Returning to Work
At any given time, approximately 10% of postgraduate doctors are taking time out of clinical training. This is a normal and expected part of many doctors’ progression through training, and should be recognised as such. Doctors can be out of clinical training for a variety of reasons: research, caring for a relative, sick leave, travel or maternity/paternity leave. Returning to training after time out of practice is a challenging process.
There is robust evidence indicating that time out of practice can impact on a clinician’s competence and technical skills, as well as their confidence. The Supported Return to Training Programme (SuppoRTT) was developed to provide targeted assistance to help doctors get back “up to speed” when they return to training.
SuppoRTT can offer:
- A period of enhanced supervision
- Refresher courses and simulation training
- Mentoring or professional coaching
- Conferences and workshops
- Funding for other courses or development, as individually required
The SuppoRTT Champion at St Georges’ is Dr Nasreen Aziz (Nasreen.Aziz@stgeorges.nhs.uk). If you are a trainee planning to take time out of training or whom is returning to training at St Georges’ after period of absence of more than three months, then please make contact with Nasreen.