Education

In 2002, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) and the British Menopause Society (BMS) developed a Menopause Special Skills Training Module (SSM). The Menopause Advanced Training Skills Module (ATSM) succeeded the Menopause SSM in 2009.

In the last 2 years of their training programme, Obstetrics and Gynaecology trainees undertake Advanced Training Skills Modules (ATSMs) or subspecialty training to develop the high-level skills they will need for a consultant post in their specialist area of interest.

The RCOG/BMS Menopause ATSM provides trainees with the knowledge and skills they will need to manage the menopause and related conditions and potentially to run a menopause service.

Following completion of the ATSM, trainees will be eligible to apply for recognition as a BMS menopause specialist. 

Curriculum

The Menopause ATSM is made up of five component modules called Menopause Capabilities in Practice (MP CiP). Assessment categories include: Knowledge criteria, Clinical Competency, Professional skills and attitudes, Training support and Evidence of training and assessments.

The Curriculum Guide provides full details of the content of this Module.

It is anticipated that for a full-time trainee who is accessing one or two ATSM training sessions each week, 12-18 months of training will be required to complete this ATSM.

The ATSM has a work intensity score of 1.0.

Requirements

National training number (NTN) holders, doctors occupying LAT posts (ST6/7 equivalent) and non-training grades (SAS doctors and consultants) can apply for ATSMs.

Applicants must have passed the Part 3 MRCOG and must be working in the UK for the duration of the ATSM (or have sought prospective approval for recognition of overseas training if the applicant is a NTN holder).

Applicants must register for the ATSM prospectively. Previous experience can contribute to the development of competence; however, the assessment of competence should only be performed following registration.

Trainees must attend the RCOG/BMS Post Reproductive Health meeting no more than 3 years before the ATSM is completed.

Applicants must have completed the intermediate competences from the logbook.

NTN holders must obtain a satisfactory ARCP outcome from year 5 before registering for an ATSM; LATs (ST6/7 equivalent) must have confirmed evidence of equivalent experience/competence.

Non-training grades (SAS doctors and consultants):
Applicants must have completed the equivalent of the intermediate competencies from the logbook (as ascertained by the ATSM Director).

Applicants must have completed a minimum of 5 years in O&G and must have approval from their Clinical Director to register for an ATSM. The applicant’s most recent annual appraisal must have been satisfactory.

RCOG/BMS Post Reproductive Health Meeting

The annual Post Reproductive Health meeting is recognised as the theoretical component of the RCOG/BMS Menopause ATSM, the BMS Principles & Practice of Menopause Care (PPMC) training programme and the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare Advanced Menopause Certificate.

The meeting endeavours to provide answers to the most commonly asked and most difficult questions in the management of post reproductive health. Nationally and internationally recognised speakers will cover controversial questions in important areas such as:

• Pathophysiology of the menopause
• Risks of hormone dependent malignancies
• Cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis and cognitive problems
• Premature ovarian insufficiency: diagnosis and management
• Lifestyle, complementary therapies, HRT and alternatives for managing the menopause

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 13 CPD credits for full attendance at this meeting.

Further information

To find out more, please email the Trainees’ Coordinator at advancedtraining@rcog.org.uk or call +44 20 7772 6348.