The Foundation Programme (FP) curriculum, which underpins the training and professional development of newly graduated doctors, relaunched for the first time in five years in summer 2021. The curriculum sets out a holistic approach to care including physical health, mental health and social health and the skills required to manage this in both acute and community settings and for patients with chronic conditions. Foundation doctors must demonstrate that they are competent in the practice of medicine as defined by the GMC in Good Medical Practice (2024) . The curriculum provides a framework for educational progression that will help them achieve these skills and supports them through the first two years of professional development after graduation from medical school.
“The last curriculum was published in 2016 and a lot has happened since then, not least the coronavirus pandemic. To remain fit for purpose, the Foundation Programme must evolve with medical practice and training, so our doctors are properly equipped to practice in a range of healthcare setting, now and in the future.” Dr Tony Choules, Chair of the AoMRC Foundation Programme Committee and Operational Advisor to the UKFPO.
Non-urgent advice: The curriculum
– UK FP Curriculum (interactive pdf) –> We recommend users access the curriculum document through Adobe Reader or an up to date browser (for example Chrome or Firefox). Users accessing the document through Microsoft Edge may not get the full experience of the interactive PDF.
– The Gold Guide (9th edition) –> A reference guide for postgraduate foundation and specialty training in the UK
– Rough guide to the curriculum –> written by foundation doctors, for foundation doctors
– Curriculum resource -> This guide highlights national guidance and protocols available to support each of the curriculum’s foundation professional capabilities. It lists many of the freely available evidence-based resources, including helpful web links (such as e-lfh and BMA) and guidance notes.
UKFP Curriculum & e-portfolio webinar
See below recording of the UKFP Curriculum & e-portfolio webinar on 26 October 2022, focusing on exploring the Placement Supervision Group (PSG) and and e-portfolios.