The Mersey Training Programme

The Mersey Training Programme is now a structured 5 year programme tailored to the Royal College of Radiologists recommendations and shaped around the examination structure within Radiology and the Royal College Syllabus for Training. The emphasis for training during the 5 year programme is as follows:

Year 1

During University terms there is 1 full day each week (Wednesday) at the Mersey School of Radiology, providing a formal educational programme in Radiological Anatomy, Radiological and Radiographic techniques, and Radiation Physics. There are close links with the University of Liverpool and all SpRs have access to University facilities.

The Mersey School of Radiology is a nationwide leader in ultrasound teaching with a novel pilot scheme for ultrasound training and assessment of radiology trainees in their first two years of training. This has been developed by Julie Walton (current president of BMUS). Reaching the necessary standard is a pre requisite for doing oncall in the coming year. 

The first part of the FRCR is sat at 9 months and is a crucial step towards a successful first annual assessment. 

At the end of the first year there is an exam, which determines competency to work oncall. The exam format comprises of an MCQ paper, a rapid reporting session, and a computer reporting session. There is a mock exam which is held in May followed by the exam itself in June.  

Years 2 and 3

The emphasis on training is now in pathological radiology integrated with anatomy and radiological techniques. Most trainees would expect to have clinical radiology placements in paediatric radiology, neurology, oncology and some will do nuclear medicine.

In year 2 there is 1 full day each week (Tuesday) at the Mersey School of Radiology, where teaching is given on a modular basis, aiming for part 2A FRCR which now comprises 6 modular exams. This format is now single best answer (SBA) format. Click here for RCR information on SBA for part one

In year 3 there is formal training during term times on one fixed afternoon per week. This rotates between the 10 departments on the scheme. There is specific training for the final part of the FRCR. FRCR part 2B is typically sat in year 4.

Years 4 and 5

During this 2 year period there will be a total of 12 months sub-specialty training within radiology and 12 months general training. A list of available sub-specialty posts in enclosed. The trainee selects their own particular areas of interest and are attached to a named trainer. The emphasis is on sub-specialty experience and trainees are encouraged to produce research and present their work at major meetings.

Year 5 and 6

In year 5 and 6 there is a Clinical Lecturer post and local Fellowships in Paediatric Radiology, Interventional Radiology, Radionuclide Radiology and Neuroradiology, all approved by the Royal College of Radiologists