The Only Purpose Built Radiology Academy In The World
  • 01752 437437
  • plh-tr.sw-imagingacademy@nhs.net
  • South West Imaging Training Academy, Plymouth International Business Park, Plymouth, PL6 5WR
Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions that have not been answered in this section please email us at plh-tr.Radiology-Academy@nhs.net.

It is important that you look at the currently available person specification to guide you in those aspects of training and prior experience we consider to be important.   We like trainees to have a broad background of medical and surgical training before entry into Radiology.   Whilst more clinical experience has been viewed as advantageous as are higher qualifications (MRCP and MRCS), ultimately we are most interested in highly motivated and keen trainees who have made the most of their training time to date.  It is important when completing the application forms that you score well in all areas.  

Derriford Hospital, Plymouth
Royal Cornwall Hospital, Treliske, Truro
Torbay District General Hospital, Torbay  
Royal Devon & Exeter, Exeter
North Devon District Hospital, Barnstaple
Yeovil may be included in the future.

In the first three years your time will be split 50/50 between your clinical placement and the Academy, rotating on a monthly basis.  In the 4th and 5th year you will spend nine months at your clinical placement and the remainder in the Academy or another facility that will promote your learning.

You will be on call from the 3rd year in line with RCR recommendations but may start at the beginning of your 2nd year of training.

The South West Imaging Training Academy is currently the only bespoke Radiology training facility in Europe.   The trainees experience a combination of small group and individual tuition making the most of a wide array of teaching material.   This includes a large number of PACS workstations that integrate with the supporting clinical departments, various interventional and simulator model and probably Europe’s largest single film collection. The small group teaching is provided by consultant and other healthcare professionals in funded/dedicated time.   All of this training is supplemented by the electronic learning provided by the ELD as part of the RITI (Radiology Integrated Training Initiative) project.

In Year 1 – FRCR Part 1: Physics & Anatomy (March)
In year 2/3 – FRCR Part 2A: Cardiovascular; Musculoskeletal; Gastro-Intestinal; Genito-Urinary; Paediatrics & Neuroradiology (March/Sept)
In year 4/5 – FRCR Part 2B (April/October)

There is encouragement from all departments to become involved with publications/ research/ academic projects and ventures.   There are opportunities to attend events held at the Academy.   There is also sufficient self-directed study to devote time to allow trainees to complete these projects.   The training supports out of programme experience where appropriate and also allows trainees to accrue study time to undertake mini fellowships.

In December of every year the posts are advertised on the Peninsula Deanery Website.   Applications are made through the MMC process.  

Yes, the details through which are available through your own deaneries.

Every year the Academy has an open day that allows interested parties to visit the Academy and talk to the consultants and other registrars currently on the scheme.  There are currently taster sessions available also.  These are all advertised on our website.

Hotels in close proximity to the Academy are The Future Inn and the Jack Rabbit
The Future Inn – 01752 701000 www.futureinns.co.uk   (Quote Imaging Training Academy)   
The Jack Rabbit Inn – 01752   783585 www.innkeeperslodge.com