The joint letter highlights that these changes would have serious implications for doctors and dentists in Scotland, undermining their prospects when applying for specialist training, and hindering aspirations to deliver globally recognised care.
The Resident Doctors’ and Dental Trainees’ Committees have welcomed the move to pause the proposals and have asked for engagement before any decisions are made.
Read the letter to NES below:
As representatives of medical, surgical, and dental trainees, we are deeply concerned to hear of proposals to withdraw funding and study leave for attendance at international events. These changes would have serious implications for doctors and dentists in Scotland, undermining our prospects when applying for specialist training, and hindering our aspirations to deliver globally recognised care.
The recent move to pause these proposals is welcome. We now urge NES to listen – and hear – the voices of doctors and dentists in training before making any further decisions.
A key concern is that the proposals would create inequity between trainees in Scotland and those in other UK nations. As you are aware, the application process for specialty training places importance on oral and poster presentations at international conferences, awarding them the maximum points. When even a single point can make a difference in who is shortlisted, trainees in Scotland will be less competitive if they are not supported to seek these opportunities. This would also adversely affect those applying for consultant posts following completion of training in Scotland, where their achievements have similarly been restricted by such policies.
The proposals would also disproportionately affect those trainees in less-than-full-time work, those who have caring responsibilities, and those who do not have the means to self fund travel and subsistence. As a result of financial pressures, some may be forced to make significant sacrifices to remain competitive.
International collaboration has benefits not just for trainees, but for patients through healthcare innovation. The rationale for a blanket ban on study budget allocation for international conferences remains unclear. Rather than supporting reflective practice and personal development, the proposals undermine trainees’ autonomy and ambition.
While we understand the financial pressures associated with managing the overall study leave budget, we believe that this should not be at the expense of trainees’ access to crucial training opportunities.
We would welcome the opportunity to meet with you to further discuss how trainees’ opportunities and autonomy can be protected, while maintaining budgetary accountability.
We anticipate a positive response from you.
Signatories:
Resident Doctors’ Committee Office Bearers
1. Mr. Michael Helley, Surgeon Co-Chair RCPSG Resident Doctors’ Committee. ST2 Neurosurgery
2. Dr Emily Turner, Physician Co-Chair RCPSG Resident Doctors’ Committee, ST7 Respiratory
3. Dr Johannes Abraham Spoor, Medicine Co- Vice Chair RCPSG Resident Doctors’ Committee, ST5 Gastroenterology and General Medicine
Dental Trainees’ Committee Office Bearers
1. Owens Iguodala, Chair, Clinical Fellow FMLM Chief Dental Officer Fellowship
2. Kirsty Smith, Secretary, DCT3 Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Supported by College Representatives
1. Mr. Mike McKirdy, President of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow
2. Professor Hany Eteiba, President-Elect of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow