title: Vascular training in Scotland and Northern Ireland: The trainee perspective prior to introduction of the new vascular curriculum.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The last decade has seen the evolution of vascular surgery from a sub-specialty of general surgery to that of an independent, stand-alone specialty. The introduction of a vascular-only curriculum is anticipated to require significant change from the current provision for vascular surgical training to allow vascular trainees to acquire the specialist skills in elective, emergency, and endovascular surgery to provide endovascular services in the future.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To provide an insight into current vascular training in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
  
  
  METHODS
  Specialty trainees in general surgery, with a sub-specialty interest in vascular in Scotland and Northern Ireland were asked to carry out a voluntary online survey between May 2012 and July 2012.
  
  
  RESULTS
  22 specialty trainees/specialist registrars who have declared a sub-specialty interest in vascular surgery were identified and polled. 20 trainees completed the survey. 13 trainees still participated in general surgical on-call rotas. Formal teaching opportunities were readily available but only 10 trainees could attend regularly. All trainees worked in units offering endovascular treatment for aneurysm and occlusive disease, but few had dedicated training sessions in endovascular skills. All endovascular simulation-based training was industry sponsored. The majority of trainees report a good overall training experience and are keen to see the implementation of a vascular-specific curriculum. 15 trainees had undertaken a dedicated period of research towards a higher degree, with only 50% based on a vascular topic.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The majority of trainees reported a positive training experience with Scotland and Northern Ireland having great potential as vascular training deaneries. The survey identifies specific areas that could be improved by the development of the new curriculum in vascular surgery to provide excellent vascular training in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
authors.affiliation: Department of Vascular Surgery, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK. Electronic address: graemeguthrie@doctors.org.uk.
authors.forename: G J K
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Guthrie
authors.affiliation: Department of Vascular Surgery, Western Infirmary, Glasgow, UK.
authors.forename: K K
authors.initials: KK
authors.lastname: Hussey
authors.affiliation: Department of Vascular Surgery, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Aberdeen, UK.
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.affiliation: Edinburgh Vascular Surgical Service, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
authors.forename: R W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Jamieson
authors.affiliation: Department Vascular Surgery, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, Australia.
authors.forename: C D
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Marron
authors.affiliation: Department of Vascular Surgery, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK.
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Suttie
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003479:Curriculum; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009660:Northern Ireland; D012606:Scotland; D013043:Specialties, Surgical / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures / Q000193:education*
keywords: Northern Ireland; Scotland; Vascular training