Specialist registrars' views on their teaching role

This study looks at whether UK specialist registrars (SpRs) are involved in teaching and meeting their educational obligations. A questionnaire was distributed to all 133 paediatric SpRs in the region. 92% responded (122/133). All SpRs reported doing some teaching with nearly all teaching junior trainees and students. During daytime hours, 41% of trainees taught for 1 h per week but half this time at night with 21% reporting doing no teaching out of hours. 55% had formal educational training most commonly a "Teach the Teacher" course. Developing SpRs as educators was felt to be best achieved through mandatory training (61%, 74) and themed regional SpR training days (61%, 74). SpRs are making an important contribution to education. Teaching competences should be included in the personal development plan of all trainees and rostered time allocated to SpRs specifically to teach.