Patients Deserve Investment In Future Doctors, Says British Medical Association Northern Ireland

Main Category: Primary Care / General Practice
Also Included In: Medical Students / Training
Article Date: 28 May 2009 - 2:00 PDT

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Medical students and teaching staff have welcomed the Review & Modernisation of Supplement for Undergraduate Medical and Dental Education (SUMDE) consultation, which was undertaken by the DHSSPS.

In its response, the BMA(NI) agreed with the general principle that "SUMDE funding must be distributed in an accountable, equitable and transparent manner".

Damian Fogarty, Chairman of the BMA Medical Academic Staff Committee said, "As teachers of tomorrows' doctors, we are committed to delivering training of the highest standards. We have highlighted the need for an increase in medically qualified academic staff in line with the increase of student numbers, and hope that improved transparency in the distribution of funding will help achieve this.

"However we strongly believe that this has to be a well defined and clear partnership between the health service and the University sector using staff that reflect that partnership and have the requisite protected time to educate our next generation of doctors. Our patients deserve this investment in their future doctors".

Medical Student Committee Chairman Martin McClatchey said, "In a recent BMA(NI) survey, over 95% of local students said that they wanted to remain and practice locally. Therefore money for training should follow the student to enable investment in teaching and facilities in hospitals throughout Northern Ireland.

"Investment in medical education really is an investment in the local doctors of tomorrow".

Source
British Medical Association Northern Ireland