Abstract

Non-consultant career grade doctors in genitourinary (GU) medicine have been called 'a reliable silent backbone of the specialty' and 'a spare pair of hands' [Hiscock E. Non-consultant career grade staff in GU medicine; a reliable backbone or, a spare pair of hands? Int J STD AIDS 1996;7:375-7]. But are they adequate pairs of hands? This survey, conducted in July 2007, examined the work, qualifications and experience of these doctors. A summary of the 154 (19%) responses is presented. Respondents contributed 773 sessions per week, including 164 special interest sessions; 30 (19.5%) were doing regular HIV work. Non-clinical work was described by 134 (87%), especially teaching (132 [86%]) and management roles (26 [17%]). Postgraduate qualifications were cited by 148 (96%), including DipGUM or Dip Ven (51 [33%]), contraception qualifications such as DFFP, MFFP or FFFP (110 [71%]), MRCGP (43 [8%]) and qualifications in psychosexual medicine/therapy (10 [6.5%]). Over half were trained in general practice. Certificate of completion of specialist training or equivalent was held by 55 (36%), including two in GU medicine. These doctors are well qualified, and an asset to the specialty.

Links

Publisher Full Text

Authors

Bailey HR, Mullan H, Pinsent S, Sashidharan PN, Theobald N

Institution

Conwy and Denbighshire NHS Trust, Gwynedd. helenbailey@doctors.org.uk

Source

International journal of STD & AIDS 20:1 2009 Jan pg 14-5

MeSH

Certification
Clinical Competence
Consultants
Data Collection
Education, Medical, Continuing
Female
Female Urogenital Diseases
Great Britain
Humans
Male
Male Urogenital Diseases
Physicians
Questionnaires
Urology

Pub Type(s)

Journal Article

Language

eng

PubMed ID

19103886