Specialist training phase 1
Overview
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 of training 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 trainee's 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 examination 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 standard 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 (e.g. 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.
Transition 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.
