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OOPR: how to succeed (Sabbaticals are another days discussion!). Michael Bannon Postgraduate Dean, Oxford. Scenario. Trainee A ST Gastroenterology 2008: Takes year OOPR to undertake specific piece of departmental research 2009: Allowed further year of OOPR to complete MD
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OOPR: how to succeed(Sabbaticals are another days discussion!) Michael Bannon Postgraduate Dean, Oxford
Scenario • Trainee A ST Gastroenterology • 2008: Takes year OOPR to undertake specific piece of departmental research • 2009: Allowed further year of OOPR to complete MD • 2010: Now enrolled as DPhil student, "final" extension granted; return to clinical programme agreed for August 2012
Scenario (ctd) • June 2012: request for another year to complete research, write up thesis (supported by academic head of dept, BUT Head of School and Trust not happy!) • Dean receives 3 letters: • Trust CEO re lack of middle grade cover • Trainee’s MP expressing concern about Deanery attitudes to “academia” • Head of School Medicine re trainee’s unprofessional behaviour & impact on his training
Way forward • Is the right way to manage OOPR? • What should be done? ie what is the right thing to do? • What do we mean by “flexibility”
Tips for success • Be clear with everyone involved (including yourself): • Why do you want to take OOPR? • What are you going to do? • When will you take it & for how long? • Benefits? (career, NHS, etc)
Acquire the necessary skills: • Administration: • Time management • Project management • Communication • Networking • Effectiveness • Self direction
Communicate • Map out all the people and agencies that need to know about your wish to take OOPR: • Educational supervisor, TPD, Head of School, Deanery admin staff, Royal College… • Give as much notice as possible (at least six months…12 months better) • Be flexible & negotiate • Remember: OOPR is not a mandated right! • The issue of extensions for existing OOPR is contentious
Consider impact on your training • Will any of OOPR count towards training? • Liaise and obtain clarity on this from relevant College/Faculty • Complete relevant Deanery forms!! • Discuss in advance with educational supervisor • Keep in touch while you are away
Plan for your return • Will you need to refresh your clinical skills? • Portfolio up to date (remember revalidation) • Remember while you are guaranteed a place on the training programme, Deaneries cannot specify precisely where that will be • Re-establish contact three months in advance with Deanery
Things to note • Pensions (consult BMA on this; I’m not an expert) • Don’t let your GMC registration lapse if you are overseas! • Complete the outputs from your OOPR as soon as possible • Keep abreast of NHS changes in England especially LETBs
Make the most of your OOPR • Network extensively • Fully engage in academic life • Record your progress and reflect upon upon it • Persevere • Enjoy!