Medical Interview UK: Medical Interviews skills training for ST SAS Consultants

Hi everyone, I know these questions about "MY Opinion" however I am very confused and I don't want to say something odd:

1- Opeion about MMC and its effect on training, I really don't know is
there any benefit, however I don't want to be odd, would you be able to
give me an advice

2- EWTD and its impact on training, which I see myself it is going to
be very negative and will seriously affect the training skills again I
don't know how to say!

Thank You

hi hasan

Firstly the question about mmc and the effects on training.

Like we discussed on the course use the fact followed by opinion approach. your answers will come across as structured and professional with a weighted opinion based on fact.

so what facts are there about mmc

-2 parts to it. foundation year and streamlined training
-fy programme based on trial data before it was implemented
-mtas: was the process of the second stage of mmc (st programme) implementation that was a failure and scrapped
-fy programme: wider exposure to specialities to encourage the correct selection of the appropriate career. this was to remove the lost tribe of sho's.uses a structured assessment process for doctors.widely sucessful
-streamlined training: a run through training stream in the same geographical area with better consistency for trainign and evaluation.

so to the opinion stage of your answer:

-the training system needed to be reformed as it was previously not an effective and economical way to train junior doctors.
-the foundation programme has been a great success. better exposure to multiple specialities, more thourough method of training based on curriculum with a better process for assessment and feedback. based on sound medical educational theory. lots of positives here.
-mtas: a shambles and rightly scrapped.poorly planed and executed.no way to submit a cv.un-even scroring system used.website that crashed and was hacked (security issues)

-st: well the jury is out. has advantages that the training is fully under the control of 1 deanery.better for idividualised training and better work:life balance if located in the same geographical area.however has some criticisms with uncertainty about uncoupling of run through training by the royal colleges ect.

overall a positive opinion, enthusiastic response , showing insight that change and reform are required to progress.not a complete thumbs up though as there are and will be problems.

hope this helps. i'll answer part 2 of your question on a different thread so this one can be left for what could be a lively debate on the question posed.

regards
mark

Post edited by: mark, at: 2008/04/10 19:49

Post edited by: mark, at: 2008/04/10 19:52

hasan

Answer to the second part of your question:

- EWTD and its impact on training, which I see myself it is going to
be very negative and will seriously affect the training skills again I
don't know how to say!

Firstly deliver some key facts taking up the first portion of your answer, say 1 minute. Put these in a heirachy so the most important points are delivered first.Keep these to about 3 or 4 points.
Following this factual information deliver your opinion which of course should be based on the above facts.Your opinion is what makes you different from everyone else so if it is sensible and logical and uses the factual information displayed then it will come across as well structured,though out, heirachical and using a sound factually based opinion.You will deliver an excellent answer and portray yourself in the correct light.
Do not be afraid of your opinions. It what makes you different. Usually there are 2 opinions on every side of a grey topic. No one opinion is correct.

On the EWTD: facts include

Working hours are now reduced
Clinical case load exposure will therefore be reduced
There are future reductions in hours to a 48 hour week expected
No evidence based study has shown an increased mortality or nmorbidity of patients being treated by doctors in the new EWTD environment.

Reduced training exposure is a worry but it is up to the consultants to plan ahead and deliver the training required in this shorter time period.It is a challenge and can be done.More consultant input is required and with the new ST one geographical location for every trainee at least there is consistency with the trianers which helps.
There is now correct answer to this question. It is a wait and see situation.
You can answer this question with scepticism and negativity whcih is the norm. Good candidates have thought about the problems, identified the challenges ahead and have some workable solutions to it.This is the key to the question.

good luck. The information above is my opinion. It may conflict with yours and may not be correct.Please use this answer if you think it will help you
regards