Specialist training phase 3
Phase 3 allows the trainee to consolidate core skills in the practice of public health and to develop specific interests which will enhance career opportunity.
It typically lasts from 24-30 months: from the time the trainee passes the Part B examination until they are awarded their CCT.
During this phase trainees learn mainly by experiential learning with new advanced theoretical knowledge covered by formal courses and conferences, mainly at a national level (e.g. advanced critical appraisal skills, specialist health protection skills).
By the end of phase 3 trainees will achieve learning outcomes in complex situations for example:
- those which are complicated by a number of factors whose influence and interaction is uncertain;
- involve a large population with disparate make up and spread over a wide area such as a whole district or part of a region;
- involve a substantive issue (require senior management or multi-agency decision making).
This phase allows those trainees progressing well in training to select optional special interest learning outcomes to add to their core competence. These options will have been planned during phase 2 and through regular discussions between trainer, trainee and programme director.
Some trainees will choose to remain within a generalist public health setting and consolidate their core skills.
Time out of programme, for example for Walport (or equivalent) academic training or relevant experience abroad , may be possible.
Assessment of phase 3
This phase is assessed through multiple source feedback, work based discussion, direct observation of practice, structured assessment of components of daily public health practice (mini CEX) and the trainee's portfolio of work.
Satisfactory completion of training is not simply a signing off of individual learning outcomes but will also require evidence both of experience of several settings as the context for competence and of integration of competencies to evidence performance at consultant level.