The Chelmsford General Practice Vocational
Training Scheme was established in 1971 and has weathered the
changing face of general practice and medical education which
has evolved over the last 25 years. The scheme is based at Broomfield
Hospital with some SHO jobs based at St John’s Hospital
or The Linden Centre.
A preliminary month in a training practice is offered before
the start of the three year scheme. This early overview has always
been enthusiastically appreciated.
To be accredited in General Practice, it is necessary to have
reached a satisfactory competence in a variety of approved SHO
jobs. In Chelmsford, SHO slots tied into the Vocational Training
Scheme exist in Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Care
of the Elderly, Medicine with sessions in Dermatology, Accident
and Emergency, ENT and Psychiatry. The aim is to produce a flexible
rotation to suit individual needs. This allows trainees who have
already completed an SHO job in an approved specialty but who
have reconsidered their career plans in favour of General Practice
to apply for the VT Scheme without duplication of jobs.
The Registrar year is spent in one of the thirteen practices
attached to the Vocational Training Scheme. These practices vary
considerably in their personalities, some on the Essex coast and
popular with those who enjoy sailing or watersports, other which
enjoy rural tranquility and others in "town" for those
seeking the bright lights.
Throughout the three years of the Scheme, trainees attend the
half-day educational course based at the Academic Centre at Broomfield
Hospital. General Practice is unique in the breadth of knowledge,
skills and attitudes demanded of its practitioners and therefore
the aim of the Vocational Training Scheme is to provide a stimulating
atmosphere in which potential general practitioners can meet to
exchange ideas, experiment in a safe environment and share their
worries and anxieties. Emphasis is placed on professional development
and on encouraging the confidence needed to cope with life away
from the hierarchical environment of the hospital. Communication
skills and the discipline of self directed learning are also priorities.
The programme is varied and includes topics such as "Practice
Management and Finance", clinical topics such as the management
of Addiction or Depression, Health Promotion such as "How
to set up a Practice Based Diabetic Clinic" and more unusual
topics such as "The Art of Public Speaking".
Towards the end of the Academic year there is a two-day Residential
Course, at present held in Cumberland Lodge, a splendid Royal
Residence in Windsor Great Park. The content of the course varies
according to needs and demand.
There are only four vacancies per year - two starting in August
and two starting in February. All four vacancies are advertised
together each March with interviews being held in April. Details
can be obtained from Joy Canfield at the Medical Staffing Department
at Broomfield Hospital. She can provide a more detailed description
of each of the SHO jobs. Accommodation is sometimes available
on the Broomfield Hospital site. The Hospital is developing rapidly
and will soon be the site of the Regional Orthopaedic Department
and the Regional Burns and Plastic Surgery Centre. The atmosphere
is one of development and excitement with the hospital attracting
a very high standard of consultant manpower. The library and study
facilities are excellent.
The Course Organisers are happy to answer any questions.
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