The higher specialist training programme in public health is open to both qualified medical doctors and those from other public health disciplines or related backgrounds.

Training usually lasts five years, full-time. Part-time training is proportionately longer. The five years usually includes one year (full or part time) on an academic course, and 48 months in higher specialist training posts.

Shortly after being accepted on to a training scheme, trainees are likely to spend a year in a part or full-time academic course that will usually lead to a Masters or Diploma in Public Health, and give most of the basic training to take the Faculty's Part A Membership Examination.

Trainees then spend time in various public health organisations, including Primary Care Trusts, Local Authorities, regional bodies such as the Government Office and the Health Protection Agency, as well as academic institutions. In addition to the Part A and B exams, trainees also must use their service experience to address a range of competencies / learning outcomes across nine key areas of public health practice. Following sucessful completion of the training scheme, trainees are eligible for inclusion on either the GMC register or UK Voluntary Register for Public Health Specialists.

For details about The South West Public Health Training Scheme follow the link provided or contact Beth Carpenter, Programme Co-ordinator SW Public Health on:

0117 900 2679

Beth.Carpenter@bristolpct.nhs.uk