Blog Spot
Putting Out More Flags
"Flying the flag for general practice and promoting the
interests of GP trainees can be a difficult task. In hospital
training posts we think of ourselves as belonging to the group of
junior doctors. It’s only during the year spent in practice that we
develop our identity as a group. However, it’s important that we
effectively represent our views to the postgraduate deaneries, to
the College, and within the BMA.
As trainees, we are inundated with tasks for completion of
summative assessment, preparing for the MRCGP, and organising
our training. It's little wonder that we don't have the interest or
time to think about how to improve our situation and to ensure that
we have collective representation.
I started training on the Portsmouth and Isle of Wight GP VTS in
February 2004. Through attending the BMA Regional Junior Doctors
Committee meetings during that first year I was elected to the
post of Severn and Wessex GP Registrars Representative. As well as
representing the GP trainees at deanery meetings, I attend our
local medical committee and the national meetings of the BMA GP
Registrars Sub-committee.
There are numerous issues which we have addressed including
certifcation by the PMETB, the new curriculum for the MRCGP,
national selection of GP trainees, and education funding for
trainees. You might think that GP trainees are relatively
insignificant but for the DoH and employers to make NHS reforms
work, we are one of the groups which they need to consult.
The BMA organises an excellent annual conference "GPs To Be"
each July at which trainees can network with their colleagues and
gain useful insights in planning their education and career paths.
It's well worth the effort attending once during the training
years.
Finally, you might want to join our band of representatives on
the GP Registrars Sub-committee. You will quickly become familiar
with the workings of the BMA and become respected by colleagues and
deanery offices. Flying the flag for general practice is
worthwhile.
Details of election to the GP Registrars Sub-committee and the
annual conference can be obtained from BMA Regional Offices or from
the BMA website."
Kevin Gallagher
GP Registrar
Sandown
Isle of Wight