This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Modernising medical careers
30/03/2007
Eligible junior doctors applying for specialty training jobs will be offered interviews for all posts they applied for in Scotland.
The move follows concerns among some junior doctors over the short-listing process which is supported by the on-line medical training application system (MTAS) introduced this year. It is also in line with the statement made by the Douglas review group on March 22.
New recruitment procedures are part of the over-arching changes in the way doctors are being trained under Modernising Medical Careers (MMC).
Health Minister Andy Kerr said:
"Under MMC we're moving from a system where patients are treated by doctors 'in training' to one where they're treated by fully trained doctors. That principle remains sound, but it also involves a big shift in the way we work.
"The new recruitment and selection process for doctors moving into specialty training has had some success, although some difficulties have also arisen. What matters is that it delivers the right outcome to meet the needs of NHS Scotland, its patients and our junior doctors.
"We've consistently said we will do what is right for Scotland in light of local circumstances. Offering interviews to all eligible candidates for each post applied to in Scotland will ensure NHS Scotland gets the right people for the right number of jobs."
Chief Medical Officer Dr Harry Burns said:
"MMC represents a transparent and fair way of training doctors for NHS Scotland. That's why we have been, and remain, committed to addressing the concerns of those involved in the application process.
"We have been working closely with the Royal Colleges, BMA Scotland, NHS Scotland and our junior doctors throughout this to ensure that a suitable solution is found. This announcement provides a great opportunity for us all to complete the work of recruiting high quality doctors who're set to become the next generation of consultants across NHS Scotland."
Today's announcement has also been welcomed by BMA Scotland's Junior Doctors Committee and the Scottish Royal Colleges.
Brian Williams, Chairman of the Scottish Royal Colleges said:
"The Scottish Royal Colleges support these changes which are in line with the review group and the broad principles of Modenising Medical Careers."
Today's announcement does not affect the interview process for GP applications.
The Royal Colleges here includes the Royal College of Surgeons, Royal College of Physicians (Edinburgh), and Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons (Glasgow).