and develop adult learning techniques.
Teaching Opportunities
Norwich Medical School has an innovative undergraduate medical curriculum which his highly ranked in student surveys. Over the course of the year you will experience tutoring, seminar teaching and examination. You will be expected to act as a PBL tutor and as an examiner for Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) after suitable training. The PBL tutor will give you the opportunity to lead a group of students through a complete module within the course. You will also have the opportunity to deliver seminars and ward based teaching, and involvement in other medical student assessments e.g. marking critical appraisal essays or written examinations.
Apply
Applications to the Specialised Foundation Programme are co-ordinated by Health Education East of England. Further details, including vacancies, can be found on their website.