For the purposes of applying for recognition of an ATSM overseas the trainee will need to seek prospective approval from GMC, with confirmed approval from the local Postgraduate Dean, the local Deanery STC or school and the RCOG (via the Chair of the Specialty Education Advisory Committee). The application needs to be planned well ahead since you should allow a minimum of six months for the process to be completed.
It should be noted that undertaking an ATSM overseas is NOT the prime aim of OOP and would not be supported as such. However, the RCOG can potentially recognise an ATSM overseas, within a period of OOP, with some time counting towards a CCT. Before embarking on this process trainees need to familiarise themselves with the detailed OOP Guidance which is available here and follow the process as outlined below. It should also be noted that a trainee must be working in-programme in the UK to undergo the final ARCP, which should take place within six months of the CCT date.
The application process is set out below.
- Trainee completes OOP form and obtains the required signatures from the Postgraduate Dean, Trainees Educational Supervisors and Chair of DSTC/ Head of School.
- Trainee also completes the ‘application form for recognition for ATSM during OOPT overseas' (pdf) and the overseas preceptor completes the ‘application form for centre approval for an ATSM during OOPT overseas’ (pdf)
- Trainee submits both forms to Bettina Müller c/o Postgraduate Training Department
- ATSM Officer liaises with the Chairs of Curriculum Committee and SEAC in order to decide whether recognition may be granted for the ATSM.
- Chair of SEAC confirms in writing to the trainee and copies to the ATSM Director and Chair DSTC/Head of School to confirm (or otherwise) RCOG support. The letter will also confirm the amount of time which will be approved by SEAC as counting towards the CCT.
- Trainee to liaise with Deanery for the Deanery to submit application to GMC, along with a supporting letter from the RCOG.
Please note GMC will only accept applications from your local Postgraduate Dean. - When approval has been confirmed, GMC will forward on a confirmatory letter to all parties including the RCOG for placing in your file.
- On returning to the UK, the Deanery ATSM Preceptor for the module must undertake an assessment to ensure that the trainee has reached the appropriate standard required by the ATSM. It is the responsibility of the UK Preceptor to sign the completed form prior to forwarding to the RCOG.