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[http://www.pmetb.org.uk/index.php?id=968  Original Article]
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'''A review of MTAS and selection: PMETB Principles for entry to specialist training'''

Following the government’s establishment of a review of the Medical Training Applications Service and selection process, PMETB has been asked to confirm its advice with respect to the Board’s Principles for entry to specialist training, which were published in January 2006.

In the context of the current issues surrounding MTAS, Principles 5 and 6 are particularly important.

For those applying direct from the Foundation Programme, Principle 5 is particularly relevant.  It says: “Other evidence that may be sought or presented as part of the selection process may include evidence of excellence in terms of attributes such as motivation, career commitment, etc, but no requirement for the completion of a particular post.”  This allows quite a liberal interpretation and certainly permits the presentation of evidence of excellence relevant to the programme being applied for.  The reference to a “particular post” was inserted to ensure the principle of a generic Foundation Programme and does not prevent the presentation of relevant evidence of high achievement. The purpose of this Principle is not to constrain unreasonably or perversely the development of a person specification for a particular training programme, but to allow legitimate discrimination between candidates.

Principle 5 does, of course, apply to all candidates.  In addition, for those wishing to enter specialty training beyond the first year, Principle 6 states: “Entrance to specialist training programmes may be at different stages.  A candidate must demonstrate any competencies required for the level of entry as defined in the curriculum approved by PMETB for that specialty.”  Clearly, this Principle requires – and common sense dictates – that sufficient evidence must be presented to allow ascertainment of the level of knowledge and skills of each candidate in this category.