BMA calls for proper planning on doctors' training, UK

Main Category: Medical Students / Training
Article Date: 13 Aug 2005 - 6:00 PDT

email to a friend   printer friendly   opinions  

Responding to a government announcement about the new 'Modernising Medical Careers' training system for junior doctors today (Tuesday 9 August, 2005) Mr Simon Eccles, chairman of the BMA's Junior Doctors Committee, said:

"Modernising Medical Careers gives us an opportunity to achieve a streamlined system where a doctor's career progression depends on their ability rather than how much time they've spent at a particular grade.

However, while we support the principles underlying the new system, the way the transition has been planned has risked worsening workforce problems. Hospital trusts have stopped offering long-term Senior House Officer posts, and it seems that many of these may have been absorbed into the new foundation programmes. Many junior doctors are finding themselves without jobs to go to.

Modernising Medical Careers could bring major benefits to both doctors and patients, but its implementation needs to be properly planned and funded. It is vital that carefully thought-out solutions are put in place over the coming years or workforce problems will worsen."

British Medical Association
BMA House
Tavistock Square
London
WC1H 9JP
http://www.bma.org.uk

• Additional
• References
• Citations