Trainees pursuing training in Old Age Psychiatry spend one year working in the speciality in each of two different settings and have the option of one year in either general adult psychiatry or a sub- speciality area. Opportunities are available in Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, North and South Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk. The different old age placements offer a wide range of multidisciplinary clinical experience.

There are many options for the use of special interest sessions including Old Age Liaison Psychiatry, Geriatric Medicine, ECT, Neurology, Palliative Care, Medical Education and Management and it is usually possible to organise special interest sessions according to the needs of individuals.

Many trainees achieve the Diploma in Geriatric Medicine or study for Masters' Degrees in a variety of subjects. There are increasing opportunities for research in Cambridge and Norwich and Epping, which is part of North Essex has a large well established old age research group linked to University College London. Research is encouraged and the training scheme offers the opportunity to do qualitative as well as quantitative research within the specialities as well as in related fields such as genetics, functional neuro-imaging, and neurology. Some of the trainees have successfully applied for grants for research projects and such initiatives are actively supported.

The scheme has been designed to offer wide clinical experience in a variety of settings and to equip trainees with the ability to meet the demands of senior medical posts within the National Health Service. Many services have been or are in the process of undergoing various types of modernization, depending on the needs of local populations. Trainees are encouraged, alongside their clinical work, to develop competencies in management and gain an understanding of how services develop.

Senior Old Age Psychiatry trainees are encouraged to attend the regular one day regional professional meetings of Old Age Psychiatrists in Newmarket. These meetings consist of a business meeting, enabling the trainees to learn about developments and challenges in Old Age Psychiatry in other parts of the region away from their current workplace and also an academic session. Attendance facilitates networking and helps further develop professional interests. A new development is a trainee led 'Old Age Trainees' Forum' linked to these events.

Further details are available from Dr Judy Rubinsztein, Training Programme Director