Education

In 2002 The Royal College of Obstetricians (RCOG) and the BMS developed a Menopause Special Skills Training Module (SSM) in a separate exercise for doctors holding part 2 MRCOG or an equivalent qualification.

Requirements

• Part 2 MRCOG or equivalent
• Completion of the Core RCOG Logbook
• Satisfactory Completion of the Year 3 Record of in house training in general Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Essential Components

• Supervision of an identified preceptor for 1 year
• Application form from the postgraduate training department of the RCOG
• Completion of the Theoretical Training Course (after registration)
• At least 30 menopause clinic sessions
• 10 referenced case reports & a clinical audit
• Completion of a logbook

The Logbook

• Record of competence
  • Level 1: perform under direct supervision
  • Level 2: perform independently
• Training Details
• Record of attendance
• Case Reports & Audit
• Clinical Appraisal
• Communication Skills
• Theoretical Course Syllabus

RCOG/BMS Advanced Training Skills Module (ATSM) in Menopause

The ATSM will succeed the SSM in the menopause later this year. It will have a more structured syllabus and will be re written in a format in line with the Postgraduate Medical Education and Training Board (PMETB)

There will be an increased number of assessment modalities

Logbook categories will include: Knowledge criteria, Clinical Competency, Professional skills and attitudes, Training support and Evidence of training and assessments.

RCOG/BMS Menopause theoretical training course

The annual RCOG/BMS Postmenopausal Health course is an essential training component of the Menopause special skills module.

This course endeavours to bring to the delegate the ‘state of the art’ in the management of menopause.

There are presentations from leading experts on all current issues relating to postmenopausal health and the management of the menopause.

• Nationally and internationally recognised speakers cover the evidence base in important areas such as:
• Diagnosis and management of premature ovarian failure
• Osteoporosis and cardiovascular management
• Cognition and Alzheimer’s disease
• Interactive session on practical prescribing
• Alternatives to HRT

It is an opportunity to discuss topical and controversial issues with experts and colleagues.

The meeting closely follows the recommended syllabus of the BMS/RCOG Menopause Special Skills Module.

The course is also relevant for the BMS/FFPRH Basic and Advanced Menopause Certificate.

Although intended primarily for consultants and senior trainees in Obstetrics and Gynaecology with a special interest in the menopause, the course is of equal relevance and interest to general practitioners, specialist nurses and all other health care professionals who care for menopausal women.

Delegates can claim a maximum of 16 CPD credits in category E/1 for full attendance at this meeting.

Details are obtainable from the RCOG web site www.rcog.org.uk