What is SPIN?
Paediatric trainees from ST4 can apply to undertake a special interest (SPIN) module. This is additional training and experience in a specialty, which is completed over 12-18 months. Those who complete their training with a SPIN module can apply for consultant posts as a General Paediatrician with a special expertise.
Post completion SPIN modules are also available to paediatricians on the GMC specialist register, and are usually completed over a 12 month to 5 year period.
Trainees are eligible to apply (from ST4). SPIN modules are not usually available to sub-specialty (GRID) trainees.
Paediatricians who have completed training or are on the GMC specialist register may also apply during any given application window.
Specific dates can be found on the RCPCH website. There is usually one round of applications per year to start March the following year.
Every year, we try our best to maximise SpIN opportunities in our Deanery. Competitive interviews with subspecialty leads as panel members ensures fairness and transparency. Adverts with details of number of posts in each specialty are sent out around February - March. Places for SpIN will vary each year depending on availability. In addition to trainees who were successful in this round, some more will potentially receive SpIN accreditation based on their past and subsequent one-off specialty placements. There is also the option to obtain SpIN accreditation post-CCT. Below are the competition ratios for the SPIN 2024 round in the East of England. Interviews were conducted between 22nd - 24th April 2024.
|
Subspecialty |
No of posts |
No of candidates |
|
Cardiology |
2 |
5 |
|
Diabetes |
3 |
3 |
|
Epilepsy |
1 |
1 |
|
Gastro |
2 |
3 |
|
HDC |
2 |
2 |
|
Neonatology |
10 |
11 |
|
Oncology |
1 |
4 |
|
PEM rotation |
1 |
1 |
|
Total |
22 |
30 |
If you are thinking about SPIN then you should speak to your educational supervisor and your Training Programme Director (TPD). Further information about the application process is available on the RCPCH website.
https://www.rcpch.ac.uk/resources/special-interest-spin-module-application-guidance