Medical Council Reopens Applications for Specialty Recognition

Wednesday, 6th March 2019: The Medical Council has announced it has reopened the applications process for specialty recognition today.

Following a detailed review, the specialty recognition process has been greatly enhanced to become a more thorough process which has a greater evidence-based focus, while also being mindful of health service requirements to improve patient care.

The objective of the review was to identify enhancements to the process and explore a range of international approaches to specialty recognition, along with alternative options, which could prove beneficial to the alignment of a doctor’s particular skills and abilities to patient needs.

Medical Council CEO, Mr Bill Prasifka said: “The review allowed for an opportunity to ensure that the recognition process continues to meet the needs of the health system, incorporates best practice in the area, and reflects the Medical Council's priorities in the areas of education and training.”

Included are changes to the criteria and process by which the Medical Council considers applications for specialty recognition.

Another change also provides applicants with the option of accessing a mentor to assist in the process from the initial application. Mentorship is offered from key personnel who have previously gone through the speciality recognition process and were successful in having their speciality recognised.

Speaking about the announcement, President of the Medical Council, Dr Rita Doyle said “I welcome the reopening of the applications process for specialty recognition. This is an important development for the recognition of new specialities to greater enhance doctor training opportunities in Ireland while better serving our patients.”

Following an initial screening phase, the application enters a two-stage process.

A new specialty will only be recognised where there is clear need identified and the application is supported by both the post graduate training bodies and the NDTP (National Doctors Training and Planning, HSE).

If the Medical Council decides to recognise the proposed specialty, the Council will proceed to seek Ministerial approval from the Minister for Health. Once the Minister has approved the recognition of the proposed medical specialty, the aspirant speciality achieves formal recognition status.

The Medical Council has engaged with the Post Graduate Training Bodies throughout the review process. The Medical Councils remit includes responsibility for determining medical specialties which it recognises under the Medical Practitioners Act 2007.

ENDS

Note to editors:

• Recognition of Medical Specialties under the Medical Practitioners Act 2007: Guidance for Specialties available here
• The process is broken into three stages:
  • Pre-Stage 1 Assessment
    • Examples and evidence provided for all criterion and sub-criterion 1-3
    • Workforce / Model of care data
    • Evidence of meaningful public consultation
    • Development of high-level training plan
    • Evidence of support from parent Postgraduate Training Body and HSE NDTP
    • Signed Terms of Engagement
    • The appointment of a dedicated Medical Council Liaison Officer, HSE Liaison Officer, Training Body Liaison Officer
    • Mentor Support
  • Stage 1
    • Team of Assessor for Specialist Training (TAST) assessment.
    • TAST make recommendation to Education and Training Committee (ETC) for consideration
    • ETC make final recommendation for the Medical Council to consider
    • Option for Internal Review if the aspirant speciality is concerned that due process was not followed by the TAST and/or the ETC in deciding on their recommendation
  • Stage 2
    • Detailed training programme plan
    • Medical Council public consultation (must include feedback from HSE and DoH)
    • Team of Assessor for Specialist Training (TAST) assessment
    • TAST make recommendation to ETC for consideration
    • ETC make final recommendation for the Medical Council to consider
    • Option for Internal Review if the aspirant speciality is concerned that due process was not followed by the TAST and/or the ETC in deciding on their recommendation
    • Council decision on recognition