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The College is here to support you throughout all stages of your career to enable you to deliver the highest standards of healthcare to patients.
Audiovestibular Medicine (AVM)
Pros
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MDT working – AVM is a multidisciplinary speciality and you will work closely on a daily basis with audiologists, physiotherapists, hearing therapists and many more!
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Opportunity to provide continuity of care
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Opportunity to facilitate potentially life-changing procedures, e.g. cochlear implants
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A small, relatively new, evolving specialty – new ideas are welcome and there is plenty of scope for research
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No on-call commitment. A ‘family-friendly’ specialty
Cons
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Often no ‘quick fix’ treatment option available for patients – treatment is primarily rehabilitation based. The exception is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo.
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Geographical restriction – training posts are only available in London and Manchester / Cardiff / Nottingham (2 deaneries).
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No on-call commitment = no banding supplement = basic pay only...
Article Author
Surangi Mendis – ST3.
"I personally wanted to contrast being a generalist with working in a highly specialised environment. I have not been disappointed so far!"
Edited by Reeya Motha – ST6
How is Audiovestibular Medicine different and why did I choose it?
AVM is a unique, niche speciality. It is growing and evolving and as a trainee, you are encouraged to help shape this growth. It is one of the smallest medical specialties – this gives you the opportunity to get to know everyone in your field well. I myself came to AVM from a background in general practice; I personally wanted to contrast being a generalist with working in a highly specialised environment. I have not been disappointed so far!
My top tips for applications in Audiovestibular Medicine
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Use the ‘taster week’ during your FY2 year to observe a few audiovestibular clinics. Use the opportunity to talk with the registrars as well as the consultants about their experiences so far.
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Formal taster day – used to be offered annually at The Royal National Throat Nose and Ear Hospital. This may start up again in the future.
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Consider attending a Deaf Awareness Course – e.g. offered by Action on Hearing Loss.
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Look at the person specification and tailor your CV accordingly; see here for guidance .
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Teaching experience, publications, presentations, relevant postgraduate qualifications – whilst not an absolute requirement, these are looked upon favourably.
Day in the Life of an AVM registrar
| 8:30am | 9:15am | Departmental business meeting or AVM / audiologist journal club. |
| 9:15am | 12:30pm | Tinnitus clinic. |
| 12:30pm | 1:30pm | AVM-radiology meeting. |
| 1:30pm | 5:00pm | Dizzy clinic. |
Audiovestibular Medicine (AVM) Definition
Medical management of the hearing and balance systems.
Training Programme Overview
A five-year programme (ST3-ST7). Trainees entry at ST3 from one of four training pathways; internal medicine training, ENT core surgical training, paediatrics or general practice. Within AVM, there are distinct sub-speciality areas; tinnitus, neuro-otology (dizziness) and general hearing. In each of these areas, trainees must achieve competency in dealing with both adult and paediatric populations. Attachments in allied specialities are required such as psychiatry, community paediatrics, ENT, neurology, care of the elderly, ophthalmology, genetics and immunology are required. It is expected that trainees should have a good understanding of the available audiological and vestibular testing methods and time is allocated during your training to observe and / or learn how to perform these tests.
A more detailed breakdown of the curriculum can be found at: the gmc uk website
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PG Certificate in MSc level Audiology.
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We do not have a ‘logbook’ specifically, like the surgical specialities for example. However, evidence should be gathered during training and attached to eportfolio regarding competencies for certain skills and procedures as per the curriculum. The eportfolio is also used to show knowledge and skill competences in the required core areas – tinnitus, audiology and dizziness as well as the allied specialities (ENT, community paediatrics, psychiatry, etc.).
Specialty Skills: AVM is very procedure based but often these tests are untaken by, or in combination with, audiologists or clinical scientist colleagues. Nevertheless, AVM physicians must have a good understanding of these tests in order to interpret them and advise on treatment plans or further investigations, etc.
Microsuction is also a required skill – taught on the job if needed.
Mandatory Training: generic only – e.g. life support, governance, child protection, etc.
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PHDs, Out Of Programme Experiences, etc. can be undertaken but are certainly not an essential requirement. In addition to the Diploma in Otology and Audiology, a trainee may choose to pursue their own research interests. This is a speciality with plenty of research opportunities. Undertaking of research of any sort is looked upon favourably.
