BMJ  2007;334:601 (24 March), doi:10.1136/bmj.39156.714282.FA

Letters

MTAS

Equality, transparency, fairness for all

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

We disagree with Brown et al that a sacrifice of highly skilled non-UK doctors forms part of the solution for MTAS (medical training application system).1

When non-UK doctors were recruited by the NHS the prospects of equal opportunities were offered.2 3 Non-UK doctors employed in training positions therefore assumed natural progression to more senior positions on the basis of merit and experience. Why should they be barred from competing for more senior positions once they have obtained further qualifications and competencies? Many non-UK doctors have risen through the ranks to serve the NHS as specialist registrars, general practitioners, and consultants.

We need to aim for a system that is fair, equitable, and transparent in which all current trainees in the NHS can compete on the basis of their qualifications, competencies, and references. Falling victim to divide and rule politics is perhaps the biggest mistake the medical fraternity can now make.

J T George, specialist registrar in diabetes, endocrinology, and general (internal) medicine1, Kavitha S Rozario, senior staff practitioner in paediatrics2

1 York Hospital, York YO31 8HE, 2 Harrogate District Hospital, Harrogate HG2 7SX

drjtgeorge@yahoo.co.uk

Competing . . . [Full text of this article]


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