5
From Ward to World: Inside ASiT
Threats to the quality of surgical training continue to surface. Mr Jonathan Wild describes how the Association of Surgeons in Training (ASiT) provides a unique, independent unified voice for all surgical trainees
in the UK with more than 2,200 members. ASiT aims to provide independent overarching support for all surgical trainees. Functioning through elected regional and specialty representatives, ASiT works to defend the quality of surgical training, representing trainees of all grades, across all nine surgical sub-specialties on local and national training committees, all four Royal Colleges, SACs, specialty associations, and medical student and patient liaison groups. I initially became an ASiT member in the lead up to the MTAS debacle. At that time being part of a well- informed network of surgical trainees proved invaluable. I have since become more involved in ASiT, initially elected as a regional representative, where I feel privileged to represent fellow trainees, while contributing towards the ASiT ethos of promoting quality, fair and affordable surgical training. ASiT does not only
A
represent higher and core trainees, as Justice Reilly, ASiT medical student
Event
MPS Communication Skills workshops
National BMJ Careers Fair
Future Orthopaedic Surgeons Conference
Medical Women’s Federation Autumn Meeting
Throughout the year
30/9/11 to 1/10/11
29/07/11
SiT is the second largest surgical- specialty organisation
representative, highlights: “In recent times ASiT has made a conscious effort to expand its junior representation. Through appointing dedicated medical student and foundation doctor representatives, ASiT ensures that the particular training concerns of its junior members are heard, whilst providing valuable career guidance and training courses, such as the popular ‘Foundation Skills Course’ and ‘Foundation Doctors’ Seminar’, which are pitched at an appropriate level for aspiring surgeons.” ASiT publishes many documents and guidance on a variety of topics relevant to surgical training. Position statements on The Sub- Consultant Grade, EWTD for the Surgical Trainee, The Future of Surgical Training and The Cost of Surgical Training and response documents on dealing with the new CST ‘bulge’, present the collective views of surgical trainees and are an excellent resource for trainees seeking clarification on such issues. Likewise the bi-monthly ASiT newsletter and e-groups provide members with up-to-date information on
When Where Across the UK London
Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh
12/11/11 London What
Mix with other specialties and lower your risk at MPS’s popular communication skills workshops
From CV writing and interview skills to career planning and prospects – the fair has a lot to offer
FOSC Scotland is a joint FOS/BOTA orthopaedic conference aimed at medical students and junior doctors
This meeting focuses on global health issues affecting women and children
current matters relating to surgical training, as well as information on useful courses, fellowships and meetings. Through the ASiT Surgical
and Educational Training Scheme (ASSETS) high quality, inexpensive hands-on surgical simulation courses are available to members. One-day symposia on surgical education, leadership and research skills are also provided. ASiT also offers travelling fellowships and medical student elective prizes in addition to many other membership discounts. ASiT members can also join 450 fellow trainees at the ASiT Annual Conference. Pre-conference courses and updates in clinical practice, training and workforce issues ensure the conference is the highlight of the ASiT calendar. With a robust scientific programme, trainees have the opportunity to present research and audit projects on a national
level, with all abstracts published in the International Journal of Surgery. These are uncertain times
for those who aspire for a career in surgery. The Association’s founding principle ‘Excellence in Training’ is perhaps more relevant today than when it was first defined in 1976, given the repeated pressures on the quality of surgical training. This view is echoed by Goldie Khera, President of ASiT: “We all know that surgical training is under threat. We must unify as trainees to preserve our craft skills and not let political agendas ruin our specialty. ASiT provides our only cohesive voice.” ASiT is run by trainees for trainees. If you would like to get involved with ASiT or if you have any concerns or issues about your training please contact your regional ASiT representative, or see
www.asit.org or email
info@asit.org.
Jonathan Wild is a general surgery ST4 in South Yorkshire and is Honorary Secretary of ASiT. Goldie Khera who is a post-CCT bariatric fellow in North Tyneside and President of ASiT, and Justice Reilly, a final-year medical student at Glasgow Medical School and an ASiT student rep.
Useful links
www.mps.org.uk/workshops
http://careersfair.bmj.com/ en/1/
national.html
www.futureorthopaedicsurgeons. com/fos_events/fosc_scot_2011
www.medicalwomensfederation.org.uk
YOU AND YOURS
NEW DOCTOR | VOLUME 4 | ISSUE 2 | 2011 | UNITED KINGDOM
www.mps.org.uk
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