Part-time senior registrar posts: Wessex reviewed

Area of Science:

• Medical training and workforce development
• Healthcare policy and management

Background:

• Government initiatives aim to facilitate women doctors' re-employment and part-time training.
• The goal is to enable women doctors to attain consultant posts through flexible training pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of part-time training schemes for senior registrars.
• To assess the impact of part-time contracts on career progression and qualification attainment.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of data from 14 senior registrars on part-time contracts in Wessex over 5 years.
• Review of career outcomes including consultant appointments and higher qualification completion.

Main Results:

• Of 14 senior registrars on part-time contracts, 2 became full-time consultants.
• 8 senior registrars completed their higher qualifications while on part-time contracts.
• Part-time training can achieve high standards of qualification and training.

Conclusions:

• Part-time medical training is effective for achieving high standards and qualifications.
• Enhanced flexibility in subsequent employment, particularly more part-time consultant posts, is crucial.
• Regional health authorities should prioritize the creation of additional part-time consultant positions.