Quizzes & Puzzles1 min ago
Is Medical Training Inefficient?
41 Answers
Does a specialist doing say eye surgery or hip replacements really need to go through years of general medical training? Couldn't they be trained in their specialism more quickly & more effectively?
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I've often thought that myself, Davebro.
For example it seems daft that someone who spends their life performing cataract surgery has first had to learn about identifying and treating a vast range of diseases, as well as understanding the rudiments of pharmacy and knowing how to perform a tracheotomy.
We accept that someone whose work will be confined to the mouths of patients (i.e. as a dentist) doesn't need to know about other areas of medicine, so why can't we adopt the same approach in relation to other parts of the body?
For example it seems daft that someone who spends their life performing cataract surgery has first had to learn about identifying and treating a vast range of diseases, as well as understanding the rudiments of pharmacy and knowing how to perform a tracheotomy.
We accept that someone whose work will be confined to the mouths of patients (i.e. as a dentist) doesn't need to know about other areas of medicine, so why can't we adopt the same approach in relation to other parts of the body?
Maybe the majority of .trainee doctors don't start out with a clear specialism in mind- perhaps the preference emerges as they go through their training. It's a bit like degrees- you could argue that degrees in things like History or Maths or PPE should be replaced by Accountancy or Teaching- but most students have little idea at 18
To me it seems essential that one should have a basic knowledge of all aspects of medicine and have a qualifying examination at the end of six years to assess their expertise to be called a doctor of medicine and Surgery, so if called in any situation could offer qualified expertise.
At that stage you probably haven't made up your mind as to what branch of medicine that you want to follow...surgery, medicine, obstetrics, general practice etc and in doing so then a particular pot graduate path needs to be traversed.
An eye surgeon needs to know the ophthalmic manifestations of no eye conditions e.g rheumatoid arthritis, metabolic disorders, diabetes etc and so on and so an for ALL specialties, medical and surgical. The principles and practice of surgery, medicine, dermatology.
If you had a heart attack on a flight, there might not be a Cardiologist aboard, but you might like to know a Dermatologist or an Obstetrician might help.....OR better still an ABer with or without Internet connection ;-).
No.....I cannot see need for change.
At that stage you probably haven't made up your mind as to what branch of medicine that you want to follow...surgery, medicine, obstetrics, general practice etc and in doing so then a particular pot graduate path needs to be traversed.
An eye surgeon needs to know the ophthalmic manifestations of no eye conditions e.g rheumatoid arthritis, metabolic disorders, diabetes etc and so on and so an for ALL specialties, medical and surgical. The principles and practice of surgery, medicine, dermatology.
If you had a heart attack on a flight, there might not be a Cardiologist aboard, but you might like to know a Dermatologist or an Obstetrician might help.....OR better still an ABer with or without Internet connection ;-).
No.....I cannot see need for change.
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