Education and Training for General Practice highlights some of the changes that the Royal College of General Practitioners regards as necessary in vocational training and continuing medical education.1 Although many of the proposals may sound radical to outsiders, they will induce deja vu in most people with a close interest in the topic. This does not, however, detract from their importance or the need for urgent action. For example, the profession should fully support the proposals for extending training in general practice from 12 months to 18 months, introducing more short rotations through specialties, allowing more flexible vocational training, and granting greater financial independence and purchasing responsibility to regional advisers.

Alas, some proposals fudge the issues and smack of political compromise. For example, one of the document's …