Core Psychiatry training is the first stage of your specialist training in Psychiatry. It is a three-year training programme (if completing training full time), consisting of 6 month rotations through a range of subspecialties. Post Graduate Dr’s In Training (PGDIT’s) are currently appointed to three regions within the area, Mersey, North West and Lancashire. The size and diversity of the schemes means that there are a wide array of placements to opt for.

The first year often consists of a General Adult post and an Old Age Psychiatry post. All PGDIT’s have to complete a developmental post (Child and Adolescent Psychiatry or Psychiatry of Intellectual Disability) prior to completion of the three years. Specialist General Adult posts, such as Early Intervention in Psychosis or Home Based Treatment Team, and posts in Forensic settings and Substance Misuse are available.

All PGDIT’s gain experience in Psychotherapy, completing Case-discussion groups, followed by a Short and Long case in different modalities. For more information on Core Psychotherapy Training please click here.

There are both local and regional teaching programmes, which are of an excellent quality, to help PGDIT’s complete the MRCPsych examinations and prepare for specialty training.

PGDIT’s receive one hour protected supervision time with their clinical supervisor each week and are allocated an educational supervisor and Training Programme Director (TPD) at the start of training.

There are ample opportunities to teach medical students, volunteer for leadership positions and undertake quality improvement projects. Some PGDIT’s undertake their training less-than-full-time, or combine Clinical and Academic training as an Academic Clinical Fellow.

The Core Psychiatry Training Scheme is split into three regions across the NorthWest:

  • Cheshire and Mersey Region
  • Greater Manchester
  • Lancashire

At recruitment trainees are asked to specify which area they would like to train in. For more information regarding the Health Education England Recruitment process please click here.

To read trainee testimonials, click here