Advanced Training Specialty Modules (ATSMs)
Trainees need to complete 2 ATSMs to obtain a certificate of completion (CCT) in O&G.
The purpose of ATSMs is to enable trainees to develop a special interest in aspects of obstetric and gynaecological practice.
ATSMs cover the all of the aspects of obstetrics and gynaecology and are listed below;
ATSMs
- Acute gynaecology and early pregnancy
- Advanced laparoscopic surgery for the excision of benign disease
- Benign abdominal surgery: open and laparoscopic
- Benign gynaecological surgery: hysteroscopy
- Colposcopy
- Medical education
- Menopause
- Oncology
- Paediatric and adolescent gynaecology
- Sexual health
- Subfertility and reproductive health
- Urogynaecology and vaginal surgery
- Vulval disease
- Advanced labour ward practice
- Fetal medicine
- High risk pregnancy
- Labour ward lead
- Obstetric Medicine
The definitive document containing the full list of ATSM curricula is available here
How do I decide on which ATSM to take?
Each region of Scotland offers ATSM placements, although these differ in the different individual units. Please see these links for information about the provision in South East, East, North and West of Scotland.
You will be offered career advice through discussion with your educational and clinical supervisors during intermediate training. The combination of ATSMs taken should be discussed during your ST4/5 ARCP and supervisor meetings to enable local planning of educational programmes and workforce numbers.
Specific information and advice can be sought from the ATSM Directors in the individual regions.
How is the ATSM curriculum structured?
- Capabilities in Practice – Each CIP is supported by the key skills expected to be demonstrated by an O&G doctor who has completed the ATSM. Each key skill has a set of descriptors intended to help trainees/trainers judge the minimum level of knowledge, skills and attributes demonstrated by O&G trainees completing the ATSM. Each CIP also lists the knowledge criteria relevant to that CIP
- Procedures – all the procedures expected to be experienced during the ATSM are listed with an indication of the level expected by the end of training
- ATSM Courses - For some ATSMs attendance at courses is mandatory or highly recommended – information about the courses can be found on the RCOG webpage for each ATSM accessed here through the main ATSM page.
How do I achieve the training requirements?
ATSMs are designed to be delivered within the normal working week at both district general and tertiary hospitals. Some ATSMs have curriculum requirements which can only be obtained in a tertiary hospital so it is important to discuss your preferences with your supervisors and ATSM directors to allow placement in the appropriate unit.
ATSM training is delivered by:
- ATSM Educational supervisors
- ATSM Preceptors – responsible for the overall deanery-wide provision and quality control of their ATSM ensuring appropriate educational support and assessment.
Click here for a list of preceptors for East, South-East, West and North regions
- ATSM Directors – responsible for all ATSMs within the deanery including the standard and delivery of training. The director must sign all ATSM registration forms and acts as the link between the deanery and the RCOG.
How is the ATSM assessed?
Towards the end of the training year, trainees will assess their own progression for each CIP and record this on the ePortfolio. The ATSM supervisor will then review the evidence in the ePortfolio including workplace-based assessments, the TO2 and the trainee’s self-assessment and record their global judgement in the Educational Supervisor Report.
How do I register for an ATSM?
Registering for an ATSM
- Send the completed form to the Trainees’ Coordinator at the RCOG (Email: advancedtraining@rcog.org.uk)
- Pay the Advanced Training Registration Fee – this fee covers full registration for 2 ATSMs – on receipt of the registration form for the ATSM the RCOG will set up the online payment for the fee
How do I complete an ATSM?
Once the ATSM is complete you need to complete the notification of completion of training form which will be signed by your ATSM Educational Supervisor, the ATSM preceptor and the ATSM Deanery Director and the completed form send to the Trainees’ coordinator at the RCOG (Email: advancedtraining@rcog.org.uk)
This page was last updated on: 03.04.2024 at 15.02
