Menu
20/05/2011
Academic Shortage Threatens Medical Education
A shortage of medical academics is threatening to undermine the UK’s vital clinical research base and leave some medical schools struggling to teach their students, the leader of the country’s medical academics will say today.
The warning, from Professor Michael Rees, Co-Chair of the British Medical Associations's Medical Academic Staff Committee, will be delivered in his keynote speech to delegates at the Conference of Medical Academic Representatives (COMAR) in London.
Professor Rees will say: “In the past 15 years the number of medical academics has declined while the number of students entering medical school each year has almost doubled in the last decade. Our medical academic base is now barely able to sustain the increased number of medical students. The temptation in this time of financial crisis might be for universities to shed further medical academic staff. This would be a grave mistake. It would result in a worse student experience at a time of rising fees, and further undermine our research base. Taking the temperature of current university intentions, however, we could find ourselves fighting significant redundancies over the next few years. We need to ensure this is not the case.
“Not just for the medical academics we represent, but for the current and future generations of medical students and the patients they will serve.”
Professor Rees will also warn the conference that changes to funding threaten to further undermine education and research. He will add: “Changes to the funding of our universities, modifications to the funding of clinical teaching and the new Health and Social Care Bill in England all threaten to destabilise further medical academia in this country and with it the valuable contribution medical academics make to UK, through the NHS, our universities and industry.”
(BMcN/GK)
The warning, from Professor Michael Rees, Co-Chair of the British Medical Associations's Medical Academic Staff Committee, will be delivered in his keynote speech to delegates at the Conference of Medical Academic Representatives (COMAR) in London.
Professor Rees will say: “In the past 15 years the number of medical academics has declined while the number of students entering medical school each year has almost doubled in the last decade. Our medical academic base is now barely able to sustain the increased number of medical students. The temptation in this time of financial crisis might be for universities to shed further medical academic staff. This would be a grave mistake. It would result in a worse student experience at a time of rising fees, and further undermine our research base. Taking the temperature of current university intentions, however, we could find ourselves fighting significant redundancies over the next few years. We need to ensure this is not the case.
“Not just for the medical academics we represent, but for the current and future generations of medical students and the patients they will serve.”
Professor Rees will also warn the conference that changes to funding threaten to further undermine education and research. He will add: “Changes to the funding of our universities, modifications to the funding of clinical teaching and the new Health and Social Care Bill in England all threaten to destabilise further medical academia in this country and with it the valuable contribution medical academics make to UK, through the NHS, our universities and industry.”
(BMcN/GK)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
11 June 2012
GMC Establish New Doctor Tribunal Service
Doctors involved in fitness to practise hearings will now be referred to a new Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS), established as part of government-led reforms. The MPTS will take over hearings from the General Medical Council, but will operate separately and impartially, being led by a judicial figure that is accountable to Parliament.
GMC Establish New Doctor Tribunal Service
Doctors involved in fitness to practise hearings will now be referred to a new Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS), established as part of government-led reforms. The MPTS will take over hearings from the General Medical Council, but will operate separately and impartially, being led by a judicial figure that is accountable to Parliament.
16 September 2011
Better Support Needed For Foreign Doctors
New doctors entering the UK health service from different countries need better support, according to a report published on Friday.
Better Support Needed For Foreign Doctors
New doctors entering the UK health service from different countries need better support, according to a report published on Friday.
28 February 2005
'Fast-track' process announced for miners compensation
A new fast-track compensation process for miners suffering from lung damage has been announced by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Miners who opt for the new process, which is based on a breathing test to assess the effect of coal dust on lung function, will be entitled to up to £12,900 in compensation.
'Fast-track' process announced for miners compensation
A new fast-track compensation process for miners suffering from lung damage has been announced by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Miners who opt for the new process, which is based on a breathing test to assess the effect of coal dust on lung function, will be entitled to up to £12,900 in compensation.
04 January 2005
Parents reminded about signs of meningitis
The Chief Medical Officer has warned parents and health professionals to look out for the signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia. The number of cases of both these serious illnesses tend to rise at this time of year. The early signs of meningitis, such as fever, restlessness and vomiting, can be similar to a cold or flu.
Parents reminded about signs of meningitis
The Chief Medical Officer has warned parents and health professionals to look out for the signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia. The number of cases of both these serious illnesses tend to rise at this time of year. The early signs of meningitis, such as fever, restlessness and vomiting, can be similar to a cold or flu.
31 May 2004
Regulations needed to protect health of air travellers
Regulated standards of healthcare and medical advice must be brought in to protect the welfare of the two billion people who travel by air each year, the British Medical Association (BMA) has urged.
Regulations needed to protect health of air travellers
Regulated standards of healthcare and medical advice must be brought in to protect the welfare of the two billion people who travel by air each year, the British Medical Association (BMA) has urged.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
