Comments on: EWTD and Surgical Training

By: J.Evans- Med Student

J.Evans- Med Student — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 18:15:56 +0000

This is a worrying article and a topic of heated debate in the news at the moment. When faced with a choice between a tired doctor and an inexperienced doctor I can't help but think people will go for the tired doctor.

Having completed a year of clinical training at medical school I know you can read all the textbooks in the world but there is no substitute for experiencing things first hand. Surely this is applicable for surgical trainees.
If the 48 hour limit is still in place when i graduate I will very strongly consider undertaking a surgical residency in the US as I feel I would be a better surgeon having worked 80 hour weeks for the duration of my training. If I am a better surgeon, the patient care I deliver will be of a higher standard….surely that is what is important?

I hope that the Royal College does complete the opt out as I feel it will benefit surgical trainees and ultimately result in superior patient care.

By: Douglas med student

Douglas med student — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 16:47:15 +0000

After speaking to many doctors who start their new jobs this week as FY1s it worries me that despite these govermental changes, little will change for the actual hours worked for the doctors. The only difference that seems to remain is that now they are paid for less hours. I am therefore anxious to see how such plans good or bad will be implemented into the new timetables for doctors hoping to kick start their careers tomorrow! Thank you for the article.

By: MA, 6th year student

MA, 6th year student — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 16:06:48 +0000

I don't know how the working time is calculated, but this article seems to me to focus too much on the surgical experience and training. The Department of Health's reasons for implementing the EWTD are dismissed out of hand. Would the free time not lead to increased opportunities for research, reading and the chance to pass on skills to medical students and junior doctors? The latter in particular is something that the surgeons I have come into contact with seem to have little time, inclination or enthusiasm for.

By: Tristan

Tristan — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 07:53:25 +0000

Suzi,

I am sorry to hear that you feel nelected by those that are employes by your medical school to teach you. The juniors are not and help and teach you out of goodwill.

Unfortunately your comment appears as if you feel that it is the teachers who should be driving your education as opposed to yourself. If you have a specific concern speak to your medical school or the individuals concerned, but do remember that busy day jobs do not lend well to teaching students sadly.

By: suzi

suzi — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 14:29:37 +0000

I am a third year medical student. I feel neglected in the hospital; such potential and motivation is sucked out of me for lack of effort and arrogance on the consultants part. I seek refuge in lower levels of profession and this is not fulfilling enough. Staying longer hours may help to impress the doctors and give me more experience, but perhaps it will be more beneficial to have more enthusiastic seniors.