Launching BMJ Masterclasses
BMJ 2005; 331 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.331.7530.1420 (Published 15 December 2005) Cite this as: BMJ 2005;331:1420
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I read with great interest about the masterclasses being run by the
BMJ which will "light our fire". I also read with interest about the need
in another editorial in the same edition for primary care to help solve
the problem of health care in Russia. Much to my surprise then when I
looked up the masterclasses website was to find an excellent programme
which was apparently designed with primary care as well as secondary care
in mind as audience but without a single primary care speaker! If this is
the way forward with exciting medical education it looks more like we have
taken two steps backwards. We have great primary care organisations
including the Royal College of General Practitioners and the General
Practice Airways Group who could have asssisted in developing a genuinely
good programme but the old formula has been opted for again.
Competing interests:
We are members of the General Practice Airways Group and Royal College of GPs
Competing interests: No competing interests
It is a good and brave turning point by the BMJ publishing group to
initiate the new learning programe.It will give the opportunity of
studying current teaching methods and trends in their own working
environment.
Depending on the results of the pilot study, it is high time to make
this event universal since most of the Asian countries do not get adequate
exposure to these things. Moreover it is very difficult to get most of the
books in ABC series in countries like Sri Lanka.
At the same time, try to include hot topics like essential computer
literacy for clinicians, preparation for exams, etc.
Competing interests:
None declared
Competing interests: No competing interests
Respiratory Masterclass
Firstly, may I welcome this initiative. For too long, patients with
chronic respiratory disease have been the 'Cinderellas' of British medical
care, and any project which improves the knowledge and skills of those in
Primary Care with regard to the range of common, and less recognisable
respiratory conditions is to be applauded. However, I must agree with
Price, Holmes and Thomas in their response. From the field of Primary
Care, there are many (not least the above mentioned) who are recognised
for their expertise not only in respiratory disease but in medical
research and education, whose contribution to this development would be
valuable, and I would encourage the organisers to consider working with
primary care organisations, such as RCGP, GPIAG, National Respiratory
Training Centre and Respiratory Education Training Centre.
Competing interests:
Education Lead
General Practice Airways Group
Competing interests: No competing interests