The Medical Training Application Service (MTAS)* is fatally flawed and should be suspended until the process has been comprehensively piloted and evaluated, states an Editorial in this week’s issue of The Lancet. Moreover, The Department of Health (UK) should use this opportunity to rethink the Modernising Medical Careers (MMC) curriculum.
From the outset, MTAS has been plagued by problems—the computerised system failed, trainees complained that their practical experience and academic qualifications could not be adequately reflected in the generic application form, and interview dates clashed with scheduled professional exams. The problems were exacerbated in March when some consultants expressed their lack of confidence in MTAS, with concerns that the most suitably qualified candidates had not been short-listed for interview.
But this is just a symptom of a wider problem with the MMC, which itself is failing, claims the Editorial. Trainers and trainees are concerned that the new fast-track production system** will produce consultants with inadequate experience—previously surgeons underwent approximately 30 000 hours of training before becoming consultants, this will now decrease to 6000.
The Lancet welcomes the independent review of the current crisis that is in progress, but highlights that there is little time to implement any changes before the second round of applications in April.
“Doctors and the Royal Colleges should reclaim autonomy of training, uniting against the debacle that is MMC…Perhaps the MMC/MTAS furore will be the stimulus to finally unite doctors in taking an active lead to value professionalism in the NHS” concludes the Editorial.
EMBARGO: 00:01H (UK time) Friday March 16, 2007.
The Lancet Press Office T) +44 (0)207 424 4949/4942 pressoffice@lancet.com
Notes to Editors
*MTAS—the new computerised system for junior doctors applying for specialist training in the National health Service (NHS), UK. **Under the previous system, it took about 14 years to become a consultant. In 2005 it was streamlined under the MMC curriculum, with graduates completing a 2-year foundation programme, then immediately entering specialist training, lasting 3–7 years depending on the specialty.
Journal
The Lancet