Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists

The first meeting of the Joint RCOG/Royal College of Radiologists Ultrasound Group was held on 27 February 1986. Its brief was to 'draw up a training programme for obstetric ultrasound for medical practitioners' (minutes, ref. C9/M/1). At its second meeting the group proposed that a Standing Joint Committee be established between the two Colleges. The Ultrasound Group produced a final report on its recommendations for a training programme and was dissolved on 10 November 1986 after four meetings. The Standing Joint Committee of the RCOG/RCR convened on 18 May 1987, having been established in response to the recommendations of the report of the Ultrasound Group. Its remit was 'to oversee the training in obstetric ultrasound in accordance with the Group's report' (minutes, ref. C9/M/1). The Committee was to promote and maintain standards in obstetric ultrasound generally, and to regulate and monitor training arrangements. It was also responsible for assessing and recommending approval of practical training centres, theoretical courses and trainees' log books. By 2008, the remit and objectives of the Committee remained the same; it reported to the Education Board of the RCOG and the RCR Council. The function of the Committee was to organise and supervise basic ultrasound training in obstetric ultrasound (MRCOG Logbook) and the Joint College Diploma. This included: recommending training standards; accrediting and monitoring practical training centres; organising the theoretical course; supervising other means of assessment such as logbooks and OSCE; responding with advice on issues raised by either College Council relating to Obstetric Ultrasound; raising with either College Council issues in obstetric ultrasound which the Committee felt should be considered more broadly.