Had a lengthy discussion with a surgical trainee who is pre-MRCS but post-Core Surgical Training . She's two years out of core training passing her time in LAT jobs.
That's a strange position to be in. Essentially competent surgically, but on paper isn't qualified to be a surgeon. I, on the other hand, look good on paper with my exams and academic achievements etc but honestly feel that as a result of streamlining through the training ticking boxes, I actually can't do a lot of things independently.
It is worrying that I'm not the only one in this position and this trainee expressed concerns that in ten years time, we might be consultants calling each other up for advice on complex patients. With our lack of experience, we will be hesitant on performing complex procedures which our predecessors would have happily carried out.
With this "new shape of training" being proposed, it is further worrying that it will exacerbate the problem. Create generalist consultants early, without the Specialist skills. With increasing emphasis on community/GP growth, there is a lack of focus supporting Specialist skills.
I, sadly, have no faith in the Royal College of Surgeons either to support good surgical training. My local deanery has no interest in cracking whips when i say my surgical training involves typing op notes whilst my consultant operates or being the ward round phlebotomist. My consultants have no interest in teaching our juniors. Where does this leave us?
Well, Mr Steth considers quitting this sinking ship called the NHS as the lack of interest in trainers (from government to local level) risks putting lives at risk. The cultural move is continuing towards employing foreign doctors as service providers. More on my training model in another post.
