Discussion for SpRs in Training

Breast Training Issues for final year SpRs February 20, 2007

Hello, as a final year radiology SpR it is both interesting and frustrating trying to gain the training and experience one requires for a consultant post whilst keeping the general radiology consultants happy. Especially I find with an interest in screening. This usually takes me physically out of the confines of the main department and it can be a struggle sometimes to get this time.

I am one of the Wales training scheme SpRs and have limited information on how other schemes manage their breast trainees. I think this may be partly confounded by the fact that most local trainees recently (perhaps one a year) have only had a requirement to train in symptomatic breast imaging  rather than also encompassing the screening side of things. Therefore a limited pool for advice.

 I think that on some schemes breast work is more incorporated along with oncology work rather than being regarded as a totally separate branch that normally one wouldn’t encounter. This is not the case here.

 It would be interesting to hear and receive any advice from other trainees specialising in breast imaging, both symptomatic and screening, as to how they have managed their final year. New or recently appointed consultants also welcome to  give any hints on preparing for a consultant post with an interest in breast imaging.

I think this would also be a good venue to share any interesting cases or learning experiences.

 Hopefully as trainees we can at least generate some discussion. I expect most of us will meet up at some point  in our early consultant careers!

 Dr Dylan Wyn Jones