Half Day Release Course

The training programme (VTS) half-day release course runs on Wednesday afternoons during term time (3 terms per academic year).  Each term has a general theme:  recent examples include consultation skills, evidence based medicine and medical ethics. 

This is an innovative and interactive course – it is important to us that you enjoy the process and feel involved. The course programmes are partly constructed by the Registrars themselves and partly by the Programme Directors, so that individual needs are catered for whilst covering any areas not dealt with in other ways.  A mix of outside speakers and self-resourced sessions is the norm and small group work is an important part of the mix.  Outside visits also take place, for example to the Princess Alice Hospice and The Priory.

Twice a year the VTS decamps for a short stay at Cumberland Lodge in Windsor Great Park.  These two-day residential courses usually take place in February and September.  Traditionally, they are an opportunity for the new intake to meet the old as well as a chance for more in-depth educational activities, accompanied by fantastic food and walks in the beautiful Great Park.

We understand that you learn better when you know each other better, so the course mixes in away days and a certain amount of social activity each term.

These training years can be a real challenge and we recognise that it is important to be with others sharing the experience.  The half-day release course is an important source of mutual support as well as an opportunity to expand your professional development in a dynamic and stimulating environment.  In order to benefit fully from all that the course offers Registrars are expected to attend all course sessions.