Association of British Neurologists Update on ST3 appointments 16th May 2007
From Mmc
Update on ST3 appointments 16th May 2007
Council met on Wednesday and reviewed developments in MMC. Since the Spring meeting in Cambridge the Association has made vigorous representations about the short listing of specialty-ready trainees and the need to prolong transition to Postgraduate Deans, the Department of Health and the Royal College of Physicians. The position taken by the Officers, on behalf of the members, was to support those neurologists who felt they should not take part in the interview process.
We have always felt that our first responsibility must be to ensure the future careers of our trainees, and Officers have greatly valued the recent advice given by the ABN(T) and its continued support for the Association. Neurology programme directors have also considered how best to help trainees and have recommended that there should be three regional groupings of interviews using evidence of past experience and achievement for all applicants in Scotland, England (for all deaneries) and in London.
Our concerns about short listing and transition have been recognized in the Department of Health, and this week Lionel Ginsberg, Alastair Compston and I met with Professor Martin Marshall, deputy Chief Medical Officer and Professor Sarah Thomas, Lead Dean working with the implementation team, to discuss these concerns. They recognized and acknowledged that neurology has a significant problem with its specialty ready trainees and have proposed a rescue package which will assist with this and also help us achieve our longer term aspirations to increase the size of the neurological workforce. We anticipate the details of this and significant changes in the way in which future appointments are made will be made known within the next few days.
In England, outside London, ST3 applicants have now been interviewed in round 1a and unless neurologists agree to interview in round 1b, it is possible that non-neurologists will be asked to interview in round 1b, which we consider would be highly unsatisfactory. Provided interview panels can be brought together in London interviews will go ahead in late May and we will continue to argue for interviews for all applicants regardless of their preferences. The appointments process will be concluded in Scotland in the next few days.
Council recommends that the interests of our specialty-ready trainees and other applicants would be best served by proceeding with interviews. Whether or not posts are offered on a short term or substantive basis should depend on the suitability of the applicant.
In light of the action being brought about by RemedyUK next week, we understand that judgement will be reserved until then, and that the situation may change because of this ruling.
Council continues to have serious misgivings about MMC and there was a strong feeling that arrangements need to be put in place to ensure the training needs of those who undertake research in the future and that uncoupling should take place between ST2 and ST3. Council members also expressed disappointment at the seemingly slow response being made by the RCP. A consultation document on the future of MMC will be circulated to members shortly.
Graham Venables
President
