GP ST1 and 2 Small Groups
During term-time ST1s and ST2s WHO ARE PLACED IN GP ONLY (not hospital STs) meet for regular small group sessions.
The aims of these sessions are:
Because at times there will be small numbers if other ST1s or 2s are engaged in teaching elsewhere, then there won't be a session on VTS days with ST1 or 2 whole day sessions. This is flexible, so if there is a large cohort not engaged in another session it may be appropriate to continue to run the group. This can be discussed with your facilitator.
The Training Programme Directors aim to facilitate these sessions. If they are unavailable we recommend that you nominate a facilitator from amongst the group members.
The aims of these sessions are:
- To support each other in what can be quite a challenging environment, away from your peers.
- To share resources, knowledge and experiences as the group sees fit
- To help each other work on consultation and communication skills using videos and role play
- To offer an action learning group which uses the group to help each other complete an audit and discuss the process and implications of this as per the learning outcomes published on the SW Peninsula Deanery Website.
Because at times there will be small numbers if other ST1s or 2s are engaged in teaching elsewhere, then there won't be a session on VTS days with ST1 or 2 whole day sessions. This is flexible, so if there is a large cohort not engaged in another session it may be appropriate to continue to run the group. This can be discussed with your facilitator.
The Training Programme Directors aim to facilitate these sessions. If they are unavailable we recommend that you nominate a facilitator from amongst the group members.
Dates of sessions are indicated on the main timetable
All sessions will start at 10am and finish at 12pm-ish; please check the timetable for the location of each session.
What should I do when there's no VTS?
The following paragraph is taken from the Peninsula PGME GP Specialty Trainee FAQs page:
What should trainees do when the VTS day is not running?
The VTS teaching session on Wednesday is classed as study leave, so when it is not running the trainee should be working in the practice as part of their agreed contracted hours. An alternative is to use the time created as formal study leave and explore an aspect of general practice. It is also possible to use the time created as in lieu in order to experience Saturday morning extended hours. Many trainees form learning sets and usefully continue to work towards MRCGP. There is no rule and practices will differ but remember this is working time and we have to justify what we are paying for to the public.
What should trainees do when the VTS day is not running?
The VTS teaching session on Wednesday is classed as study leave, so when it is not running the trainee should be working in the practice as part of their agreed contracted hours. An alternative is to use the time created as formal study leave and explore an aspect of general practice. It is also possible to use the time created as in lieu in order to experience Saturday morning extended hours. Many trainees form learning sets and usefully continue to work towards MRCGP. There is no rule and practices will differ but remember this is working time and we have to justify what we are paying for to the public.
