1. OOPR: how to succeed (Sabbaticals are another days discussion!) Michael Bannon Postgraduate Dean, Oxford

2. Scenario Trainee A ST Gastroenterology 2008: Takes year OOPR to undertake specific piece of departmental research 2009: Allowed further year of OOPR to complete MD 2010: Now enrolled as DPhil student, "final" extension granted; return to clinical programme agreed for August 2012

3. Scenario (ctd) June 2012: request for another year to complete research, write up thesis (supported by academic head of dept, BUT Head of School and Trust not happy!) Dean receives 3 letters: –Trust CEO re lack of middle grade cover –Trainee’s MP expressing concern about Deanery attitudes to “academia” –Head of School Medicine re trainee’s unprofessional behaviour & impact on his training

4. Way forward 1. Is the right way to manage OOPR? 2. What should be done? ie what is the right thing to do? 3. What do we mean by “flexibility”

5. Tips for success Be clear with everyone involved (including yourself): –Why do you want to take OOPR? –What are you going to do? –When will you take it & for how long? –Benefits? (career, NHS, etc)

6. Acquire the necessary skills: Administration: Time management Project management CommunicationNetworkingEffectiveness Self direction

7. Communicate Map out all the people and agencies that need to know about your wish to take OOPR: –Educational supervisor, TPD, Head of School, Deanery admin staff, Royal College… Give as much notice as possible (at least six months…12 months better) Be flexible & negotiate Remember: OOPR is not a mandated right! The issue of extensions for existing OOPR is contentious

8. Consider impact on your training Will any of OOPR count towards training? Liaise and obtain clarity on this from relevant College/Faculty Complete relevant Deanery forms!! Discuss in advance with educational supervisor Keep in touch while you are away

9. Plan for your return Will you need to refresh your clinical skills? Portfolio up to date (remember revalidation) Remember while you are guaranteed a place on the training programme, Deaneries cannot specify precisely where that will be Re-establish contact three months in advance with Deanery

10. Things to note Pensions (consult BMA on this; I’m not an expert) Don’t let your GMC registration lapse if you are overseas! Complete the outputs from your OOPR as soon as possible Keep abreast of NHS changes in England especially LETBs

11. Make the most of your OOPR 1. Network extensively 2. Fully engage in academic life 3. Record your progress and reflect upon upon it 4. Persevere 5. Enjoy!