Developing a regional education programme to support structured training

The Princess Anne Hospital, Coxford Road, Southampton SO16 5YA. UK; Course Director, Wessex Courses Centre, Fetal Medicine Unit. Regional education programmes in obstetrics and gynaecology have been successfully developed in some parts of the UK but are not universal. Well-designed programmes can provide a `theoretical apprenticeship' as part of structured training. To ensure success, it is crucial to adhere to sound educational principles and build on best practice gained from the experience of others. Getting trainees involved in the development of a programme is also vital to its success. Keywords Keywords / educational principles / regional education programme / structured training