Hospital doctors : training for the future : the report of the Working Group on Specialist Medical Training, and, Training for specialist practice : a report to the Chief Medical Officers̀ Working Group to advise on specialist training in the United Kingdom.

  • Great Britain. Working Group on Specialist Medical Training.
Date:
1993
Catalogue details

Licence: Open Government Licence

Credit: Hospital doctors : training for the future : the report of the Working Group on Specialist Medical Training, and, Training for specialist practice : a report to the Chief Medical Officers̀ Working Group to advise on specialist training in the United Kingdom. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    and vi. the problems that may arise from a gap occurring between these two points in a professional career. We found no enthusiasm from any source for the career posts at the completion of structured training to be other than consultant. Nor was there any support for the philosophy of a new career specialist grade. Inevitably more organised training resulting in reduction in its length would result in younger appointments as consultants. We believe that this would lead to a more dynamic and flexible attitude of newly appointed consultants requiring, not least, an acceptance of further career goals, opportunities, and mobility. This new culture could only be of benefit and could remove the otherwise stagnating effect of the present system. The Sub-group believes that such reforms as are already taking place will, of necessity, take time and have major implications for manpower and resources. There will clearly be a need to increase the number of consultants, and this is entirely consistent with the evidence given by the Royal Colleges to the Medical Manpower Standing Advisory Committee (UMSAC or Campbell Committee). However, shortening the length of training by implementing the programmes suggested to us would release funds currently absorbed by unnecessary time spent in and allocated to training and training posts - we refer particularly to senior registrar posts. Funds would also be released if the recommendation to reduce the length of time in the senior house officer grade, basic specialist or general professional training, is implemented. In short, better organisation brings considerable financial benefit. Finally, if the emphasis in residency programmes is more on training than service, the possibility of an increased service need will also have to be addressed. The Sub-group believes that all the questions raised, while presenting logistical difficulties, are achievable and we look forward to further discussion within the CMO’s Working Party. Stanley C Simmons Chairman