Non-Research-Based Opportunities

Disclaimer: information on this page is to be considered as a general guide only. Resident doctors are advised to contact their Educational Supervisor/ Training Programme Director/Postgraduate Dean for further guidance as advice may vary given individual circumstances

What is an ‘OOP’?

An OOP (Out Of Programme) is a formal agreement whereby a resident doctor is able to take time away from formal training whilst retaining their national training number (NTN). There are different types of OOP; some count towards a certificate of completion of training (CCT) and others do not. 

The maximum number of years allowed as OOP may vary depending on circumstances and should be discussed with resident doctors’ individual Training Programme Directors (TPDs).
All OOPs are subject to the formal agreement and approval of the Postgraduate Dean, TPD and Educational Supervisor (ES).

Are you a medical oncology trainee that is completing (or has completed) an OOP? If so, please get in touch as we would love to hear about your experience to share on the website.

Conditions for OOP applications:

  • Generally, requests will not be approved until a resident doctor has completed at least one year of specialty training (unless a deferral for statutory leave was agreed at the time of appointment).
  • Typically, trainees will not normally be allowed to take time OOP within their final year of training.

An OOP request will require:

  • Approval from the TPD
  • Approval from the ES
  • Approval from the Postgraduate Dean
  • Formal evidence of confirmed funding to undertake OOP activities, if applicable

If you are considering an OOP it is advisable to plan ahead due to forms and deadlines that must be completed (as outlined below). Please discuss all requirements with your TPD ahead of time as requirements could vary depending on individual circumstances.

Useful links:

Types of Out of Programme Opportunities

1. OOP-T: Out of Programme for Training

  • Purpose: Gain clinical experience not part of the standard training programme whilst maintaining NTN. Training outside of your standard training program but still within a relevant specialty. 
  • Example: Gaining experience in a different health system or specialising in a clinical area outside the standard curriculum.
  • Impact on CCT: Could count towards CCT depending on individual circumstances. Needs discussion with TPD on an individual basis to establish whether the resident doctor’s specific OOP-T opportunity qualifies for CCT credit. 

2. OOP-R: Out of Programme for Research 

3. AUC: Acting Up as a Consultant

  • Purpose: To gain experience in a consultant role within the specialty being trained in and still maintaining NTN.
  • Application Process:
    • Must be completed within the current specialty.
    • If outside the curriculum, a supporting letter from the Royal College/JRCPTB/JCST is required.
  • Example: Taking on a consultant-level responsibility temporarily within your training specialty.
  • Impact on CCT: N/A

4. OOP-P: Out of Programme Pause

  • Purpose: To temporarily pause the training programme to undertake a non-training NHS post whilst retaining NTN. Experience and competencies gained outside of training may then be considered on the trainee’s return to their training programme. This may allow trainees to minimise the impact on the time out of programme has on their CCT date.
  • Application Process:
    • Submit the OOPP supplementary information form.
    • The OOPP opportunity must be approved by the Postgraduate Dean.
    • Continue fulfilling the annual review and revalidation requirements.
  • Example: Taking a short-term pause from training for professional or personal reasons while staying enrolled.
  • Impact on CCT: Could count towards CCT depending on individual circumstances. Needs discussion with TPD on an individual basis to establish whether the resident doctor’s specific OOP- P opportunity qualifies for CCT credit. 

5. OOP-E: Out of Programme for Experience

  • Purpose: Gain skills or experience that will enhance future practice whilst retaining NTN. Differs from an OOP-P as the experiences gained definitely cannot contribute towards CCT.
  • Example: Working with Médecins Sans Frontières or contributing to global health initiatives.
  • Impact on CCT: Does not count towards CCT.

6. OOP-C: Out of Programme for Career Break

  • Purpose: To take a planned break for personal reasons whilst retaining NTN.
  • Example: Taking time off for family responsibilities, health reasons, personal development/pursuing other talents.
  • Impact on CCT: Does not count towards CCT.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for an Out of Programme Opportunity

Checklist for applying for an OOP (apart from OOP-R. See OOP-R page for research requirements/checklist)

Things to do with your Training Programme Director:

  1. Inform them of your plans for OOP
  2. Ask them to review your ‘OOP Statement’ 
  3. If they are in agreement, ask them to sign your ‘OOP/Acting Up signatory form’ to state that they are in agreement with your plan and have reviewed your statement. This can be found via this link and is called ‘Application Support‘

Things to do with your Educational Supervisor:

  1. Inform them of your plans for OOP
  2. Ask them to review your ‘OOP Statement’ 
  3. If they are in agreement, ask them to sign your ‘OOP/Acting Up signatory form’ to state that they are in agreement with your plan and have reviewed your statement. This can be found via this link and is called ‘Application Support‘
  4. Together with your ES, complete a ‘Supported Return to Training Form‘ which can be found on this website.

Once you have completed the above with your TPD and ES:

  • Submit all forms within the application window on this page
  • Await a response from the Postgraduate Dean

Make sure you start this process well ahead of time to avoid missing the application window. If missed, your application will be declined.