Diagnostic Radiology Validation Document
Validation Procedure for Specialist Register (Radiology) of the Medical Council of Ireland
Applications must be made to the Irish Medical Council www.medicalcouncil.ie. The Faculty of Radiologists (RCSI) assesses applications referred to it by the Medical Council. The remit of the Faculty is to compare the knowledge, skill and experience of the applicant to that of a Radiologist eligible for inclusion on the Register following training by the Faculty in Ireland.
In essence the applicant should be able to demonstrate the following:
- An appropriate level of knowledge, demonstrated by passing the Fellowship of the Faculty of Radiologists (FFRRCSI) or the equivalent qualifications in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia or New Zealand.
- A minimum of two years in a supervised clinical training post (at least one year post internship) in addition to a radiology training programme.
- Five years in a supervised training post in a radiology programme recognised by the Faculty of Radiologists as equivalent to its own programme (currently programmes in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand).
- Secondary criteria, including demonstrable training in basic life support, management of adverse reactions to contrast media, familiarity with Irish healthcare and management systems and an ability to locate and apply relevant evidence to practice. (Please see the attached spreadsheet which the Faculty Validation Committee uses for assessment, for guidance.)
Alternative Pathway
- An applicant with a Radiology Qualification outside of those detailed above may, at the discretion of the Validation Committee, be issued with an enabling certificate to exempt them from the requirement to sit the FFRRCSI Part I, thus enabling them to sit the Final FFRRCSI (Part II) within 18 months of the issuing of such a certificate.
- Where an individual has completed a minimum of four years of Radiology training in a non-accredited training post (currently outside of Ireland, UK, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand), they may apply for an accredited Radiology Fellowship position in Canada, USA, Australia or New Zealand, or a specialist registrar post in the United Kingdom, equivalent to a final year resident or Fellow. It would be advisable to discuss the nature of such a post with the Faculty of Radiologists in Ireland prior to commencement. In addition, there may be validation posts available in Ireland. Following a six week trial period the validation post may be extended to one year, or the candidate may be advised to enter a full five year training post, depending on their perceived abilities. Details concerning the Validation posts are available from the Faculty of Radiologists.
Subspecialists Posts (including Paediatric radiology)
Please contact the Faculty of Radiologists for details.
It should be noted that a fee of €750 is payable to the Faculty of Radiologists for assessment of applications, in addition to any fees charged by the Medical Council.