Options for taking time out of specialty training.

Trainees in higher specialty training programmes may have the option to take time out of their training programme to enhance or broaden their skills and perhaps develop a subspecialty interest. Traditionally, out of programme experience has been mostly taken by clinical academic trainees in order to undertake a higher research degree. However, there are a growing number of other ways to usefully spend time out of programme. This article is intended to highlight the range of opportunities and explain the modern processes for obtaining permissions to enable trainees to make good choices for themselves.