Tick-box training is a waste of time

The only reason to extend vocational training is because the current scheme has become entirely overwhelmed with tick-box activity and exams, to the exclusion of teaching time.

As a trainer, I am required to certify that my registrar can competently perform rectal and vaginal examinations in addition to countless other procedures they should have mastered prior to graduation from medical school.

Registrars are limited to working within the European Working Time Directive and thus deprived of most of the available learning experiences. More time spent ticking boxes will not make them better doctors - a proper mentorship scheme might.

From Dr John Orchard, Alfreston, Derbyshire