Speech from the Chairman of the Board of Medical Education, Dr Peter Dangerfield
Tuesday 1 July 2003
Chairman, I move that the report of the Board of Medical Education, in the Annual Report of Council be received.
This report considers the work of the Board over the past session in a number of fields, so I will merely highlight the main achievements and indicate the future direction of our work in the coming session.
In the past session we have completed a number of major studies and have published reports with recommendations, both in hard copy and on the BMA website.
Becoming a doctor
As well know, medicine is a popular career choice and competition for places at medical school is very high. In light of this, last January we produced an internet resource entitled 'Becoming a doctor'. Focused both on raising key issues that potential medical students should consider, and answering commonly asked questions about becoming a doctor, it also provides relevant information and sign-posting about where further information can be obtained.
Communication skills
The importance of communication skills has increasingly been recognised in our profession and other healthcare professions. There are many benefits of good communication, including good working relationships, increased patient satisfaction and improved health for patients. However, doctors may encounter a whole range of barriers to communicating effectively.
This January, the Board of Medical Education published a discussion paper 'Communication skills education for doctors'. The main objective is to raise awareness amongst the medical profession, of the significant issues surrounding doctors and communication skills training in undergraduate and postgraduate medical education. We aim to raise awareness of the need for good communication skills, including the benefits of communication and the barriers to effective communication.
We have considered the current status and key concerns of communication skills training in both undergraduate and postgraduate medical education and made recommendations on how communications skills training in medical education could be improved. Since the release at the beginning of this year, we have received a large amount of support from organisations and individuals in a multitude of fields.
NHS inductions
Earlier this month we published another internet resource which takes an initial look at the induction systems currently in place for National Health Service staff, and the proposed changes to NHS staff induction programmes under the guardianship of the NHSU. The Board of Medical Education has been in discussions with the NHSU , and will update this resource as reforms and changes arise.
Sign-posting medical careers for doctors
Just a week ago we launched 'Sign-posting medical careers for doctors'. The report provides an outline of the current system for career advice for medical students, doctors in training and career grade doctors. We have addressed the key concerns of current provision and the methods used to counsel doctors in their careers. We have examined the methods by which career advice is provided and the techniques adopted to 'counsel' doctors about their careers. We have alerted career advice providers and policy makers to gaps in the current system that need to be addressed in order to re-shape future career advice for doctors and medical students.
The report serves as a preliminary information resource for career advice and information available to doctors and medical students. Finally, we make recommendations on the future provision of career advice to the medical profession as a whole.
Consultations
The past year has seen a number of significant changes to medical education in the United Kingdom. The inauguration of the NHSU, the advent of the PMETB and the release of the government's White Paper on Higher Education, and its supplemental White Paper on Widening Access have all stirred much debate and interest among the profession and the public. The Board of Medical Education is pleased to play a key role in representing the BMA's policy in its response to government consultations on each of these issues, and looks forward to continued dialogue with Government on the impact of their policies on medical education.
Further issues for consideration
During the next session we intend to complete studies on a range of issues, for consideration by BMA Craft Committees. These include reports on management training for doctors, the appraisal system and interprofessional training.
Finally Chairman, I would like to express my thanks to all members of the Association. In particular Chief Officers, members of the Borad of Medical Education, the Craft Committees and other colleagues who have assisted me during the past session, and who have contributed to the work of the Board, in promoting BMA policy regarding medical education and training. I would also like to express my gratitude on behalf of the Board to the dedicated Science and Education secretariat for their continued hard work and commitment.