How to… Organize Rotational Training Schemes in Medicine

In this article, the author describes the trials, tribulations and rewards of organizing and running rotational training schemes based on his experience at Newcastle, England, where he was until recently Professor of Medicine. Dr Kerr offers advice on how to encourage consultant colleagues to participate in senior house officer/registrar rotations for general professional training, and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of 2-year and 3-year schemes. Important questions such as who should appoint SHOs, when should posts be advertised, how to organize study leave and how to fill gaps left by early departure from 3-year schemes are also discussed. Senior registrar rotations are even more difficult to organize. Dr Kerr describes their advantages and related problems-especially that of rotation to district general hospitals, with hints on how to bend the rules to help trainees.