I have just accessed the list and been reading the recent 'discussion' about
training etc. I have to say I think such a discussion is healthy and useful.
Where else can we all air our views on an equal footing and without the
worry of speaking out of turn? Having said that, this is the first time I
have written to the list! I empathise with those disillusioned souls both at
SpR and consultant level and have wondered where I stand among all the
different pictures that have been painted about the present and future state
of taining. As I sit at home on my day off writing ethics applications for
research proposals, preparing slides for conference talks, applying for
management courses and generally worrying about the FFAEM exam and where my
career is going, I am offended that someone should consider me lazy or
lacking committment. I realise that the differences are not down to training
/ regions / quality of pre-SpR training, but surely its a personality and
beliefs issue? I am sure most of us who sit in the office grafting or graft
on the shop floor will believe that we are doing the right thing by our
department and specialty. I had thought that as the old-style A&E
consultant, who did the job as a second choice, retires things would change.
Comments made on this list and experiences I have had during my training
have made me realise that not all A&E specilaists see the job in the same
way, and it will be a sad day when they do. Our first committment is to the
patient and their optimal management, but surely that does not always mean
being on the shop floor treating them oneself, otherwise how will the
specialty move forwards? My belief is that most of the consultants I have
worked with do not spend enough time on the shop floor either seeing
patients or guiding their junior staff (compare to other specialties where
fixed sessions mean several clinics per week, theatre lists etc.). I
emphasise, this is MY OWN experience, and I may change my mind when I
eventually reach the dizzy heights of consultancy and realise there are far
more pressing issues to attend to!!
Sue Mason
SpR North Trent Rotation
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