title: Going out-of-programme as a specialty trainee: procrastination or optimisation of training?
abstract: Out-of-programme (OOP) activities enable postgraduate trainees to undertake an experience outside of their individual subspecialty training programmes. Activities vary but may include a period of research, additional clinical experiences or time for a planned career break. Determining whether to go OOP is a common dilemma faced by many trainees as they progress through postgraduate training. This review assesses the options trainees have with regards to going OOP, evaluates the potential advantages and disadvantages and also provides advice for those considering an OOP activity.
authors.affiliation: Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield. mattkurien@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Matthew
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kurien
authors.forename: Iman A F
authors.initials: IA
authors.lastname: Azmy
authors.forename: David S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Sanders
mesh_terms: D035843:Biomedical Research; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate; D006801:Humans; D008511:Medicine; D006113:United Kingdom