22.03.16
GMC opens consultation on quality of postgraduate training
A medical education consultation from the General Medical Council (GMC) is inviting senior doctors to share their views on the training provided by their organisations.
Along with the GMC’s annual survey of the 60,000 doctors undergoing postgraduate training, which is 10 years old and opens today, the organisation will survey 45,000 senior doctors for the first time.
The surveys are open until 4 May and aim to provide a comprehensive picture of medical training across the UK, including identifying examples of best practice and organisations that need to improve the quality of support they give to those who train doctors.
Professor Terence Stephenson, chair of the GMC, who wrote for the most recent edition of NHE about their work, said: “Healthcare in the UK is under increasing pressure, and we know this has an impact on the quality of training received by doctors. Those who train the next generation of senior doctors play a vital role in shaping the future of our healthcare system – a role that too often is overlooked and undervalued – it is crucial they are given the time and the resources to perform it effectively.
“We hope that trainers across the UK will take this opportunity to share their experiences and give us and others with responsibilities in this area a fresh perspective on medical education and training.”
The survey will ask senior doctors for their feedback on the learning environment and culture, the governance of education, the support for educators and the development of curricula and assessments.
It comes at a difficult time for junior doctors, who are set to launch their latest 48 hour strike on 6 April in protest at the imposition of an unpopular new contract.