Portfolio Pathway (formerly CESR) Old Age Psychiatry
The Portfolio Pathway, formerly known as the Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR), is a recognised route for doctors who have not completed a UK training programme to demonstrate they meet the requirements for specialist registration. This pathway is especially relevant in Old Age Psychiatry, a field with increasing demand for skilled consultants to support an ageing population.
Whether you're an international medical graduate or a UK-based doctor with non-traditional training, understanding and navigating the Portfolio Pathway can be complex. This guide provides detailed, structured guidance to help you succeed.
What is the Portfolio Pathway in Old Age Psychiatry?
The Portfolio Pathway is administered by the General Medical Council (GMC) and allows you to apply for entry onto the Specialist Register by providing evidence that your knowledge, skills, and experience are equivalent to those of a doctor who has completed a full GMC-approved training programme in Old Age Psychiatry.
This route is ideal for:
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International psychiatrists with considerable experience
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UK-based doctors with equivalent competencies but who have not completed a formal CCT programme
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Locally employed doctors (LEDs) or SAS doctors aiming for consultant roles
Key Requirements
To be successful in the Portfolio Pathway for Old Age Psychiatry, you must demonstrate evidence across all curriculum domains defined by the Royal College of Psychiatrists.
Core Requirements Table
|
Requirement Area |
Details |
|
Curriculum Domains |
Must cover all 16 GMC-approved domains for Old Age Psychiatry |
|
Evidence Volume |
Typically 800–1000 pages of well-organised, mapped evidence |
|
Clinical Experience |
Broad exposure across inpatient, outpatient, community, and liaison |
|
Supervision Reports |
Multiple workplace-based assessments, supervisor feedback, MSF, etc. |
|
CPD and Appraisals |
Annual CPD logs, reflective notes, and formal NHS appraisals |
|
Research & Teaching |
Participation in audit, teaching activities, QI projects, publications |
|
Leadership & Management |
Evidence of participation in service development, team management, etc. |
|
Professionalism & Ethics |
Case-based discussions, reflective practice, incident management |
How to Build Your Portfolio – Step-by-Step
1. Understand the Curriculum
Start by downloading and familiarising yourself with the Old Age Psychiatry 2022 Curriculum from the Royal College of Psychiatrists. This document will guide you on the competencies you need to demonstrate.
2. Gather and Map Evidence
You will need to collect documentation from your career to date. Map each document clearly to the curriculum domain it supports. Organisation is key.
Example Evidence Mapping Table
|
Curriculum Domain |
Evidence Type |
File Name/Label |
|
Risk Assessment & Management |
Case note, supervisor feedback |
Domain1_Risk_Case1.pdf |
|
Legal Frameworks |
MHA tribunal report, CPA documentation |
Domain5_MHA_Example.pdf |
|
Teaching & Training |
Presentation slides, feedback forms |
Domain12_Teaching1.pdf |
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3. Use Templates
Use structured templates for:
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Case summaries
-
Reflective pieces
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CPD logs
-
Clinical audits
Templates ensure consistency and can help reduce the total word count without losing depth.
4. Seek Feedback
Request regular feedback from supervisors and peers. Multisource Feedback (MSF) and 360-degree reviews are essential components of a successful application.
5. Review and Submit
Before submission, your portfolio should be:
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Organised by domain
-
Cross-referenced with curriculum
-
Fully anonymised (no patient identifiers)
-
Reviewed by an expert or mentor
Common Challenges and Solutions
|
Challenge |
Solution |
|
Lack of UK-based experience |
Supplement with NHS locum or honorary posts |
|
Unstructured evidence |
Use evidence mapping tables and templates |
|
Missing domains (e.g., leadership) |
Join committees, take QI lead roles |
|
Volume of documentation |
Aim for quality over quantity – only submit mapped, relevant files |
|
Unsure where to start |
Contact an expert advisory service like CESR Portfolio |
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Why Specialise in Old Age Psychiatry?
Old Age Psychiatry is a deeply rewarding specialty that offers:
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Holistic care to a vulnerable and growing population
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Opportunities to work in multidisciplinary teams
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Diverse clinical environments: hospitals, care homes, community
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A strong demand for specialists across the UK
It’s a field where your impact can dramatically improve quality of life in older adults with complex mental health and neurocognitive conditions.
Expert Support: Don’t Navigate Alone
At CESR Portfolio, we specialise in guiding psychiatrists through the Portfolio Pathway process. Our team includes former CESR assessors, current consultants, and portfolio mentors who can:
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Review and structure your evidence
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Identify gaps and advise on how to fill them
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Provide templates and curriculum-mapping tools
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Offer interview preparation and mentorship
Let us help you turn your experience into a consultant-level career in Old Age Psychiatry.
Conclusion
The Portfolio Pathway uk (formerly CESR) is your bridge to the Specialist Register in Old Age Psychiatry, offering a credible and respected alternative to traditional UK training routes. With meticulous preparation and expert guidance, you can achieve GMC recognition and progress confidently to consultant roles.
Whether you’re starting your portfolio or are midway through the process, CESR Portfolio is here to support every step of your journey.
For a personalised consultation or to access our exclusive resources, visit CESR Portfolio today.
Disclaimer
This blog post provides general information about the CESR pathway . It is not a substitute for the official GMC guidance. Always refer to the GMC website for the most up-to-date information and requirements.
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