The 4-Year Fast Track: Sprinting through Medical School

The 4-Year Fast Track: Sprinting through Medical School

The solution we need or risky move?

A recent article in the BMJ sparked discussion about cutting medical degrees from five years to four—a tempting solution to workforce challenges in the NHS. It’s not far-fetched either; graduate students already do it, and it is also seen across the pond in the US (with the minor detail of a three-year pre-med degree first).

But just because we can, does that mean should we? Cramming pre-clinical learning into one year means less time to truly absorb those small but crucial topics—like anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry, you know, the foundations of medicine. Sure, we could also cut those long summer breaks, but many students need that time to work, relax, or recharge.

And then there's the clinical placement puzzle. Wards are already packed with medical students, physician associates, and others vying for experience. Would a shorter degree mean more simulated patients and fewer real ones? We know that rubber torsos can’t tell you they're nervous pre-op.

Before we start trimming the timeline, let’s get solid empirical data from pilot programs. Otherwise, we may find ourselves with more free time but fewer fully prepared doctors, and that’s not a trade-off the NHS should make.

Quick Breaks, Long Queues: Shouldn't Hospital Staff Get Priority?

Ever been in the middle of a hectic shift, finally grab a chance for a quick break, only to find yourself stuck in an endless queue at the hospital café? NHS hospitals have bustling coffee shops, where doctors, nurses, patients, and visitors all stand together in one long line. Time ticks away, and there goes that precious 15-minute break.

It begs the question—should there be separate lines for hospital staff? After all, on-call doctors with bleeps need to get in and out quickly, while visitors may have a little more time on their hands. Surely, there's a more efficient way to keep the caffeine flowing and the doctors going.

Perhaps a simple solution could make all the difference—because when it comes to keeping the hospital running smoothly, every minute counts.

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Where has All the Anatomy Gone?

Exploring the shrinking focus on anatomy in medical school and its impact on specialised training 

Anatomy has always been a cornerstone of medical education. In years past, medical students were rigorously tested with practical exams, vivas, and essays to ensure a solid understanding of the human body. However, over time, anatomy seems to have become less prominent in the curriculum.

A 2015 report from the Royal College of Surgeons highlighted this trend, warning of a decline in anatomy teaching hours. This reduction isn't just affecting medical students either. Physician associates are offering medical care but their programmes involve little to no anatomy. Is this really the direction we want to go?

Some may argue that knowing the innervation of the flexor carpi ulnaris isn’t critical for most day-to-day clinical practice. However, anatomy is one of the basic sciences that form the bedrock of medicine. It's especially crucial for those pursuing specialties like surgery or radiology, where a deep understanding is essential for postgraduate exams. Without solid anatomy training during medical school, are we expecting doctors to cram this knowledge for the first time before their MRCS whilst working 8-5?

Learning is cumulative. Rather than sidelining anatomy, it should be developed progressively throughout medical training, ensuring future doctors have a strong foundation, not just a last-minute scramble before exams. Would it really be ok for future doctors not to know the innervation of the diaphragm, or where the jejunum sits? Or do our expectations of medical education need a major update?

“R/O fracture of the ‘knee bones’ or Dislocations”

“Our consultant’s trousers fell down during a case and he just continued operating with them by his ankles till the end of the case”

“Why is it I always fail cannulas whilst demonstrating a so-called optimum technique to medical students”

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The Weaponisation of the DATIX

It seems that the "DATIX" has developed a bit of a scary reputation— becoming a verb in phrases like, "I'm going to DATIX you!" .

But let’s clear this up: that attitude isn’t helping anyone and might even be putting patients at risk. A DATIX report is supposed to be a learning tool, highlighting events that could harm patients or staff.

Filing unnecessary reports just clogs up the system and makes it harder to spot real dangers. So, let’s use DATIX for what it’s meant to be—protecting patients, not just pointing fingers!

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