Most doctors hoping to train as paediatric endocrinologists will apply for one of the GRID posts advertised each autumn. Posts generally start the following September and are of 2 to 3 years duration. There are a number of clinical lecturer posts in the UK, which may be suitable training positions for doctors considering a career as a clinical academic.
Most paediatric endocrinologists feel that research training is an important component of the tertiary endocrine syllabus. It may be advantageous to undertake a formal period of research before applying for GRID posts. This provides valuable experience and expertise, strengthening the individuals CV, and increasing the likelihood of success at interview. It is, of course, possible to organise research training whilst in a GRID post. Doctors without a research training or experience will be encouraged to acquire or develop this. Trainees are advised to discuss the possibility of a career in paediatric endocrinology with local endocrinologists at an early stage. Alternatively, doctors can contact members of CSAC including the trainee representatives.
Changes to the NTN Sub-Specialty GRID application from 2015 mean that the maximum number of application attempts has increased from two to three, although certain conditions must be met in order for trainees to be eligible for the third attempt.
The RCPCH will assess whether applicants are eligible for a third round application attempt, and this decision will be based solely on the outcome of their second round application to the NTN GRID. ONLY those who were deemed appointable at interview in their second round application will be eligible to make a third round application to the same sub-specialty.
Submitting a third round application is by no means a guarantee of success. All applicants (be they first, second or third round applicants) will be thoroughly assessed at longlisting, shortlisting and interview to ensure a fair and equitable process for all. However, it is anticipated that this decision will have a positive impact on the NTN GRID selection process, both for the applicants and for each sub-specialty involved.
Applications to the NTN Sub-Specialty GRID open each autumn for a short period. Further information about the GRID scheme and application details is available at the RCPCH.
The ESPE Syllabus was devised in 1996 to set out the minimum requirements for training in Tertiary Care Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes and was updated in 2013. It is noted in the syllabus that while a specialist in paediatric diabetes must not necessarily be a tertiary specialist in paediatric endocrinology, a tertiary specialist in paediatric endocrinology must have a good knowledge of diabetes.
Aims of the syllabus are as follows:
- Harmonise training programmes in Endocrinology and Diabetes between different European countries
- Establish clearly defined standards of knowledge and skill required to practice Endocrinology and Diabetes at the tertiary care level
- Foster the development of a European network of competent tertiary care centres for Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes
- Improve the level of care for children with complicated or chronic endocrine disorders.
The Tertiary Care Endocrinologist, at the end of training, should:
- Provide clinical care within the framework of a specialised Tertiary Care Unit in the inpatient/outpatient setting using various specialised diagnostic and therapeutic modalities
- Liaise with the laboratory chemist
- Liaise with colleagues in Secondary Care Paediatrics in the provision of high quality local care
- Liaise with and consult to other Tertiary Care Specialists
- Develop an integrated pattern of care with colleagues in the Adult Speciality and Genetics
- Be trained in Clinical Research Practice and capable of conducting/establishing a Research Programme
- Lead on health administrative issues and research activities.
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The RCPCH eportfolio is an online education tool to record your learning in all its forms and settings, and is mandatory for all run-through and non-run through paediatricians in UK posts. The RCPCH eportfolio helps to structure workplace-based assessments and to monitor progress and competency attainment for Annual Review of Competence progression (ARCPs). Kaizen is the brand name of the product that the new RCPCH eportfolio is built on
As a sub-specialty trainee, the endocrinology and diabetes curriculum will be used to define your learning objectives, and for documenting your progress in combination with the general paediatric level 3 curriculum. All trainees are expected to complete diabetes SPIN competencies as part of their sub-specialty training. In addition to the ARCP, all GRID trainees will need to attend an annual CSAC Progress review at the beginning of May in Birmingham, which incorporates a face-to-face meeting with members of the CSAC panel, and completion of mandatory forms by both the trainee and their educational supervisor. A successful outcome for ARCP will only be obtained with a successful outcome for the annual CSAC progress report.
Those trainees who complete an approved programme of sub-specialty training within the NTN Grid will then be eligible to enter onto the GMC Specialist Register with a CCT in general paediatrics and with sub-specialty recognition in endocrinology and diabetes.
Endocrine and Diabetes Curriculum
Currently assessment tools for each of the mandatory competencies are being developed and the new endocrine and diabetes curriculum should be ready in early 2018.
