Recruitment to RCOG ATSM: Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery for the Excision of Benign Disease

We are pleased to ask for applications for a new RCOG Advanced Training Skills Module – Advanced Laparoscopic
Surgery for the Excision of Benign Disease. This module provides an exciting opportunity to develop skills in the
area of advanced laparoscopic surgery. This is a highly specialised training programme and details of the curriculum
are available on the ATSM page of the RCOG website http://www.rcog.org.uk/curriculum-module/advanced-
laparoscopic-surgery-excision-benign-disease . Successful completion of the ATSM requires candidates to achieve a
wide range of competencies and this is anticipated to require a minimum of 18 months in training

Five posts are available nationally for 2011. Candidates will be required to rank their preference for each unit prior to
interview. Overall candidate score will determine which units are offered to successful candidates.

On behalf of the recruiting deaneries, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) and London
Deanery are co-ordinating the recruitment process for this new ATSM.

Applicants must have a NTN and should have a desire to develop a special interest in laparoscopic surgery, being
able to demonstrate a degree of aptitude in this surgical field. Successful applicants may require to move Deanery to
take up post – this will involve requesting Out of Programme Training from your home Deanery. To ensure
applicants are eligible to apply it is advisable that prior to submitting an application all candidates discuss this
training opportunity and their eligibility for Out of Programme Training with their Chair of Specialty Training
Committee or Head of School. A letter will be required to be bought to interview, from Head of School or STC Chair
to confirming their support.

It is expected that each ST trainee will be able to complete a second RCOG ATSM during this advanced laparoscopic
training in order to complete the requirements for CCT.

Levels recruiting to
• At the start of the ATSM programme trainees will be a NTN holder working as a year 6 ST or year 4 SpR
with at least 18 months whole time equivalent training time until CCT. (All Deaneries offer a start date of
August 2011. In the London Deanery there is an optional start date of 5th October 2011).

Application process

London Deanery is coordinating the national process for recruiting trainees into RCOG ATSM Advanced
Laparoscopic Surgery for the Excision of Benign Disease. Before applying please read the person specification to
assess your suitability. This will be available at the time of the application opening. Please note that MRCOG Part 2
must be held by the time of interview.

Applications open at 12:00 noon on the 7th January 2011 and closes at 12:00 noon on the 4th February 2011.

Please note that late applications will not be considered.

Application forms will be available to download from 7th January 2011 from the London Deanery website and the
link to the form will be made available as soon as it is available.
Participating Deaneries
North Scotland, London, Wessex, Peninsula, and Northern Deaneries.
Five posts are available. This may be subject to change.

Centre Preceptor
University College London Hospital Mr Alfred Cutner
James Cook University Hospital, Middlesborough Mr Graham Phillips
Aberdeen Royal Infirmary Dr Kevin Cooper
Royal Cornwall Hospital, Mr Dominic Byrne
Princess Anne Hospital, Southampton Mr Adam Moors

Key dates
Applications open: 7th January 2011 at 12.00 noon GMT
Applications close: 4th February 2011 at 12.00 noon GMT
Interview date: 14th March 2011
Interview venue: Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), London

Posts are available from August 2011.

Interview process
Length of interview: 60 minutes

Interview structure: A three station interview. Each station will cover different criteria from the person
specification and last for twenty minutes. There will be a station comprising of a structured interview, a practical
skills test on a mannikin and a clinical scenario.

Contacts/queries
General ATSM queries will often be answered by the RCOG FAQ page at http://www.rcog.org.uk/education-and-
exams/curriculum/advanced-training-skills/atsm-frequently-asked-questions

Programmes
Programme details will be confirmed directly with the successful candidate by the appropriate Deanery.