The individual surgical specialties all have their own unique requirements for courses and exams and it is important to understand the financial supports that are in place for trainees, these are all funded by the HSE NDTP.
There are four individual schemes;
1. Clinical Course & Examination Refund Scheme for NCHDs
This scheme is open to all NCHDs.
The HSE has issued an approved list of qualifying clinical courses and examinations, these can be viewed in the. guidance document.
It is important to note that changes came into effect on the 8th July 2019 so the full cost of an approved examination/course taken on or after this date is eligible to be refunded for the first sitting of the exam. An application form must be completed to apply for this refund.
2. Training Supports Scheme (TSS) for NCHDs
This scheme is open to all NCHDs. Funding is allocated based on Grade and the table below indicates the amount available under the TSS for each registration training year, July – July. Funding is available pro-rata for doctors employed on shorter contract durations.
Core Surgical Trainees qualify for a grant of €1,250.00 per year
Specialist Trainees qualify for a grant of €2,000.00 per year
A list of approved clinical courses, conferences and examinations that can be claimed for under the TSS are listed here.
Please see the NCHD Training Supports Scheme (TSS) Guidance Document for Employers & NCHDs here which contains a detailed explanation of the Scheme
The Training Supports Scheme User Guide explains the steps required to making a Training Supports Application via the NER Portal
3. Specialist Training Fund for Higher Specialist Trainees
This scheme is open to higher specialist trainees only. The funding available to each trainee is €500 per year of training and the fund rolls over if not claimed in a particular year.
The Specialist Training Fund for Higher Specialist Trainees (2019) guidance document contains a detailed explanation of the Scheme should be completed and submitted claim your refund.
4. Financial Support for Surgical Loupes
https://msurgery.ie/home/specialist-training/financial-support/surgical-loupes-fund/