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Applying for time out of programme (OOP)

Guidance on how to apply for time out of programme (OOP)

There are 2 different processes:

  • Time out of programme for clinical experience (OOPE), time out of programme for a career break (OOPC), and time out of programme for research (OOPR) where the time won’t count towards CCT/Portfolio Pathway
  • Time out of programme for training (OOPT), and time out of programme for research (OOPR) where the time will count towards CCT/Portfolio Pathway

For definitions of the different types of OOP, see the main OOP page.

 

OOPE, OOPC, OOPR where the time won’t count towards CCT/Portfolio Pathway

This is the application process for time out of programme for clinical experience (OOPE), time out of programme for a career break (OOPC), and time out of programme for research (OOPR) where the time won’t count towards CCT/Portfolio Pathway.

This type of OOP application doesn’t need to be submitted to the GMC.

  • Plan well ahead – we recommend a minimum period of 3 months, but strongly advise that you try to start the application process 6 months in advance

  • Speak to your Educational Supervisor, and then your local Training Programme Director, to confirm support from your Specialty Training Committee/local School of O&G

  • Fully complete the appropriate OOP form – see the sample OOP form (PDF, 155 kb) for an example, but your deanery may have its own version

  • Submit the completed form and all supporting documentation to your deanery

  • When your deanery has confirmed approval, forward a copy of your form to the RCOG for placement in your file – send to the Policy Coordinator (Quality) by post to the main RCOG address, or by email to
     
  • At the end of your time OOP, the RCOG would appreciate a letter from your Head of School, Chair of your deanery Specialty Training Committee or Training Programme Director, confirming:
    • The start and end dates of the OOP post
    • Satisfactory completion of the time OOP
    • Your revised CCT/Portfolio Pathway date

 

OOPT, OOPR where the time will count towards CCT/Portfolio Pathway

This is the application process for time out of programme for training (OOPT), and time out of programme for research (OOPR) where the time will count towards CCT/Portfolio Pathway.

This type of OOP application may need to be submitted to the GMC for further approval.
Please see the GMC website for guidance.

  • Plan well ahead – we recommend a minimum of 3 months, but in the case of OOPT and OOPR where the time will count towards CCT/Portfolio Pathway, it’s even more important to try to start the application process 6 months in advance, if prospective GMC approval is needed.
     
  • Speak to your Educational Supervisor, and then to your local Training Programme Director, to confirm support from your Specialty Training Committee/local School of O&G

  • Fully complete the appropriate OOP form – see the sample OOP form (PDF 155 kb) for an example, but your deanery may have its own version

  • Submit the completed form and all supporting documentation to your deanery/LETB

  • When your deanery/LETB has approved your application, please send the documentation to the RCOG – send to the Policy Coordinator (Quality) at the main RCOG address:
    • You must include a detailed timetable outlining all research and clinical components (including daytime and out of hours)
    • The RCOG will then recommend how much time should count towards CCT/Portfolio Pathway
    • The Chair of the Specialty Education Advisory Committee will review your application and write back to you and your deannery/LETB

  • Your deanery/LETB will submit your application to the GMC, if needed, together with the supporting letter from the RCOG, for final approval

  • When the GMC has confirmed the approval, they will forward a confirmatory letter to all parties, including the RCOG.

 

Contact us

If you have any questions, or want more information, please email the Policy Coordinator (Quality)  or call +44 20 7772 6294.