Specialist Registrars in Clinical Genetics
Please also note that all Clinical Genetics Registrars in the UK should be subscribed to the mailing list (run by Dr Shane McKee in Belfast), which allows discussion on a variety of issues relevant to training, clinical decision-making, and other pertinent issues.
JCHMT Looking for Trainee rep
Dr Paul Brennan is retiring from his post on JCHMT, who will consequently need a replacement. Applications and enquiries to Prof Peter Farndon.
Locum Opportunities:
None at present
Results of election for trainee rep's announced (11/12/2001):
The returning officer has duly notified us that the election was won by Saba Sharif (Manchester) and Emma Hobson (Aberdeen). Saba will be taking over from Liz (sorry, Elizabeth!) Sweeney immediately, so she will be the rep on the CGS council and also the SAC. Emma will be taking over from Annie Proctor later next year and will be on the CGS council committee. Congratulations to them both !
Issues discussed at the GIT's (Geneticists In Training) meeting in York on 11/9/2001 (from Annie Procter's summary):
1. SpR rep changes - Liz Sweeney is standing down as of now (apart from attending the next SAC meeting.) We wish to thank her for all her hard work on our behalf, and wish her well in her forthcoming 'Gizza job!' campaign. Annie Procter will stand down in about 6 months time so that there is some continuity to aid the new reps easing into the jobs. It is our hope that we can have one new rep starting fairly soon to go to meetings with Annie and then the next new rep can start in about 6 months time. The next CGS committee meeting is in March 2002, so Annie and the new person will attend that and by Sept 2002 there will be two new reps at the York CGS meeting.
2. Election of new reps - The 2 new posts will be elected at the same time with people stating which post they would like to take up, i.e. the one that starts now and one that starts in 2002. We have asked that people send Liz a little piece "Why I am the only person for the job" (or words to that effect) by e-mail and then with the help of Ruth Cole we will organise the voting. I think we will have to say that we need all the pieces by the end of September so that we can sort all the voting stuff out before everyone gets befuddled by the onset of Christmas.
3. "Basic Sciences Course" - The Sunday pm discussion meeting was hosted by Peter Farndon and Sally Davies. Trainees were split into two groups by Peter and Sally and "guided" through a set of questions. Many felt that the experience of the two groups was very different. The meetings were taped in order that they might be transcribed. Annie Procter asked Peter Farndon for a copy of the transcript. Annie reported that he declined to make the transcripts available but he did offer to write and make available a summary of the key points. (Note: Prof. Farndon indicated in later communication that his reason for not making the transcript available was to protect confidentiality of those who took part in the meeting, and that this had been agreed at the start of the meeting - PZ)
Many SpR's expressed deep concern about the path discussions are taking and some felt that what had started as a request for basic information appeared to be heading towards a formal "something" which could include mandatory attendance and an assessment as a prerequisite to CCST (a training exit exam). Liz and Annie agreed to write to Peter Farndon (and copy it to CGS committee) expressing trainees concerns.
4. CGS committee report from Liz and Annie - One item of particular interest: Anand, now CGS secretary, proposed the idea of CGS travel grants for SpR's. This is not decided yet but Annie and Liz have expressed support for such an idea on behalf of the SpR's.
Clinical Governance.
Dr Helen Hughes (from Cardiff) has submitted a series of 4 discussion papers on aspects of clinical genetic practice for comments. Further details in the CGS section.
Appraisal and Assessment.
Dr Sue Huson (Oxford) has edited a series of documents and forms designed to formalise SpR appraisal (confidential meetings with your supervisor) and assessment (meetings with RITA committees).
Example case reports will also be included here when they become available.
Issues discussed at the GIT's (Geneticists In Training) meeting in York on 11/9/2000 (from Annie Procter's summary):
1. Manpower - the issues of how to achieve the recommended level of 3 consultants/million population, (1 in cancer genetics plus 2 others), and to match the number of trainees to proposed expansion was discussed. "Joined-up government" on medical manpower appears to be still lacking. Prof. Bob Mueller updated us on the negotiations with SWAG.
2. Management Course - after the success of the Edinburgh course last year, it has been proposed to run a similar course every 2 years on a Edinburgh/ Exeter rotation. Everyone seems fairly happy with this. Exeter 2001 is the next proposed course.
3.Scientific Course - it was agreed that we should develop ideas about what is needed. People enter genetics from a wide variety of backgrounds. It was recognised that comprehensive plans should be developed on: level, format and medium.
Ideas put forward were distance learning vs. residential or day release; M.Sc, diploma or modular "pick and mix".Suggestions and ideas soon to Liz Sweeney
4.Training Survey. It was proposed that this would be a valuable exercise to look at variations and best practice around the country, in order to develop training requirements.
Suggestions and ideas soon to Paul Brennan
5.JCHMT : The usual reminder to PLEASE REGISTER as you cannot complete training otherwise.
Joint Committee on Higher Medical Training
The JCHMT have their own website, http://www.rcplondon.ac.uk/jchmt, where you can get information about the current Clinical Genetics specialty training curriculum and other information. Please make sure you bookmark the site.
CGS Representatives
Our SpR representatives on the Clinical Genetics Society Council are Annie Procter and Liz Sweeney. If you are aware of any matters which require their attention, please let them know.
GeneticSpR Mailing List
GeneticSpR is an exclusive email list, open to SpRs in Genetics in the UK. The purpose of the list is to allow us to exchange information about courses, conferences, etc, and to discuss matters which affect us all, from the point of view of training, and of Clinical Genetics in general. All Trainees are strongly encouraged to join the list - this is your chance to get your voice heard among your colleagues, and also to let our Trainee Representatives on the CGS council know about issues which may need to be raised.
Click here to join the list, or email Shane McKee at: [email protected]