Junior Doctors

The Modernising Medical Careers programme changed the career pathways in 2006/7; but following the Medical Training Application Service MTAS fiasco in 2007 the Tooke enquiry suggested further changes - Post graduation doctors would work for year 1, then for years 2,3 & 4 be part of a 3 year core training programme. Entry into higher speciality training after the core programme would be based on marks obtained in an assessment, together with structured CVs and interviews. GP training would be extended to 5 years (instead of 3 years).

In the meantime we still have

Foundation Year 1

Foundation Year 2

Detail about the Foundation Year programmes are on the GP school website http://gppro.co.uk/resource/f2/f2.htm

The 3 year Basic Specialist training

The new model of specialist “run-through” training programmes started in August 2007, and was mostly untouched by the chaos of MTAS

There is a single start date in August each year for the new programmes. Look at the GP school website for up to date details about the recruitment process as other opportunities may arise as the new system gets underway. The recruitment timetable for August 2009 will be posted when its available.

Not everyone will get into run-through training programmes or into the specialty of their choice as this is a competitive process. This has always been the case.

Doctors unsuccessful in getting into a run-through programme will be able to apply for fixed-term specialist training appointments (FTSTAs*), or career posts if they have appropriate experience and training. There will be further competitive opportunities for them to enter run-through training.

After successfully completing a run-through training programme, doctors will be eligible for entry to the General Practice or Specialist Registers.

BMJ Careers Focus had an article outlining the process for entering GP training, covering the route from “application to appointment”.

The GP Specialist Trainee Induction Pack gives comprehensive information.