What are the Psychiatry Foundation Fellowship programmes?
The Psychiatry Foundation Fellowship programme aims to improve exposure to the specialty for foundation doctors (FDs). The scheme will ensure that a greater number of FDs are supported in their interest in psychiatry throughout the Foundation Programme (FP), maintaining and enhancing their enthusiasm for the specialty. This is especially important for those who may have limited opportunity to explore their interest via a clinical placement. Psychiatry has faced challenges historically in recruiting to Core Training posts. The aim of the scheme is to identify medical students with above average academic ability who have expressed an interest in psychiatry as a potential career choice and to support them through to application for specialty training.
How do PFF posts differ to standard FP programmes that include a rotation in psychiatry?
As well as having access to educational opportunities relevant to psychiatry, for example funded attendance at relevant conferences, online learning and psychiatry journals, FD will also access funded weekly psychiatric supervision and be able to attend reflective Balint groups. The aim of these opportunities is to introduce a strong emphasis on the psychological aspects of medicine throughout the FP to enhance the educational opportunities afforded in non-psychiatric rotations for those keen to develop expertise in this area. Fellows may also choose to be linked to college faculties to provide additional mentoring in a potential subspecialty of psychiatry of interest (for example, child and adolescent, perinatal etc).
Who can apply for PFF?
Any applicant who has applied to FP can apply for PFF, that is, all nominated or eligible applicants.
What are the application form requirements for PFF?
Applications will be submitted directly to the Royal College of Psychiatrists. England and Wales are using the process that is detailed in the PFF guidance. Scotland has included PFF posts as part of the FPP process and Northern Ireland have opted out.
Where are PFF posts located?
There are PFF posts in England, Wales and Scotland. Scotland has included PFF posts as part of the FPP process and Northern Ireland have opted out.
Will there be an interview?
No, applicants are not expected to interview.
What will be the scoring criteria for offers?
Applicants will be ranked based on their application score and offers will be made based on the application score and in accordance with applicant preferences. A meritocratic algorithm will be used, that is, the highest scoring applicant will be offered the programme they ranked the highest.
If I accept an offer for PFF, will I still be eligible for SFP, FPP and FP?
The PFF process is changing for FP2023. The Royal College of Psychiatrists will manage all applications and allocations following the national UKFP allocations process. Eligibility will be confirmed by the College.
Can a PFF applicant link their application to a non-PFF applicant?
Yes. PFF offers are made after national allocation to a UoA, so links can be honoured as per the normal linked application process.