Subspecialty training in obstetrics and gynaecology in the UK was formulate
d following a report published in 1982 by a working party established by th
e Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. One of the aims of sub
specialization was to improve knowledge, practice, teaching and research. T
he three major subspecialties were maternal-fetal medicine, reproductive me
dicine and gynaecological oncology. The two minor subspecialties were urogy
naecology and community gynaecology. Some of the requirements for training
centres are adequate clinical workload, a programme which embodies teaching
, training, research and audit, adequate staffing to support training; coll
aboration with related disciplines and a programme director responsible for
supervision and training. Each programme has a well-defined syllabus. The
recruitment is based on expected needs. A minimum 7 years is needed to comp
lete the general and subspecialty training. There is a strong academic inpu
t in this training and it includes structured research training. Many of th
e individuals who complete the subspecialty training will take on national
responsibilities and hence their clinical and research training is of the h
ighest quality.