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BMA(NI) latest MTAS update
8 May 2007
Dear colleague
We have recently met with the Chief Medical Officer, Dr Michael Mc Bride and Dr Terry Mc Murray, the Postgraduate Dean regarding our concern that with the extension of the interview period for junior doctor training posts (round one taking place back in February and the second being held during May) that there may not have been standardisation of the interview process. We have been given an assurance that all reasonable steps have been taken to ensure that equity will be maintained in terms of the entire interview process.
We are pleased that the CMO recognises the need for, and importance of, further work in resolving the problems of the new training application system and the implementation of MMC. The Department, the Deanery and NIJDC are working closely together and we have already identified areas where more comprehensive work is needed. The Department has provided resources to enhance the career advice available to us so that we can make informed choices. The Department has also recognised that from August 08 there would be a necessity to train more doctors at certain levels in certain specialties.
I would like to draw you attention to the interview skills training course that BMA(NI) has offered to junior doctors who may never have had experience of an interview. The course is very generic and will cover basic aspects of an interview process. It is not going to discuss any subject matter and will not address any specific questions which might have occurred in the previous interviews. BMA has offered this course in the past and was available earlier this year. I can assure you that BMA will not be part of any process which might provide any unfair advantage to a candidate during the extended first round.
NIMDTA will offer posts based on the completion of interviews by specialty. We would encourage those candidates who have received/receive job offers to make a decision in respect of accepting or declining the offer quickly, to help facilitate the release of further vacant posts. This will speed up the process to ensure that people are in post by August this year.
As always we are here to provide help and support. Please contact us through askBMA by telephoning 0870 60 60 828 or emailing askBMA@bma.org.uk.
Regards
Dr Rajesh Rajendran
Chairman NIJDC