General Guidelines On Leave Taken During FM Traineeship

The Committee has refined the general guidelines on leave taken during traineeship issued on 15 January 2009.

The guidelines draw attention to trainees who may have taken excessive leave of absence during traineeship.

As a guide to ensure that trainees receive adequate training and are prepared for examinations, the following guidelines should be followed when recognising postings:

(a) For 3-monthly posting
The trainee must not be absent for more than 17 days regardless of the type of leave taken.

(b) For 6-monthly posting
The trainee must not be absent for more than 34 days regardless of the type of leave taken.

Any trainees with excessive leave beyond the above guidelines will be referred to the Committee for consideration.

In all cases of excessive leave of absence, it is the trainees’ responsibility to ensure that:

  1. They do not have any more leave of absence during the posting;
  2. They and their supervisors make a concerted effort to ensure the learning objectives are achieved despite the shortened period of training and to arrange for make-up sessions if necessary; and
  3. There are no adverse reports on their clinical performance

In the event where it is required, the Committee shall determine:

  1. If make-up training is required; and
  2. Whether it is an essential posting that may render an extension of the traineeship; or
  3. Whether the make-up can be carried out in future postings

The guidelines shall apply to postings with effect from November 2009.