Introduction
The vascular surgical curriculum contains two sections:
- Knowledge and Principles of Vascular Surgery
- Vascular Surgery Competencies
Each topic within these sections is further divided into learning objectives related to Knowledge and Application. Each topic is not equally weighted, and some topics will have a greater emphasis in training and practice than others.
Learning objectives within each section are grouped according to the stage of SET training:
- Early (SET 1-2)
- Mid (SET 3-4)
- Late (SET 5)
Although many of these learning objectives should have been attained at the beginning of training, they will be further developed during the course of the vascular SET program. It is expected that the majority of trainees will achieve the relevant competencies by the end of the corresponding stage of training.
Statement of competence
The curriculum outlines the expected competency standards in vascular SET Training and provides more specific guidance to trainees and supervisors on required knowledge and skills at different stages of the SET training program.
The curriculum document links learning objectives to the ten RACS competencies, recognising that becoming a competent and proficient surgeon involves attaining skills that are both technical (medical expertise, judgement and clinical decision making, technical expertise) and non-technical (leadership and management, health advocacy, professionalism, communication, cultural competency and safety, education and teaching, and collaboration and teamwork).
Section 1 : Knowledge and Principles of Vascular Surgery
This section details the core knowledge required for vascular trainees to progress through SET. This knowledge is acquired and developed throughout the training program and is further applied and developed in Section 2 of the curriculum.
Section 1 comprises 14 separate topic areas related to the anatomical, pathophysiology, investigation and management of vascular disease.
Figure: Section 1 Topic Themes
Click on the topic names below to open the curriculum to that section in a new tab.
Competency in many of the early SET learning objectives is assessed in the Vascular Surgical Sciences examination (VSSE), with progression to competency in all levels (early, mid and late SET) prior to the fellowship examination.
Section 2: Vascular Surgery Competencies
This section details the key areas of clinically applied vascular surgery. Both knowledge and application learning objectives are covered, expanding on the knowledge and principles of Section 1.
Section 2 comprises of 16 separate topic areas related to the management of arterial disease, venous disease, perioperative care and other vascular conditions managed in multidisciplinary settings.
Figure: Section 2 Topic Themes
Click on the topic names below to open the curriculum to that section in a new tab.
Competency is assessed throughout the SET program, with workplace assessments (Term assessments, logbooks, Mini-CEX and DOPS), participation in tutorials and skills courses. Final assessment of acquired competencies are determined by the fellowship examination.