MMC Was An 'Untested Experiment' That 'Bears Little Resemblance' To The Original Principles Of The Reform, Says BMA Scotland

Main Category: Primary Care / General Practice
Also Included In: Medical Students / Training
Article Date: 27 Jun 2007 - 1:00 PDT

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BMA Scotland delivered a damning verdict on the UK implementation of Modernising Medical Careers (MMC), the programme of reform of junior doctors' training. It comes as BMA Scotland published its evidence to an independent review of the disastrous medial training application system (MTAS) which has left many junior doctors facing an uncertain future.

In written evidence BMA Scotland restated its support for the principles of MMC, which aims to improve and streamline medical training. However, the Association was critical of the way that the system had been implemented, saying that "the version of MMC currently being implemented bears little resemblance to the original proposals."

Dr Peter Terry, chairman of the BMA in Scotland, said:

"Even today, just one month before they are due to start new posts, we do not know what proportion of junior doctors in Scotland will be left without a job. These doctors fear the loss of their careers in medicine and have a feeling that years of their education and training will go to waste. This year's flawed system has been a poor way to treat our junior doctors and we are currently pressing hard for careers advice and support packages to be put in place for those trainees who are unsuccessful in securing a training post."

BMA Scotland's evidence also highlighted the positive approach taken in partnership with the Scottish Executive and indicated some possible ways forward for future years. It pointed to some of the advantages of devolving implementation in Scotland, arguing that this approach, underpinned by a constructive relationship with the Executive and NHS Education for Scotland, had benefited Scottish trainees:

-- Transitional Boards
-- Communication with juniors
-- Flexibility
-- Involvement with the profession

BMA Scotland also highlighted potential improvements for future years.

-- Continued expansion of training posts (ST2 and 3) to allow for absorption of junior doctors into run through training.
-- Scotland to be changed from one unit of application (UoA) to four, or four deanery based sectors.
-- Application process to be CV based and recruitment to include structured interviews with structured, honest, justifiable and accurate references.
-- Application process to start earlier to allow unsuccessful applicants time to plan for the future.

Dr Peter Terry added:

"There is no future for the existing MTAS system in Scotland, however, there is a future for medical training reform. It is up to governments in all four countries to work with the profession to ensure that reform delivers the best doctors for our patients. The only way they can deliver meaningful change is to work with us.

"I agree with the Scottish Health Secretary, Nicola Sturgeon, when she claims that she will do what is best for Scotland. We will do what is best for our juniors, to develop a system that encourages doctors to come and live and work in Scotland, not drive them from our NHS."

BMA Scotland's evidence to the Tooke Review is available online here.

http://www.bma.org.uk

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