[demon_dissector]

Thousands of SHOs who are currently in research or non-standard posts could find themselves stranded following the introduction of specialty training in 2007.

Modernising Medical Careers (MMC) and the DoH are expected to make a formal announcement on run-through training within the next two weeks. However, Carrie Goddard, MMC director of communications, has already discussed changes informally with a group of ophthalmology trainees.

Early indications from MMC were that the old-style higher specialist training, or Calman training, would continue until 2009. However, Hospital Doctor now understands that all three years of specialty training (ST1, ST2 and ST3) will start simultaneously in 2007. Junior SHOs will be permitted to enter at ST2 and doctors ready to start their first year of SpR training will move into ST3.

In 2008, there will be no ST2 entry for SHOs and only a limited number will be allowed to enter at ST3. This means that any SHOs who do not enter specialty training by 2007 could find themselves frozen out (see case study).

Dr Jo Hilborne, chairman of the BMA's Junior Doctors Committee, said: 'Our advice is for SHOs to do the best they can to move into a standard post as they are then more likely to be counted in the new specialty training. Even better would be to get an SpR post and national training number this year.'

Mr Peter McDonnell, vice president of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, said: 'After 2008, entry to specialty training will mainly be ST1. We are suggesting slightly reduced numbers in ST1 and ST2 on an ongoing basis so that there will be a small number of continuing ST3 opportunities after the first two years of transition to accommodate juniors who have done research.'

A DoH spokesman said: 'All eligible doctors, including those in research or career grade posts, will have the opportunity to compete for places in the new programmes.'

Case Study

Closing window of opportunity for researcher

New timings on the switch to run-through training could cause a brain drain to the detriment of UK academic medicine, according to Dr James Teo, a clinical research fellow at the Institute of Neurology at the National Hospital of Neurology and Neurosurgery, London.

He is threatening to leave the UK if he is unable to secure an ST post. 'Many countries, such as the US, Australia and Singapore, are now competing for doctors with research experience. There is no reason to hang about in an environment that does not appreciate your work and experience,' he said.

Dr Teo warned that he and his peers now face 'burning their bridges' with academic institutions in order to progress through specialty training.

He said: 'Anyone like me who is doing a PhD that will not finish by 2007 should quit now and go for specialist training.

'It will also affect at least four other people in my laboratory, and I believe a significant number of doctors will have no choice but to leave research prematurely. Research training will have to wait.'

He also believes the effect on academic medicine will be catastrophic. 'In certain fields like neurology and oncology, where research experience is central to specialist training, it will mean a significant drop in the quality of future specialists,' he said.

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