Your Questions Answered

Throughout your intern training, you will have gained experience within the broad categories of medicine and surgery, and may also have gained exposure to a number of specialties within these categories. During this time, you may have identified a particular training and career pathway which appeals to you, and which plays to your strengths. The way in which you will become a specialist doctor in a particular discipline is through completion of a programme of specialist training, leading to registration on the Specialist Division of the Register

Who is responsible for the quality of my postgraduate training?

The thirteen postgraduate training bodies are each responsible for the delivery of specialist training in Ireland, and are accountable to us. We set and monitor the standards which must be met by the bodies themselves, and by each programme of specialist training.

Between 2011 and 2013, we completed our first phase of postgraduate accreditations under our present legislation. We have now assessed the strengths of each training body in their general ability to deliver specialist training to the necessary accreditation standards. Following each accreditation meeting, we issued recommendations to each training body which will help to maintain and improve the overall standard of training. 

All remaining programmes of specialist training which are delivered by each training body continue to be recognised by Council until such time as they have been formally evaluated.

Between 2011 and 2013, we completed our first phase of postgraduate accreditations under our present legislation. We have now assessed the strengths of each training body in their general ability to deliver specialist training to the necessary accreditation standards. Following each accreditation meeting, we issued recommendations to each training body which will help to maintain and improve the overall standard of training. 

All remaining programmes of specialist training which are delivered by each training body continue to be recognised by Council until such time as they have been formally evaluated.

All remaining programmes of specialist training which are delivered by each training body continue to be recognised by Council until such time as they have been formally evaluated.

What happens when I complete my postgraduate training?

You will be awarded a Certificate of Satisfactory Completion of Specialist Training (CSCST) by your training body and this will entitle you to register and practice as a specialist in your chosen field.

I completed my medical degree outside Ireland – can I pursue specialist training in Ireland?

Yes. You will be required to meet the necessary registration requirements to pursue specialist training in the first instance. You will also be required to apply for a place on a programme of specialist training, entry to which is competitive. You should refer to the individual websites of the 13 recognised training bodies, listed above, for further details on programmes and entry requirements. The training bodies will also be able to clarify the work visa requirements for non-EU applicants.

Postgraduate Annual Returns

The Annual Returns Process (ARP) is the primary means by which the Medical Council monitors approved Postgraduate Training Bodies (Bodies) and programmes of specialist training (programmes) in Ireland. It aims to ensure that each Body is actively managing and developing the quality of programmes in line with the Medical Council’s Accreditation Standards for Postgraduate Medical Education and Training. The ARP is also intended to identify any areas of significant deficit and risk that may trigger further engagement or accreditation by the Medical Council outside of the agreed accreditation cycle. This process applies to programmes and Bodies approved under the terms of Section 89(3)(a)(i) and 89(3)(a)(ii) of the Medical Practitioners Act 2007.

In the qualitative ARP, the Executive seeks details from Bodies on:

I. Basic information, such as qualifications awarded and contact information

II. An update as to how programmes are addressing conditions and implementing recommendations made in the most recent Medical Council accreditation reports, and

III. Whether any significant changes have been made to the programme(s).

In the quantitative ARP, the Executive seeks details from Bodies on:

I. Trainee demographics

II. Data relating to selection and recruitment

III. Progression and attrition rates

IV. Number of trainees availing of leave and flexible training

V. Location of clinical placements and

VI. Trainers

Quantitative Annual Returns: Specialist Training Highlight Reports

View the Quantitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2022-2023
View the Quantitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2021-2022
View the Quantitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2020-2021
View the Quantitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2019-2020 & a Infographic with key findings

Qualitative Annual Returns: Specialist Training Highlights Reports

View the Qualitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2022-2023
View the Qualitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2021-2022
View the Qualitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2020-2021
View the Qualitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2019-2020 & a Infographic with key findings

In the qualitative ARP, the Executive seeks details from Bodies on:

I. Basic information, such as qualifications awarded and contact information

II. An update as to how programmes are addressing conditions and implementing recommendations made in the most recent Medical Council accreditation reports, and

III. Whether any significant changes have been made to the programme(s).

In the quantitative ARP, the Executive seeks details from Bodies on:

I. Trainee demographics

II. Data relating to selection and recruitment

III. Progression and attrition rates

IV. Number of trainees availing of leave and flexible training

V. Location of clinical placements and

VI. Trainers

Quantitative Annual Returns: Specialist Training Highlight Reports

View the Quantitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2022-2023
View the Quantitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2021-2022
View the Quantitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2020-2021
View the Quantitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2019-2020 & a Infographic with key findings

Qualitative Annual Returns: Specialist Training Highlights Reports

View the Qualitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2022-2023
View the Qualitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2021-2022
View the Qualitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2020-2021
View the Qualitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2019-2020 & a Infographic with key findings

I. Basic information, such as qualifications awarded and contact information

II. An update as to how programmes are addressing conditions and implementing recommendations made in the most recent Medical Council accreditation reports, and

III. Whether any significant changes have been made to the programme(s).

In the quantitative ARP, the Executive seeks details from Bodies on:

I. Trainee demographics

II. Data relating to selection and recruitment

III. Progression and attrition rates

IV. Number of trainees availing of leave and flexible training

V. Location of clinical placements and

VI. Trainers

Quantitative Annual Returns: Specialist Training Highlight Reports

View the Quantitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2022-2023
View the Quantitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2021-2022
View the Quantitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2020-2021
View the Quantitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2019-2020 & a Infographic with key findings

Qualitative Annual Returns: Specialist Training Highlights Reports

View the Qualitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2022-2023
View the Qualitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2021-2022
View the Qualitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2020-2021
View the Qualitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2019-2020 & a Infographic with key findings

II. An update as to how programmes are addressing conditions and implementing recommendations made in the most recent Medical Council accreditation reports, and

III. Whether any significant changes have been made to the programme(s).

In the quantitative ARP, the Executive seeks details from Bodies on:

I. Trainee demographics

II. Data relating to selection and recruitment

III. Progression and attrition rates

IV. Number of trainees availing of leave and flexible training

V. Location of clinical placements and

VI. Trainers

Quantitative Annual Returns: Specialist Training Highlight Reports

View the Quantitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2022-2023
View the Quantitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2021-2022
View the Quantitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2020-2021
View the Quantitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2019-2020 & a Infographic with key findings

Qualitative Annual Returns: Specialist Training Highlights Reports

View the Qualitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2022-2023
View the Qualitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2021-2022
View the Qualitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2020-2021
View the Qualitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2019-2020 & a Infographic with key findings

III. Whether any significant changes have been made to the programme(s).

In the quantitative ARP, the Executive seeks details from Bodies on:

I. Trainee demographics

II. Data relating to selection and recruitment

III. Progression and attrition rates

IV. Number of trainees availing of leave and flexible training

V. Location of clinical placements and

VI. Trainers

Quantitative Annual Returns: Specialist Training Highlight Reports

View the Quantitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2022-2023
View the Quantitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2021-2022
View the Quantitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2020-2021
View the Quantitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2019-2020 & a Infographic with key findings

Qualitative Annual Returns: Specialist Training Highlights Reports

View the Qualitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2022-2023
View the Qualitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2021-2022
View the Qualitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2020-2021
View the Qualitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2019-2020 & a Infographic with key findings

In the quantitative ARP, the Executive seeks details from Bodies on:

I. Trainee demographics

II. Data relating to selection and recruitment

III. Progression and attrition rates

IV. Number of trainees availing of leave and flexible training

V. Location of clinical placements and

VI. Trainers

Quantitative Annual Returns: Specialist Training Highlight Reports

View the Quantitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2022-2023
View the Quantitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2021-2022
View the Quantitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2020-2021
View the Quantitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2019-2020 & a Infographic with key findings

Qualitative Annual Returns: Specialist Training Highlights Reports

View the Qualitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2022-2023
View the Qualitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2021-2022
View the Qualitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2020-2021
View the Qualitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2019-2020 & a Infographic with key findings

I. Trainee demographics

II. Data relating to selection and recruitment

III. Progression and attrition rates

IV. Number of trainees availing of leave and flexible training

V. Location of clinical placements and

VI. Trainers

Quantitative Annual Returns: Specialist Training Highlight Reports

View the Quantitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2022-2023
View the Quantitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2021-2022
View the Quantitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2020-2021
View the Quantitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2019-2020 & a Infographic with key findings

Qualitative Annual Returns: Specialist Training Highlights Reports

View the Qualitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2022-2023
View the Qualitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2021-2022
View the Qualitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2020-2021
View the Qualitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2019-2020 & a Infographic with key findings

II. Data relating to selection and recruitment

III. Progression and attrition rates

IV. Number of trainees availing of leave and flexible training

V. Location of clinical placements and

VI. Trainers

Quantitative Annual Returns: Specialist Training Highlight Reports

View the Quantitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2022-2023
View the Quantitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2021-2022
View the Quantitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2020-2021
View the Quantitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2019-2020 & a Infographic with key findings

Qualitative Annual Returns: Specialist Training Highlights Reports

View the Qualitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2022-2023
View the Qualitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2021-2022
View the Qualitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2020-2021
View the Qualitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2019-2020 & a Infographic with key findings

III. Progression and attrition rates

IV. Number of trainees availing of leave and flexible training

V. Location of clinical placements and

VI. Trainers

Quantitative Annual Returns: Specialist Training Highlight Reports

View the Quantitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2022-2023
View the Quantitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2021-2022
View the Quantitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2020-2021
View the Quantitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2019-2020 & a Infographic with key findings

Qualitative Annual Returns: Specialist Training Highlights Reports

View the Qualitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2022-2023
View the Qualitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2021-2022
View the Qualitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2020-2021
View the Qualitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2019-2020 & a Infographic with key findings

IV. Number of trainees availing of leave and flexible training

V. Location of clinical placements and

VI. Trainers

Quantitative Annual Returns: Specialist Training Highlight Reports

View the Quantitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2022-2023
View the Quantitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2021-2022
View the Quantitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2020-2021
View the Quantitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2019-2020 & a Infographic with key findings

Qualitative Annual Returns: Specialist Training Highlights Reports

View the Qualitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2022-2023
View the Qualitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2021-2022
View the Qualitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2020-2021
View the Qualitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2019-2020 & a Infographic with key findings

V. Location of clinical placements and

VI. Trainers

Quantitative Annual Returns: Specialist Training Highlight Reports

View the Quantitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2022-2023
View the Quantitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2021-2022
View the Quantitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2020-2021
View the Quantitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2019-2020 & a Infographic with key findings

Qualitative Annual Returns: Specialist Training Highlights Reports

View the Qualitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2022-2023
View the Qualitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2021-2022
View the Qualitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2020-2021
View the Qualitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2019-2020 & a Infographic with key findings

VI. Trainers

Quantitative Annual Returns: Specialist Training Highlight Reports

View the Quantitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2022-2023
View the Quantitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2021-2022
View the Quantitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2020-2021
View the Quantitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2019-2020 & a Infographic with key findings

Qualitative Annual Returns: Specialist Training Highlights Reports

View the Qualitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2022-2023
View the Qualitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2021-2022
View the Qualitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2020-2021
View the Qualitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2019-2020 & a Infographic with key findings

Quantitative Annual Returns: Specialist Training Highlight Reports

View the Quantitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2022-2023
View the Quantitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2021-2022
View the Quantitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2020-2021
View the Quantitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2019-2020 & a Infographic with key findings

Qualitative Annual Returns: Specialist Training Highlights Reports

View the Qualitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2022-2023
View the Qualitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2021-2022
View the Qualitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2020-2021
View the Qualitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2019-2020 & a Infographic with key findings

Quantitative Annual Returns: Specialist Training Highlight Reports

View the Quantitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2022-2023
View the Quantitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2021-2022
View the Quantitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2020-2021
View the Quantitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2019-2020 & a Infographic with key findings

Qualitative Annual Returns: Specialist Training Highlights Reports

View the Qualitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2022-2023
View the Qualitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2021-2022
View the Qualitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2020-2021
View the Qualitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2019-2020 & a Infographic with key findings

View the Quantitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2022-2023
View the Quantitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2021-2022
View the Quantitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2020-2021
View the Quantitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2019-2020 & a Infographic with key findings

Qualitative Annual Returns: Specialist Training Highlights Reports

View the Qualitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2022-2023
View the Qualitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2021-2022
View the Qualitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2020-2021
View the Qualitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2019-2020 & a Infographic with key findings

Qualitative Annual Returns: Specialist Training Highlights Reports

View the Qualitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2022-2023
View the Qualitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2021-2022
View the Qualitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2020-2021
View the Qualitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2019-2020 & a Infographic with key findings

Qualitative Annual Returns: Specialist Training Highlights Reports

View the Qualitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2022-2023
View the Qualitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2021-2022
View the Qualitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2020-2021
View the Qualitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2019-2020 & a Infographic with key findings

View the Qualitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2022-2023
View the Qualitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2021-2022
View the Qualitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2020-2021
View the Qualitative Highlight Report for the academic year 2019-2020 & a Infographic with key findings