Professional Development Session (PDS): Enhancing Training Opportunities for Psychiatry Specialist Trainees

The Psychiatry Silver Guide Version 2.0 strongly emphasises the importance of the Professional Development Sessions (PDS) for Psychiatry Specialist Trainees. Tailored to support trainees in meeting their training requirements, the PDS is a fundamental part of the psychiatric training pathway. We have conducted a survey, and the findings have revealed significant challenges that trainees are facing in accessing and engaging with these essential sessions. On average, trainees are experiencing a frustrating delay of 4-6 weeks before they can begin a PDS, with some trainees not participating in any sessions throughout the entire year.

Any time lost in this process equates to missed training opportunities and can hinder professional development. The survey also identified common obstacles in planning and implementing PDS, primarily due to insufficient information and resources available to help trainees navigate these sessions effectively.

In response to these findings, I am pleased to announce the launch of the All Wales Psychiatry Trainees Professional Development Session (PDS) website. This platform is designed to provide comprehensive information and resources for trainees across all health boards in Wales, facilitating their journey through PDS during their training years.

What the PDS Website Offers:

• Centralised Resource Hub: The website aggregates key information regarding PDS sessions offered by different health boards, making it easier for trainees to plan their participation.
• Feedback and Support Channels: A section dedicated to sharing feedback and experiences about PDS, along with contact details for support and further enquiries.
•  In the future, we hope to provide links to Local Opportunities: Direct access to information about local events, workshops, and resources tailored specifically for trainees within their respective health boards.

Encouraging all psychiatry specialist trainees to utilize the new PDS website is crucial. Engaging with this resource will not only aid in overcoming the planning challenges identified in the survey but will also enhance your training experience and professional growth.

Additionally, we urge trainees to share their feedback to us (psychiatrywales@gmail.com) and their experiences with PDS in the coming months. Your input is invaluable in shaping future iterations of the website and enhancing the PDS framework for all future trainees in Wales.

By taking proactive steps to engage in PDS, you can ensure you make the most of your training opportunities and fulfill your professional development goals as prospective psychiatrists.

If you haven’t already, please visit the new PDS website at Psychwales (psychiatrywales.wixsite.com) and start exploring the resources available to you. It is password protected, kindly refer to the password provided in the group chat. If you are not in the group chat, you can email psychiatrywales@gmail.com using your work email for the password.

Let’s work together to maximize every opportunity on our pathway to becoming exceptional psychiatrists.

Dr Kok Keong Leong

Psychiatry Registrar ST5

Royal Glamorgan Hospital

Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board