Specialist training phase 1
Phase 1 combines early induction to training and introduction to basic core public health skills with acquisition of knowledge. The induction will include workplace and human resources policies and practice.
Phase 1 usually takes a maximum of two years, up to the time that the trainee can demonstrate a secure public health knowledge base (knows and knows how).
Academic study in phase 1
During phase 1 trainees may attend a course of academic study which will run across one or two years. (The total period of time in phase 1 would normally allow one year full time equivalent, in three university terms, on an academic course plus a further year in early service work. Trainees who take their academic course in a modular structure across two years would achieve the same service level experience across that period of time.)
Academic courses combine face to face teaching with self directed learning and this is complemented by workplace based experiential learning, putting into practice early knowledge.
Assessment during phase 1
This phase is assessed through the Part A MFPH examination, a two-part exam testing knowledge through short answer questions and ‘knows how' through critical appraisal and a practical written exercise of a real public health problem.
In addition, by the end of phase 1 trainees will achieve learning outcomes in simple situations (assessed in the service environment) for example:
- those which are complicated by the influence of at least two external factors;
- involve a small population which is relatively homogeneous in make up;
- involve simple issues (eg can be decided by a single manager);
- are demonstrated as part of a larger project led by others.
Work based discussion and an adaptation of the mini clinical exercise will be used to assess analytic and data handling skills.
Passage from phase 1 to phase 2 requires a pass at the examination for Part A MFPH and a satisfactory assessment in phase 1 learning outcomes in the workplace.