Juniors’ job fears over exam confusion

24 May 2010

JUNIOR doctors must not miss out on consultant jobs because of confusion over exam rules, the BMA has said.

They are calling for employers to be given clear information on which candidates are eligible for top posts. The move follows a row over some trainees who say they were unfairly knocked-back for jobs because they took exams in non-approved training posts.

Shree Datta, chair of the BMA’s Junior Doctors’ Committee, said: “There is an urgent need to ensure employers understand the full meaning of the legislation and that this is reflected in adverts for consultant posts, to prevent candidates inadvertently and incorrectly being excluded.”

The GMC has pledged to review the law that currently means exams taken in non-approved training posts do not count towards Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) qualifications. They are looking at the possibility of introducing greater flexibility into the system regarding the timing of exams that count towards CCTs.

The BMA’s JDC has called for more information to clarify how many junior doctors are affected.

GMC chair Peter Rubin said: “We are seeking to resolve the situation and will be meeting with key interest groups to develop a pragmatic approach that will support trainees while maintaining the integrity of our processes.”