Insights into obtaining FRCR and beyond: Obstacles, opportunities and post-relocation dilemma – An Indian perspective

Abstract

Indian radiology trainees and radiologists are interested to have FRCR (Fellow of the Royal College of Radiologists) qualification for various reasons including academic career progression, subspecialty interest and other socioeconomic factors. The path for acquiring FRCR qualification is adventurous yet onerous and exhausting. Perseverance, meticulous planning and clarity in the vision are essential prerequisites for an Indian graduate aiming to complete FRCR qualification, and one may require to invest an average of 1.5–2 years even if there is no reattempt in this tripartite examination. Indian doctors including radiologists are considered amongst the finest across global medical fraternities. However, the Indian medical education is skewed and variably distributed over the subcontinent due to organisational inability to provide single radiology curriculum-based education to all radiology training programmes. Parallel educational boards and a variety of institutions such as government, trust-funded and private organisations provide radiology training to further complicate the grand picture of radiology education in India. Conversely, UK radiology education is uniform nationally and rigorously enforced by deaneries based upon state-provided guidelines. UK training opportunities are essentially academically rewarding experience but they require herculean efforts to gain access to one. One should constantly focus on building a resume at par with that of a UK trainee by obtaining experience required to fulfil checklist for such opportunities. Alongwith addressing local (UK) competition thoughtfully, hard work, diligence, and high standards of work ethics are absolute musts to build a great resume, to obtain training opportunity and, in turn, to satisfy the ultimate goal of carrier advancement.

Subspecialization, Senior Residency, or Private Practice: The Dilemma of Final-Year Radiology Postgraduate Residents in India

“…Abroad education attracts students for the reasons such as, "being trained in an environment of highly structured training protocols," or for having a variety of subspeciality topics to choose from, which are sparsely available in India (such as women, imaging, fetal medicine). 15,23,24 Also, as previously mentioned, that most of the fellowship courses in radiology in India are not recognized by the NMC; hence, they could not be presented as post-PG-academic qualifications. Another option for getting a fellowship degree was writing foreign fellowship examinations such as FRCR, FRANZCR, and EDiR.…”

“…The demerit lies in the fact that these do not provide the candidate with any hands-on practical exposure, thus having no benefit regarding skill enhancements but adds to the academic portfolio. 23,24 Other than higher academic affiliations, the resident can pursue the avenues of senior residency, private practice, or a combination of both. The NMC expects residents of any specialities to pursue a 3-year senior residency in their respective departments in an institute where they can get a seat.…”

FRCR Surge in India: Why Do Indian Radiologists Obtain FRCR?

“…We read with great interest the article “Insights into obtaining FRCR and beyond: Obstacles, opportunities and post-relocation dilemma - An Indian perspective” by Thaker et al 1 The authors make pertinent points regarding push and pull factors which promote migration among Indian doctors, the pre- and post-FRCR (Fellowship of Royal College of Radiologists) difficulties which radiologists face, and the need for a clear vision before embarking upon FRCR.…”