Press Release 30 March 07
From Mmc
Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh Press Release 29 March 2007
RCPE STATEMENT ON JUNIOR DOCTORS’ (MTAS) CRISIS: SELECTION SYSTEM HAS FAILED DOCTORS
Speaking on behalf of the Council of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, after its latest Council meeting, Prof Peter Brunt, Vice President, said,
“The Council of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh (RCPE) believes that the Medical Training Application System (MTAS) selection process has failed doctors seeking further training in medicine.
“It is disappointing that the clear advice of the Colleges on the important question of selection into specialty training was ignored and that the resulting system has caused such problems and distress to junior doctors. This College remains committed to the principles of:
- robust and fair recruitment;
- selection based on merit;
- transparency of the selection process; and
- clear communication with candidates
“To ensure the best candidates are appointed and restore the confidence of trainees, it is essential that candidates are given properly conducted interviews, supported by CVs in line with the preliminary recommendations of the Review Group.
“Council believes it is essential that clear messages about the way forward this year should be communicated to all involved in the process. This must include candidates, consultants participating in the interview panels, deaneries and employers in order to ensure the process is completed as soon as is practical.
“Council encourages consultants to continue with the interview process for the benefit of the trainees who are relying on the system this year to progress their careers and thanks all those who have participated as members of short-listing and interview panels, and despite the significant problems which have been encountered
“Council seeks a major and independent review of the new system including the role of the Postgraduate Medical Education Training Board (PMETB), the Colleges, deans and the Modernising Medical Careers (MMC) programme, to deliver significant improvements next year that will have the confidence of trainees, consultants and the public. Council recognises the effort and commitment of the President of the RCPE, Prof Neil Douglas, as Chair of the MTAS Review Group, in working to resolve the problem this year and develop an improved system for the future.”
ENDS
Contact: Graeme McAlister on 0131-247-3693 or 07808-939395
