News Article: DOH letter to applicants
10/03/2007: NEWS - DOH writes to applicants...
Department of Health: letter to applicants
Dear Applicant
REVIEW OF THE MEDICAL TRAINING APPLICATIONS SERVICE AND SELECTION
PROCESS
The Department of Health has asked us to lead a review into the first
round of the Modernising Medical Careers (MMC) recruitment and selection
into specialist training made through the Medical Training and
Application Service (MTAS). A key aim of the review is to ensure that
this will result in the best candidates being appointed.
The terms of reference are to:
• Understand what has worked and not worked to date
• Identify and promote good practice
• Recommend action to remedy any weaknesses, taking account of
legal and operational constraints
• Identify specifically what further action or guidance is
required:
- Immediately (or before completion the first round)
- Before commencement of the second round
- Before any subsequent rounds
- Develop improved arrangements for the support and care of
applicants
The review group has met twice. We have identified shortcomings in the
process. We have decided that the first round should continue but we
have recommended immediate steps to strengthen the interview process.
These have been communicated to Deans and will be communicated to all
applicants and selectors as soon as possible via the MTAS and MMC
web-sites. An understanding of existing PMETB principles (para 5 )
clarifies guidelines for interviews at ST2 and ST3. www.pmetb.org.uk
The review has identified concerns that some excellent doctors may have
been overlooked. The group has recommended all applicants who have not
been invited to an interview should be given the opportunity to have
their application form reviewed by a trained advisor. This may result
in the offer of a first round interview.
Significant changes will be made to improve selection in the second
round. This will include changes to the application form and the scoring
system. The Department has accepted the need for change and the revised
approach will now be
• tested with junior doctors, selectors, deanery recruitment teams
and employers, and
• agreed with the Medical Royal Colleges, Deans, trainee and
consultant representatives and employers before they are introduced.
It is our intention that there is real opportunity for applicants going
into the second round.
The review group has also recommended that further advice and
information should be made available as quickly as possible for
applicants. The Department has accepted that this will include:
1. information about competition ratios by specialty, entry level
and geography
2. the process and timetable for making applications in the second
round plus generic guidance about what panels will be looking for
3. generic feedback on how applicants can improve their
applications for the second round
4. information about sources of support for applicants
5. enhanced Frequently Asked Questions on the MTAS website,
building on feedback from the first round
The necessary time to deliver this process is being assessed and tested
and will be announced as soon as possible.
The next stage of the review will be to consider what further
arrangements might be needed for the support and care of applicants. The
final report of the review will be available by the end of March.
Professor Neil Douglas (Chair)
Vice Chair of the Academy of Royal Medical Colleges and President Royal
College of Physicians of Edinburgh
Clare Chapman
Director General of Workforce, Department of Health
Professor Alan Crockard
National Director Modernising Medical Careers
Dr Paul Dimitri
Chair of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges - Trainees Group
Professor Sir Liam Donaldson
Chief Medical Officer England
Dr Jonathan Fielden
Chair of the Consultant & Specialist Committee, BMA
Nic Greenfield
Director of Workforce (Education, Regulation and Pay)
Professor Sheila Hollins
President Royal College of Psychiatrists
Dr Judith Hulf
President Royal College of Anaesthetists
Dr Tony Jewell
Chief Medical Officer Wales
Professor Martin Marshall
Deputy Chief Medical Officer England
Neil McKay
Chief Executive East of England Strategic Health Authority
Mr Bernie Ribiero
President Royal College of Surgeons of England
Dr Mike Watson
Director NHS Education for Scotland
Dr Paddy Woods
Senior Medical Officer N. Ireland
Last updated 10/03/07
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